Fr. Benjamin Chukwudi Anasiudu, MSP, was born on November 2, 1962, to Mr. and Mrs. Clement Anasiudu of Obeledu, Anambra State. Fr. Benjamin, a.k.a Ben Chuddys, did his primary school education in Central School, Obeledu, and his secondary school at St. Paul's Seminary, Ukpor, Anambra State, from 1977-1978, and at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, from 1978-1982.

Ben Chuddy began his studies for the Missionary priesthood in November 1983, at the National Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Iperu Remo, Ogun State, where he did his spiritual year.  He continued his studies in Philosophy and theology at the Abuja Campus of the Seminary from October 1984 until he graduated in June 1991.  He was ordained a deacon on December 8, 1990, and a priest on June 22, 1991.  Immediately after his ordination, Fr. Benjamin was assigned to Maiduguri diocese where he worked for one year. He was then assigned to the South African mission where he worked from 1993, until his untimely and shocking death in a car accident on Thursday, October 4, 2001.

Fr. Benjamin undoubtedly was totally committed to the priestly life and ministry and to the Missionary Society of St. Paul.  He was highly admired by his classmates and confreres.  He was always entrusted with leadership responsibilities both as a seminarian and as a priest.  He was the auxiliary (Senior Prefect) from 1990-1991.  He was the MSP Local Superior in South from 1993-1999.  The trust reposed on him by his confreres was visibly demonstrated when he was elected  a councilor on September 25, 2001, at the recently concluded Second General Chapter of the Missionary of St. Paul of Nigeria.  The death of Benji is a colossal and irretrievable loss to his numerous friends in Nigeria and South Africa, his natural family and the family of the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria.

I weep and mourn the passing away of Benji, because he was my brother, friend and classmate, confrere, and a fellow Golden Wonder. Benji! You will be sadly missed by your fellow Golden wonders, and indeed by all those whom you touched while in this world.  A this time of unspeakable tragedy and grief, our faith and hope assure us that the good Lord and Master has called our brother, Fr. Benjamin home to eternal glory to be with Him forever.  May the soul of Fr. Benjamin Anasiudu, MSP, and the souls of our departed confreres, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in peace.  Amen.

By Fr. Callistus Isara, MSP 

(Culled from the Funeral Rites of Father Benjamin Chukwudi Anasiudu, MSP, Friday Oct. 19, 2001).