Saint Tomb · Nigeria

Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity and Blessed Tansi Shrine

Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

BasilicaBlessed Cyprian Michael Iwene TansiNative African HolinessRelicsSaint TombCatholic Africa: Mary and the Martyrs collectionWhere Saints Rest collectionActive Catholic basilica and officially venerated resting place of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Why pilgrims come

A sacred place worth the journey.

The Onitsha basilica preserves the bodily remains of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, Nigerian priest and Cistercian monk, returned from England after his 1998 beatification.

TraditionCatholic

The pilgrim’s guide

What makes this visit meaningful

Pray at Blessed Tansi's resting place and encounter a Nigerian path to holiness shaped by parish priesthood, monastic longing, humility, and service. His story belongs to Onitsha and the wider Igbo Catholic world, not only to his final years in England.

Blessed Tansi's resting place

Pray where his bodily remains are officially enshrined.

Nigerian priestly witness

Learn his demanding pastoral ministry and concern for family and community life.

Monastic vocation

Connect Onitsha with his Cistercian life and the wider story of African monastic vocation.

Feasts, anniversaries & celebrations

January 20Feast of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene TansiVerify the current archdiocesan program before travel.

Plan the pilgrimage

One to two hours; longer for Mass or the feast

Opening hours

Confirm basilica opening, Masses, confession, shrine access, and feast-day arrangements with the Archdiocese of Onitsha.

Getting there

In central Onitsha; use trusted local transport and allow for heavy city traffic.

Accessibility

Contact the basilica for current step-free entry, seating, and assistance near the shrine.

Before you go

Security and travel conditions in Nigeria can change. Consult current official advisories and local diocesan guidance before travel.

Official visitor information ↗Schedules and access can change. Confirm on the official site shortly before your visit.

Mass & worship

Check before you travel

Mass times have not yet been independently verified for this destination. Always confirm with the church or shrine before traveling.

Saints, relics & sacred objects

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene TansiBodily remains and shrine · Feast January 20

Bodily remains of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene TansiBodily remains · Officially translated and venerated by the Catholic Church · Confirm current shrine access and liturgical arrangements with the basilica or archdiocese.

Sources & confidence

1 catalog source

Archdiocese of Onitsha ↗No verification date is listed; confirm current details with the destination.