Catholic Priest Dies After Collapsing During Homily in Delta

The Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Delta State, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma, has died after slumping while delivering a homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass.

Fr. Chukwuma, who was 63 years old, reportedly collapsed in the course of the sermon and was later confirmed dead.

Until his passing, he served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku. He was also a native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku officially announced his death in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Uganwa.

“With total resignation to the will of God, the Bishop, priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku announce the call to glory of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Chukwuma, which took place on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025,” the statement read.

It added: “Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, and Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region.”

The Diocese also released details of his burial programme. 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 p.m.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, by 10:00 a.m., after which he will be laid to rest at the Priests’ Cemetery in Issele-Uku.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the Diocese concluded.

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