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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Our Lady of Sorrows - Memorial

Letter to the Hebrews 5,7-9.

In the days when Christ Jesus was in the flesh, he... offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Psalms 31(30),2-3a.3bc-4.5-6.15-16.20.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let... me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me,
Make haste to deliver me!

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
You will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God.
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors."

How great is the goodness, O LORD,
which you have in store for those who fear you,
and which, toward those who take refuge in you,
You show in the sight of the children of men.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 19,25-27.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother... and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."
Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

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