From Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
Catholic faithfuls, Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), people from all walks of life gathered at St.Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral Abakaliki for the burial of the late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu who died on 10th April, after a brief illness.
In his homly,the immediate past president of Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria,who is also the Arch Bishop of Owerri,Most Rev. Lucious Ugorji stated that the sudden death of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu leaves a message to all living being, saying that life is fragile and can come to an end anytime,any moment, anywhere.
He described Late Bishop Nworie Chukwu as an empathtic preacher,who is full of wisdom and intelligence in his time as Bishop.
He further noted that Bishop Chukwu throughout his time as Bishop, ensured justice, peace, and unity in Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, urging people not to grieve as people without hope but anchor their faith on God alone.
Recall that the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki announced the passing of bishop, Peter Nworie Chukwu through a
statement dated April 11, 2026, and signed by the Vicar General, Donatus Oluwa Chukwu, the diocese said the bishop died on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 60.
The statement described his death as a “return to the Father’s house” and called on priests and the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul.
“With profound sorrow in our hearts, and trusting in the divine mercy of God, I write to notify you that our beloved bishop… has returned to the Father’s house,” the statement read.
The diocese also urged the faithful to continue to remember the late bishop in prayers, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Church.
“May the soul of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” the statement reads.
It is worthy to note that Bishop Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965, in Ededeagu Umuezekohohu, in present-day Ebonyi State.
He undertook his philosophical studies at the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, from 1985 to 1989, before proceeding to Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu, where he completed his theological training between 1990 and 1993.
Furthering his education abroad, he studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio (2000–2001), and later obtained a doctorate in philosophy from Marquette University, Milwaukee, between 2002 and 2007.
He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, for the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.
His appointment as the third bishop of the diocese was announced on July 6, 2021. He was consecrated and installed on August 19, 2021, at St Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki.
The episcopal ordination was presided over by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, with Valerian Okeke and Augustine Akubueze serving as co-consecrators, alongside dozens of other bishops from across Nigeria.
