Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.
Fr. Ozele, who died at the age of 60, was described by Dafinone as a dedicated priest whose ministry and service to the Catholic Church and humanity touched many lives across Delta State.
In a condolence message, Dafinone said the death of the priest was a painful loss to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, his parishioners, fellow priests and the wider community that benefited from his ministry, counsel and leadership.
He described Fr. Ozele as a committed priest who devoted his life to the spiritual and social wellbeing of his flock, noting that his years of pastoral service and leadership would be deeply missed by the Catholic faithful and the wider community.
Dafinone extended his condolences to the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious leaders, parishioners and the entire Catholic community over the loss.
He also commiserated with the family of the late priest, as well as his friends, colleagues and all those mourning his death.
“While words may not adequately express the depth of this loss,
I urge the Catholic faithful to draw comfort from the life of dedicated service that Fr. Ozele lived and the many lives he touched during his priestly ministry,” Dafinone said.
The senator prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, the Catholic Diocese of Warri, parishioners, colleagues and friends the strength to bear the loss.
He also urged the faithful and others who knew Fr. Ozele to preserve the legacy of faith, service and compassion he left behind.
