Martin Otillio (Le Pere) was born on July 11, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. He received Primary Education at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Primary School of the Dominican Parish of St Anthony of Padua; and his Secondary School was at St Aloysius, both in New Orleans.

Called to a deeper commitment to the Christian mission, he began Religious Formation in the Dominican Novitiate at Winona, on August 31, 1951, and was given the religious name "Peter" by which he is now more popularly known. Following Simple Profession of Religious Vows on August 31, 1952, he began Philosophical Studies at the Dominican House of Studies (Aquinas Institute), River Forest, Illinois. He proceeded to the Dominican Studium in Oakland, California and then, St Rose Priory, Aquinas Institute, Dubuque, Iowa, to complete his Theological Studies.

While studying Theology, he was ordained deacon in California, 1956, and received the Order of the Presbyterate on September 21, 1957, at St Dominic Church, San Francisco, California, from the hands of Archbishop Finbar Ryan, OP.

Fr Otillio was assigned to Nigeria, and he arrived on October 7, 1959. For over 26 years (1959 - 1986), he worked in several places in the Sokoto Prefecture (northern Nigeria), which became a Diocese in 1986. Some of the places include: St Theresa Church, Funtua and Malumfashi, both in Katsina State; Yelwa, Sokoto Diocese - now in Kebbi State - where he spent 24 years. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Dominican Community, St Thomas Aquinas Priory, Ibadan. At Ibadan, he was Prior for two tenures (6 years), and then was assigned to St Dominic Parish, Yaba, Lagos, where he was also Prior. He came back to Ibadan and was Prior once more. He remained in Ibadan until, due to health problems, he left the shores of Nigeria for the United States of America in 2014.

Fr Peter lived happily in the Priory of St Pius V, Chicago, until he passed on peacefully to eternal glory on December 20, 2018. He is being buried today, January 3, 2019, at St Vincent Ferrar Church, River Forest, Illinois.

Le Pere is fondly remembered for his brotherliness, humorous cheerfulness; depth of insight; richness in appetite and; largeness of heart, large as he literally is, in physical stature, welcoming 'all,' including animals - birds and squirrels especially - who have established their own "little priories" in the Community at Samonda, Ibadan.

No doubt, Le Pere, gave his life in service to God in our Province of St Joseph the Worker. He loved the Province, he loved the brotherhood, and many brothers learnt quite a lot from him. We continue to unite our prayers in supplication to God, entreating that Le Pere may be granted a place in His kingdom. Adieu beloved father.

Clement Uzoanya

Provincial Secretary