My name is Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu and the shorter part of my name which I am mostly known for is EMEKA. Chukwuemeka is an Igbo name of thanksgiving to God that means, God has done all things marvellously well. I am a son of two late headteachers, Catherine and John, a brother to two ladies and seven other men, and a happy uncle to Seventeen nieces and nephews that live in all parts of the world.
I was born on the 17th of May 1974 and got ordained to the Catholic priesthood on the 3rd of August 2002, for the Diocese of Ahiara, South East of Nigeria. I started as an assistant priest for three years and later became a teacher in the Seminary for another two and half years before I was appointed a parish priest for a period of three years while serving simultaneously as the Editor of the diocesan Newspaper. In the year 2010, I was sent to Rome to further my studies at the pontifical Urban University. During my study period in Rome, I got a master’s degree in Philosophy, and now awaiting a PhD in the same discipline pending the completion of my dissertation.
I must recall that as providence would have it, I was privileged to visit Fr. Martin at St. Clare’s parish on two occasions during my summer holidays of 2011 & 2012 as a student priest from Rome. I came into the Diocese of Shrewsbury in July 2013 and since then I have worked in St. Paul’s Hyde, St. John’s New Ferry, and Holy Family Pensby from where Bishop Mark has sent me to work with you at the parish of St. Clare in Chester.
Let me say that I am happy coming to work with a lovely parish family where I was warmly received as a visitor a couple of years ago with nice treats, kind words and lovely smiles. I am sure by the special grace of God, it will become a lovely home for me since I have been with this lovely parish family on some occasions where I had to stand in for Fr. Martin, celebrating masses and the sacraments. I cannot forget my memories of the St Clare’s parish fun day, last year, when I enjoyed the band group, the choir, barbecue and the car boot sales. Who wouldn’t be happy going to live and work with nice and friendly people??? Some of my parishioners here have whispered into my ears that Chester is a beautiful city, isn’t it?
As a hobby, I love and enjoy swimming and going to the gym. I cook for myself and will be ready to learn more on how to prepare English meals. I have already learnt how to prepare beef steak and chips, though poorly I must confess. I like football and I am soccer fan but would let out the club I support upon my arrival.
I wish you all a happy Christmas and prosperous new year. God bless you all.