Breakfast with the Word Feast of Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi Shorter Version
Today, the Church in Nigeria celebrates the feast of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, a man whose life clearly shows that God is the greatest treasure. Born in 1903 at Igboezunu near Aguleri, he was known for deep prayer, humility, love for the poor, and tireless pastoral work. As a priest, he travelled from village to village preaching, catechizing, and spending long hours hearing confessions.
His holy life inspired many vocations, including Cardinal Arinze. Later, he became a Trappist monk in England, where he died in 1964. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
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Blessed Tansi’s life reflects Jesus’ parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price. In both parables, someone discovers something of great value, rejoices, and sacrifices everything to possess it. Tansi discovered God as his greatest treasure and willingly gave up all else to follow Him wholeheartedly.
The message is clear: the true knowledge of God is hidden and revealed only to those who seek Him sincerely. When we find God, we find joy, hope, and the true meaning of life. Everything else passes away, but God alone remains.
Therefore, like Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi, let us seek God with all our hearts, for a soul without God is empty. May God give us the grace to find Him, love Him, and remain faithful to Him always. Amen.
