The Catholic community in Delta State has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma, Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in Ika North Local Government Area.
Newsonspot reports that the 63-year-old priest collapsed on the pulpit while delivering his homily during the New Year Eve Mass on Tuesday, December 31, 2025. The shocking incident left worshippers stunned and sent shockwaves across the Diocese.
Until his death, Rev. Fr. Chukwuma also served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, the late priest was a native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. He began his journey into priesthood early, serving 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. His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
Rev. Fr. Chukwuma was ordained a priest in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku. Over the years, 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 important leadership positions within the Church, serving as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma.
The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku officially announced his death and burial arrangements in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa.
According to the statement, a Vigil Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, by 5:00 pm.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10:00 am, followed by interment at the Priests’ Cemetery, Issele-Uku.
The Diocese prayed for the repose of his soul, describing his passing as a call to glory.
