Breaking: Catholic Diocese of Warri Mourns as Episcopal Vicar, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Passes at 60
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*-By Ruben Mario Brodrick*
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has officially announced the transition into glory of one of its most cherished and reverent priests, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele, at the age of 60.
The announcement was conveyed in an official circular signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jude Nwabuoeike, following directives from the Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido. Fr. Ozele passed away peacefully in the early hours of September 15, 2026—coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows—after bearing a period of illness with exemplary Christian courage and profound resignation to the divine will of God.
Until his death, Fr. Ozele served with extraordinary devotion as the Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and the Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.
A Life Dedicated to Ministry, Scholarship, and Faith. Affectionately called “Papa T” by parishioners and admirers, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele leaves behind a rich legacy of evangelical passion, spiritual mentorship, and academic excellence.
Priestly Journey & Academic Pursuit: Ordained on December 12, 1992, at the Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul in Ibadan, Fr. Ozele’s early ministry saw him serve across multiple parishes, including St. Joseph’s, Aragba-Orogun, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri. Driven by a commitment to ministry, he pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning a Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry and Church Leadership in 2006.
Charismatic & Media Ministry: Fr. Ozele was a pioneer in Charismatic spirituality in the Niger Delta, known for his deep reverence for Holy Scripture and the Holy Eucharist.
He brought the gospel to thousands beyond parish walls through his audio-visual outreach program, Streams of Love, and his digital ministry, Catholic World Evangelical Outreach.
Pastoral Impact: Beyond his administrative leadership, Fr. Ozele was widely respected for his compassionate counseling, vibrant preaching, and commitment to prison ministry and empowering the underprivileged.
The Diocese calls on all clergy, religious, and laity to keep the repose of Fr. Ozele’s soul, his immediate family, and the entire Warri Diocese in their prayers. Details regarding his funeral rites will be released by the diocese in due course.
