The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara has been plunged into great mourning following the demise of one of its priests, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Ethelbert Uwadoka, whose sudden demise occurred on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Ethelbert Uwadoka, who was born on October 3, 1953, died at the age of 73. He was ordained a priest on February 14, 1982. As a dedicated priest, he worked in various parishes of the then Owerri Diocese and Ahiara Diocese. He also served as a formator at Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, and held the position of Vicar General of Ahiara Diocese from 2018 to 2024.
His pastoral activities within the diocese of Ahiara took him to the following parishes and institutions: St. Benedict’s Parish, Udo na-Obizi, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Amaukwu Ihitte, St. Charles Parish Enyiogugu, St. Charles Parish Ezuhu na Amadi, Ahiara Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, St. Patrick’s Parish Umuokrika Ekwerazu, and St. Paul’s Parish Egbelu Umuhu Enyiogugu, where he was the parish priest till his death.
Fr Uwadoka will forever be remembered for his dedication, commitment, and simplicity. He was indeed a great mentor to many who encountered him. His legacies will continue to live after him.
The funeral arrangements have been reeled out by the Ahiara Diocesan Secretariat. The arrangements are as follows: Vigil Mass: Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Egbelu Umuhu, Enyiogugu Aboh Mbaise, by 4:00 PM. Requiem Mass: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara, Mbaise, by 11:00 AM. Month’s Mind: Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Matthias Catholic Parish, Aguneze, Ahiazu Mbaise, by 10:00 AM. Kindly remember him in your prayers. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
