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Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma collapsed while delivering homily at New Year’s Eve Mass in Agbor
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Late priest was Regional Vicar of Agbor Region, Issele-Uku Diocese
- Death throws Catholic community in Delta and beyond into mourning
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve in Delta State as the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma, slumped and died while delivering his homily during Mass.
The cleric, aged 63, reportedly collapsed at the altar on Wednesday night, throwing worshippers into shock and bringing the service to an abrupt end.
Until his death, Rev. Fr. Chukwuma served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
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The Diocese officially announced his passing in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Charles Uganwa, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Church.
The late priest hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, he began his religious journey early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, Agbor, before entering the seminary in 1982.
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His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and theological studies at Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
Rev. Fr. Chukwuma was ordained the same year by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
He served in several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba; All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo; and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku.
He also held key leadership positions, notably as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond, as tributes continue to pour in for the late priest.
