The Catholic Faithful of Ahiara Diocese have received with immense joy the appointment of Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku as Vicar for Priests in the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, USA. The appointment was made known on June 29, 2026, by the Bishop of San Bernardino, Most Rev. Alberto Rojas, and officially took effect on July 1, 2026. In his new role, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku will serve as vicar for priests in addition to his responsibilities as the director of intellectual formation at St. Junipero Serra House in Grand Terrace, California.
Ordained a priest for Ahiara Diocese on August 5, 1995, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku faithfully served for six years in his home diocese before leaving for graduate studies in Spain and the United States. He studied at La Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain, and Claremont Graduate University, CA, United States of America, earning a PhD in theology and master’s degrees in philosophy and bioethics.
Since beginning his priestly ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino in 2008, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku has distinguished himself through dedicated pastoral service and exemplary pastoral leadership. He served as a priest minister at Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga (2008-2011); administrator at Immaculate Conception and San Salvador Church, Colton (2011-2012); pastor at Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga (2012-2024); and Vicar Forane of the West End Vicariate (2014-2024).
Beyond parish ministry, he has significantly served in numerous leadership roles, such as the Ministry Formation Institute, Member of the Committee for the Continuing Formation of Priests (2008-2018), Chair-The Year of Faith Committee (2012-2013), and Chair-The Presbyteral Council (2014-2018). Currently, he is collaborating with the Office of Diaconate Formation; the Department of Life, Dignity, and Justice; and the Inland BYTE Catholic newspaper, among others.
Despite his wide-ranging commitments in the San Bernardino Diocese, Fr Nwachukwu-Udaku has maintained deep connection to Ahiara Diocese, generously supporting its pastoral mission and contributing immensely to its growth and development through his priestly ministry.
His appointment as Vicar for Priests is a recognition of his dedicated priestly ministry and pastoral leadership and commitment to the welfare and formation of the clergy. In this office, Fr Nwachukwu-Udaku will assist the Diocesan Bishop in strengthening care of priests, providing greater support to their spiritual, pastoral and personal well-being. Explaining the appointment, Bishop Alberto Rojas noted that the appointment will help in the expansion of the Office of the Priest Personnel and strengthen the ability to walk alongside priests as they continue to work for the diocese. He expressed confidence that Fr Nwachukwu-Udaku “will assist the diocese expand opportunities for ongoing formation, prayer, mutual support, and pastoral accompaniment to help the priests of the diocese to continue serving with joy, zeal and renewed strength.”
The appointment has been warmly welcomed by both the Dioceses of San Bernardino and Ahiara. In a special way, the Catholic Faithful of Ahiara Diocese have congratulated Fr Nwachukwu-Udaku on his new appointment and assured him of their prayers as he undertakes this great responsibility in the service of the Church.
