There are men whose presence fills a room, and there are men whose absence leaves a silence that words struggle to capture. Rev. Fr. Anthony Akiwowo belongs to both. Even in memory, he continues to speak—through the lives he touched, the work he shaped, and the legacy he left behind at the Catholic Weekly Independent.

 

As Acting Editor, Fr. Anthony was not merely occupying a position; he was redefining it. He stepped into leadership with a rare blend of vision and vigor, guiding the publication through a period that would prove both transformative and foundational. Among his most remarkable contributions was the introduction of the PDF version of the paper—a seemingly simple innovation that would become a turning point in our journey.

 

At a time when accessibility was becoming increasingly important, Fr. Anthony saw what many had not yet fully grasped: that the future of communication would stretch beyond printed pages. By launching the digital version, he opened the doors of the Catholic Weekly Independent to a wider, more diverse audience. Readers who once struggled to access the physical copy could now engage with the paper from anywhere. In hindsight, that step did more than solve an immediate need—it laid the groundwork for the thriving online presence we proudly continue to build today. What began under his watch has, in the last two years, blossomed into a vibrant digital outreach, rooted firmly in his foresight.

Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments, it was Fr. Anthony the person who endeared himself to so many. He was a man of infectious joy, the kind whose laughter could lighten even the heaviest of days. To call him “jovial” almost feels insufficient; he was, in every sense, the life of the party. There was always a story, always a “gist,” always a spark of humor ready to lift spirits and bring people together. In moments of tension, he brought ease. In moments of fatigue, he brought energy.

What made his leadership truly exceptional, however, was the balance he maintained. Fr. Anthony believed in excellence and did not hesitate to demand it. He had a way of keeping everyone on their toes, ensuring that deadlines were met and standards upheld. Yet, this drive was never detached from compassion. He understood that behind every task was a person, and behind every responsibility, a human being with needs, limits, and dignity. He pushed for results without losing sight of relationships. He demanded commitment without sacrificing care.

 

There was also something uniquely admirable about his mind. Fr. Anthony seemed to “know

 

something about everything.” Conversations with him were never dull; they were enlightening, engaging, and often sprinkled with unexpected insights. Whether it was theology, current affairs, culture, technical knowledge or everyday life, he brought depth and curiosity to every exchange. He was not just an editor of words, but a cultivator of ideas.

 

Today, as we remember him, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. Gratitude for the seeds he planted, for the paths he opened, and for the spirit he shared so generously. His legacy is not confined to archives or past editions; it lives on in every digital page we publish, in every story we tell, and in the standard of excellence we continue to uphold.

And perhaps, in honoring him, we are also invited to look inward. What legacy are we building? What stories will our own lives tell when we are no longer here? Fr. Anthony reminds us that the work we do, the lives we touch, and the values we uphold are the ink with which we write our lasting story. May we, like him, strive to live and serve with purpose, passion, and integrity—so that when our time comes, our own “pen” will continue to speak, echoing beyond our years and inspiring generations yet unborn.

 

Rev. Fr. Anthony Akiwowo may no longer walk among us, but his voice still echoes—in our work, in our memories, and in the enduring mission of the Catholic Weekly Independent. And for that, we remain forever grateful.