The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator 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.
In a condolence message, Senator Dafinone described the death of the 60-year-old priest as a painful loss to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, his parishioners, the clergy and the wider Delta State community that benefited from his ministry, counsel and dedicated service to God and humanity.
Dafinone said Fr. Ozele was a committed priest who devoted his life to the service of the Church and the spiritual and social wellbeing of his flock.
He noted that the deceased's years of pastoral service and leadership touched many lives, adding that his passing would be deeply felt by the Catholic faithful, his fellow priests and members of the wider community.
The Senator extended his heartfelt 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 Fr. Ozele, as well as his friends, colleagues and all those mourning his passing.
According to Dafinone, the loss of a loved one is never easy, particularly at a time of such grief, and he urged the Catholic faithful and everyone who knew the late priest to draw strength from the life of dedicated service he lived and the many lives he touched during his priestly ministry.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele eternal rest and give the Catholic Diocese of Warri, his family, parishioners, colleagues and friends the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Dafinone further prayed that God would comfort all those mourning and that the legacy of Fr. Ozele would continue to inspire faith, service and compassion among those whose lives he touched.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” Dafinone prayed.
