Seven Capuchin Friars killed in road accident in Nigeria

by Catholic Trends

May 6, 2025

in Africa

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Seven Capuchin Friars killed in road accident in Nigeria

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The Capuchin Order in Nigeria is mourning the devastating loss of seven of its friars who died in a tragic road accident on the evening of May 3, 2025. The friars, members of the St. Francis and St. Clare Custody of Nigeria, were en route from their Ridgeway Community in Enugu to Obudu, Cross River State, when the incident occurred.

In an official statement released on May 4 by Br. John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap, the Capuchin Friars confirmed that thirteen brothers were traveling together at the time of the accident. While six sustained various injuries and are currently receiving treatment in Enugu, seven lost their lives in the crash.

The deceased friars are Br. Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, OFM Cap, Br. Chinedu Nwachukwu, OFM Cap, Br. Marcel Ezenwafor, OFM Cap, Br. Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap, Br. Kingsley Nwosu, OFM Cap, Br. Wilfred Aleke, OFM Cap and Br. Chukwudi Obueze, OFM Cap.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

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Daily Reading

Thursday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time

Letter to the Ephesians 6,10-20.

Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from... the Lord and from his mighty power.
Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.
Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.
So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,
and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones
and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel
for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

Psalms 144(143),1.2.9-10.

Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who... trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.

My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.

O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 13,31-35.

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Go... away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
He replied, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.'
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned. (But) I tell you, you will not see me until (the time comes when) you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

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