By RevEREND Father John Damian Adizie, OCD

Last two weeks a man of peace was laid to rest at the Catholic Diocese of Aba.

Before his death, he was a priest of the Most High God, a Vicar General, a papal Chamberlain—a Monsignor, a defender to the defenceless, father to the fatherless, husband of poor widows, a mentor, a bridge builder, a leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a pastor who was so close to his flock that he was even smelling like the flock, a priest that lived and died while preaching the gospel of peace and harmony, a priest that laid foundation to inter-tribal harmony; indeed, a priest with a difference! No other person than Very Rev. Msgr Raphael A. Nwosu of the Blessed Memory.

Msgr Ralph was about to celebrate his 70th birthday and 40 years priestly anni-versary when he met his glorious death. In prepar-ation for this great event he wrote a book which he titled: The Church and Inter-Tribal Harmony: A Study in the Nigerian Perspective.

This book says it all! It highlights the role of the Church in inter-tribal conflicts, which is a com-mon reality here in Nigeria. Two days before the launch of this life-transforming book, Msgr Ralph Nwosu died. Al-though his death came as a surprise but we are proud to announce to the world that this great Man has left a legacy in the soil of history.

Msgr Ralph lived a fulfill-ed life not just as a priest but also as a secular leader. He was the Chaplain of Umua-hia diocesan Council of Catholic Women Organ-isation, a position he held even after the creation of Aba Diocese. He was the pioneer Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Aba (1990-1993). He was the pioneer Vocation Director of Aba Diocese, the pioneer Secretary of Aba presbyter-ium. He was also a member of Aba Marriage Tribunal and Chairman, Aba Dioces-an Arbitration Committee. He was the Chairman of Aba Diocesan College of Consultors and JDPC; and of course, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese.

Outside the Catholic Church, Msgr Ralph played vital roles. He was the chairman of Christian Asso-ciation of Nigeria (CAN), Aba Zone. He was a mem-ber of Aba Board of Exami-ners. He was a member of Abia State Pilgrim Welfare Board (2001-2003).

He was appointed  mem-ber of Aba Flood Control Committee and Abia State Election Tribunal in 2002. He was a member of Panel of Inquiry on Isiala Ngwa Incident and a member of Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Orie Ohabiam Death in 2006. Msgr Ralph was in-deed an Ambassador of peace and reconciliation. Thank God! I was among the beneficiaries!

When the new Bishop of Uromi ordered me to eva-cuate the Orphanage and Youth Rehabilitation Centre that was established before his ordination as a bishop, Msgr Ralph came all the way from Aba to mediate between the bishop and I. Incidentally, that was the year of mercy and the Church was preaching good news to the poor, especially to orphans and widows (James 1:27).

So, for him he does not see any reason why reconcil-iation should not be the best option. When the bishop insisted that he was not ready for any peace talk. Msgr Ralph did not pick offense. Instead, as we were leaving the bishop’s office he knelt down and asked the bishop for his blessing.

Honestly, as a young priest I was moved with tears by the humility exhibited by this great man of God.

To crown it all, Msgr Ralph was a great founder. He founded St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Amaba-Ubibia in Umuahia diocese (1980). He was the founder of SS Anthony & Jude College, Umungasi Aba (2004).  In 2004 he founded St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Okpu Umuobo Aba. In 2013 he founded his most cherished NGO, Solatium Nkasiobi Found-ation, a foundation that caters for poor widows and orphans.

Msgr Ralph was also a Rector and a seasoned formator. Till death, he was the Spiritual Director of the Apostolic Carmelites of the Holy Spirit, the best Re-treat Director I have ever met, the most revered schol-ar of our generation, a lo-ver and promoter of saints.

The life of Msgr Ralph A. Nwosu, his doctrines, most of which were recorded in his new book and DVDs, are treasures that will tran-sform modern priesthood and laity. It is also a transformational material to secular and religious leaders. He offers solution to the perennial problem of inter-tribal and inter-religious clashes that have destroyed many lives and property in Nigeria. As we thank God for the gift of Msgr Ralph we pray for more God-fearing leaders in the Church and the Society at large.