WARRI, Delta State — Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has condoled with the Catholic Diocese of Warri, the family and parishioners of the late Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, describing his death as a painful loss to the Church and the people of Delta State.
Fr. Ozele, who was 60 years old, served as the Episcopal Vicar of the Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli, before his death.
In a condolence message, Dafinone said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the Catholic priest, noting that Fr. Ozele’s ministry, counsel and dedication had touched the lives of many people across the state.
According to the senator, the late priest devoted his life to the service of the Catholic Church and the spiritual and social wellbeing of his parishioners.
“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,” Dafinone said.
He noted that the deceased’s years of pastoral service and leadership had impacted many lives, adding that his absence would be deeply felt by Catholic faithful, fellow priests and the wider community.
Dafinone extended his condolences to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious leaders, parishioners and the entire Catholic community.
He also commiserated with the family of the deceased and others mourning his death, acknowledging the difficulty of losing a loved one.
The senator urged the Catholic faithful and others who knew Fr. Ozele to draw comfort from the life of dedicated service he lived and the positive impact he made during his priestly ministry.
Dafinone prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, colleagues, parishioners, friends and the Catholic Diocese of Warri the strength to bear the loss.
He also expressed hope that Fr. Ozele’s legacy would continue to inspire faith, service and compassion among those who knew him.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the senator said.
