Catholic Priest Dies After Collapsing During New Year’s Eve Mass

Catholic Priest Dies After Collapsing During New Year’s Eve Mass In Delta
Diocese confirms death of Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma.
Cleric served decades in parishes and seminaries across Delta.

The Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji Boji Agbor, in Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State, Reverend Father Stephen Chukwuma, has died after collapsing while delivering his homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the cleric, aged 63, reportedly slumped on the altar on Wednesday night, throwing the congregation into shock and grief as the service came to an abrupt halt.

The Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku confirmed the death in an official statement signed by its Director of Communications, Charles Uganwa. At the time of his passing, Father Chukwuma served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region of the diocese.

His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond, particularly among parishioners who witnessed the incident during the Mass. Several worshippers were said to have been traumatised by the scene.

Father Chukwuma hailed from Akumazi Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. He was born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, where he began his religious journey as an altar server at St John the Baptist Catholic Church.

He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, Agbor, before proceeding to the seminary in 1982. His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St Paul’s Missionary Seminary, followed by theological studies at Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, which he completed in 1990.

He was ordained a priest in the same year by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku.

Throughout his ministry, Father Chukwuma 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 roles within the Church, serving as Rector of St Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme Aniogor, and Dean of the St John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma.