Description

The beatification of Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, a Nigerian priest and Trappist monk, took place on March 22, 1998, under Pope John Paul II during his visit to Nigeria. Tansi, born in 1903 in Aguleri, was one of Nigeria’s first indigenous priests. Known for his deep spirituality, humility, and dedication, he devoted his life to serving the poor and uplifting his community, embodying a profound commitment to Christian values.

Later in life, Tansi joined the Trappist monastery at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in England, embracing a life of prayer and strict monastic discipline. His beatification recognized his virtues, and it has since strengthened his legacy within Nigeria and beyond as a model of faith and devotion. Tansi’s life and beatification continue to inspire many, symbolizing a bridge between traditional Nigerian roots and Christian faith.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above and denomination below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
20 08
UNITY AND FREEDOM
10 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts conjugated Pope John Paul II smiling, blessing crowd and Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi wearing glasses, the inscription of occasion above in front of a radiant sun, and 10th anniversary below within a polygon shape.

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (1903–1964) was a Nigerian Catholic priest and Trappist monk celebrated for his dedication to faith and community. Born in Aguleri, Nigeria, Tansi entered the priesthood to bring hope and spiritual guidance to his people, tirelessly working to reform family life, strengthen Christian marriages, and combat poverty. In 1950, seeking a deeper spiritual life, he joined the Trappist monastery at Mount Saint Bernard in England, where he became known for his humility, prayer, and strict devotion. His beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1998 recognized his exemplary life and enduring impact on Nigerian Catholics, making him the first Nigerian to be beatified.

Engraver: Fabrizio Annovi

BEATIFICATION OF
CYPRIAN MICHAEL
IWENE TANSI
10TH
ANNIVERSARY
FA

Edge

10 Kwacha

Republic

10th Anniversary of the Beatification of Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Schön# 138
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 30 g
Diameter 36 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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