By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, Oct. 22. 2026
Mr. Richard Meditz, a former music director at St. Genevieve in Roxbury, New York, says the late Rev. Fr. Anthony-Mario Ozele left a legacy of impactful ministry in the United States.
Meditz told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that Ozele’s ministry made a deep impression on many Christians, particularly in New York.
Ozele, a Catholic priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, died on Sept. 15 at the age of 60 and was laid to rest on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
NAN reports that Ozele served several Catholic communities in Brooklyn, New York, including St. Genevieve Catholic Church from 2002 to 2003, St. Francis of Paola Catholic Church from 2003 to 2009, and Good Shepherd Catholic Church from 2009 to 2012.
While in Brooklyn, he also served as an adjunct professor at St. Francis College from 2009 to 2012, sharing knowledge and contributing to the community.
He also earned a PhD in Theology from Fordham University in New York.
Meditz said Ozele’s ministry made a profound impression on parishioners and people who attended his healing Masses, with many travelling from other parishes to participate.
He said people flocked to Ozele because his prayers and healing ministry brought them a profound sense of peace and spiritual reassurance.
“In those moments for me, it felt exactly like Christ Himself hugging you. That serenity and the memory of his vibrant spirit are things that will stay with the parish, and with me, forever.
“When he consecrated the gifts, his focus was so absolute that it reminded me of Saint Padre Pio, who famously spent significant time and devotion at the altar.
“Father Tony never rushed, and you could see an expression of deep reverence on his face as he held the host and chalice.
“Seeing him stand there with such striking presence and grace was truly beautiful to witness.
“You could just feel how much the body and blood of Christ truly meant to him, and that moment really stayed with everyone in the pews,” he said.
Meditz said he later heard from fellow priests that before travelling to the United States, Ozele had participated in a deliverance mission in Africa, where he reportedly delivered a young woman.
He said the account did not surprise him, adding that it aligned with the quiet strength and intense spiritual commitment they had witnessed in Ozele during his ministry in the United States.
Meditz said he believed Ozele had served God faithfully and would be rewarded with eternal life.
“I truly believe he is resting in the fullness of God’s presence now because of that powerful, holy anointing he carried, especially during those healing Masses.
“Just as he brought us closer to Christ through his touch and prayers here on Earth, I believe that he is still looking out for us and interceding from Heaven.
“So, I will continue to ask for his heavenly prayers,” he said.
Meditz told NAN that he had the privilege of working alongside Ozele as his music director many years ago, adding that the priest’s joyful spirit remained unforgettable.
He said Ozele demonstrated remarkable courage and conviction by leaving Nigeria to serve the community at St. Genevieve in Roxbury, New York.
“He was a proud Nigerian priest, completely full of life. His homilies were wonderful, and they always left you feeling a real sense of optimism, faith, and trust.
“He just brought this brilliant, warm energy wherever he went. If you walked anywhere near the rectory, you’d regularly hear him sharing contagious laughter and happiness with his fellow priests.
“You could always smell the rich aromas of traditional Nigerian food cooking in the rectory kitchen, filling the hallways with a unique warmth and a hot, spicy scent,” he said.
The former music director also extended his condolences to Ozele’s diocese, family, parishioners, spiritual children and friends.
“To his family and his diocese, I offer my deepest condolences. We share in your grief, but we also share an immense gratitude for the time he spent with us.
“He was a true blessing to our parish. I believe his devotion was so deep that he would have willingly been martyred for his faith.
“His legacy of faith, peace, and love is deeply rooted in our hearts and will live on. I am praying that God grants you all comfort and strength right now.”
NAN reports that Ozele was a humble, devoted and deeply spiritual Catholic priest.
He was a theologian, teacher, healer, leader and compassionate shepherd whose life and ministry were profoundly centred on Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
