Catholic Priest Slumps, Dies While Preaching at New Year Mass in Delta

Catholic Priest Slumps, Dies While Preaching at New Year Mass in Delta

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

The late cleric, aged 63, was said to have collapsed at the altar while preaching and was later confirmed dead. Until his sudden passing, he served as the Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.

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. According to the statement, Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

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“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,” the Diocese said.

The late priest hailed from Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State and was widely regarded for his pastoral commitment and leadership within the diocese.

The Diocese also released details of his burial arrangements, stating that a Vigil Mass will hold 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, Issele-Uku.

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

Catholic Priest Slumps, Dies While Preaching at New Year Mass in Delta