The Catholic Church in Benin, Edo State, took a significant step forward on Saturday by issuing an edict that marks the initiation of a process potentially leading to the beatification and canonization of the late teenager, Vivian Ogu.
Tragically, Ms. Ogu lost her life on November 15, 2009, when she was fatally shot by armed assailants. Her courage shone through as she resisted their attempts to assault her after robbing her family.
This issuance of the edict serves to open the door for individuals to submit petitions either in favor of or against her deeds during her lifetime. These petitions will undergo thorough examination in a tribunal trial, ultimately culminating in a decision regarding whether she should be considered for sainthood by the leadership of the Catholic Church.
At a special mass, the Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustin Obiora Akubeze, said Pope Francis included the late Ogu among 25 people all over the world to begin the process of canonisation, noting that she lived an exemplary life and died a heroic death by opting to be killed rather than being sexually defiled.
He added, “Since her reputation for martyrdom and holiness has continued to increase since her death, and after having been formally requested to open the Cause of Beatification and Canonisation of the Servant of God, bringing it to the attention of the ecclesial community, we invite all of the faithful who can give valid testimony to come forth and contact the Archdiocesan Curia at the Chancery, No. 30, Airport Road, Benin City with their information, whether favourable or contrary to the reputation of martyrdom and holiness of the aforementioned Servant of God.”
He said members of the public should bring any “manuscripts, diaries, letters and every private writing of the Servant of God. Those who wish to keep the originals may present an authenticated copy.”
Akubeze directed that a copy of the edict be pasted on the doors of selected Catholic churches and other places for two months.
