The Diocese of Kara in Togo recently held a poignant funeral mass for three of its priests, Sylvestre Tchodiè, Gabriel Kalgora, and Philippe Mazor, at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Kara. The mass, which was attended by several high-ranking officials, including bishops and government ministers, was a celebration of the lives and legacies of the three priests. The ceremony was led by Bishop Jacques Danka Longa, with other bishops, including Dominique Banlène Guigbile, Jacques Tukumbé Anyilunda, and Célestin-Marie Gaoua, in attendance.
The three priests, who had dedicated their lives to serving the Lord, were remembered for their tireless efforts and commitment to their faith. Reverend Father Sylvestre Tchodiè, 47, was ordained in 2008 and served as a vicar and curate in several parishes. He passed away on July 30, 2026, after a short illness. Reverend Father Gabriel Kalgora, 79, was ordained in 1975 and had a long and distinguished career as a priest, teacher, and exorcist. He was also a well-known media personality and played a key role in the establishment of Radio Maria Togo.
Reverend Father Philippe Mazor, 99, was ordained in 1968 and had a long and storied career, serving in several parishes and on mission in Guinea Conakry. He passed away on September 1. The three priests had a combined 130 years of experience in the priesthood, with Reverend Father Mazor serving for 61 years, Reverend Father Kalgora for 51 years, and Reverend Father Tchodiè for 18 years.
The funeral mass was attended by several high-ranking officials, including government ministers Calixe Madjoulba and Gilbert Bawara. The event was also attended by religious and laypeople, who came to pay their respects to the three priests. The ceremony was marked by prayers, hymns, and tributes to the deceased priests.
In his homily, Bishop Jacques Anyilunda, emeritus of the Diocese of Dapaong, praised the three priests for their dedication to their faith and their service to the Lord. He invited the congregation to follow in their footsteps, living and dying for the Lord, and to hold onto the hope of resurrection.
The bishop also expressed gratitude for the lives of the three priests, saying that their legacy would live on through the countless lives they had touched. He concluded his homily with a hymn of thanksgiving to God, exhorting the congregation to pray for their priests.
The Diocese of Kara has lost three remarkable priests, but their legacy will continue to inspire and guide the faithful. The memory of Reverend Fathers Sylvestre Tchodiè, Gabriel Kalgora, and Philippe Mazor will be cherished for years to come, and their contributions to the Church will not be forgotten.
Key points
- The Diocese of Kara held a pontifical funeral mass for three priests who passed away recently.
- The three priests, Sylvestre Tchodiè, Gabriel Kalgora, and Philippe Mazor, had a combined 130 years of experience in the priesthood.
- The funeral mass was attended by several high-ranking officials, including government ministers and bishops.
