By Wesley Omondi
LOMÉ, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 (CISA) – The late Most Rev Yves Nicodème Anani Barrigah-Bénissan, the archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lomé has been interred at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Lomé, following a funeral mass attended by dignitaries and faithful from across Togo.
The archbishop, who passed away on August 4, 2024, at 61, was honoured for his unwavering dedication to the Church and his contributions to peace and reconciliation in the country.
The Funeral Mass, held at the Cristo Risorto Church in Hedzranawé, was presided over by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
The presence of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, alongside members of the government, military officials, and civilians, underscored the profound respect and admiration for Archbishop Barrigah’s life of service.
“He dedicated his entire life to the Church and the cause of peace in our nation,” said Cardinal Ambongo, reflecting on the Archbishop’s lifelong commitment to both his faith and the well-being of the Togolese people.
Archbishop Barrigah was widely known for fostering national unity, particularly through his leadership of the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (CVJR) from 2009 to 2012. His efforts were a testament to his deep desire for peace in Togo, a legacy that was remembered throughout the funeral proceedings. Mourners gathered to pay their respects, offering prayers for the repose of his soul.
“The entire nation mourns the loss of a true servant of peace,” Prime Minister Victoire Dogbé had said in an earlier national tribute at the presidential palace, a day before the interment.
In a symbolic act of solidarity, President Gnassingbé sprinkled holy water on the archbishop’s coffin, signifying his support for the Church and the people in their time of grief. This gesture echoed the sentiments of unity and compassion that the archbishop had championed throughout his ministry.
“The President’s participation in this moment signifies his deep compassion and respect for the Church and Archbishop Barrigah’s legacy,” said Rt Rev Isaac-Jogues Gaglo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese Aného and the Apostolic Administrator of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lomé.
Archbishop Barrigah’s journey of service began long before his ordination in 1987. Appointed Bishop of Atakpamé in 2008 and later Archbishop of Lomé in 2019, he served as vicar at the Cathedral of Lomé and pursued theological studies at the Catholic Institute of Abidjan and the Biblicum in Rome. His legacy includes his work as an author, composer, and leader of the National Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
“Archbishop Barrigah-Bénissan was a towering figure in our society, constantly striving for peace and social justice,” President Gnassingbé had remarked during an earlier meeting with the Conference of Bishops of Togo.
