Rome: Newly-ordained young priest dies of leukaemia

Fr Livinus Esomchi Nnamani

The Order of Mother of God Nigeria Delegation have announced the death of recently-ordained Fr Livinus Esomchi Nnamani.

The young seminarian was diagnosed with leukaemia several years ago. After undergoing a number of courses of chemotherapy in Nigeria, he was sent to Rome in 2019 for further treatment. He was discharged from hospital and sent to the Presidio Sanitario Medica Group Casilino. On 31 March Livinus personally wrote to Pope Francis asking whether he could be ordained a priest early as he felt his strength was beginning to fail him.

The Holy Father's response was almost immediate. He gaver permission for Livinius to be ordained the next day, Holy Thursday, by one of the auxiliary bishops of Rome, Monsignor Daniele Libanori.

Fr Livinius was a priest only for 23 days. In the early hours of Friday 23 April 2021 at 11.10am Fr Livinus died.

Very Rev Fr Stephen Oduh, Delegate Superior, of the Order of Mother of God wrote: 'Dear Fr Livinus, the angels take you to paradise, upon your arrival the martyrswelcome you and bring you into the holy city of Jerusalem. The choir of angels greet you and together with the Saints in Heaven may God grant you eternal rest.'