The Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, has expressed its deep grief over the death of one of its priests, Reverend Father Anthony Udogu.
Reverend Udogu passed while playing lawn tennis during his routine exercise in the early hours on Monday.
Until his death, the deceased was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish, Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.
It was also found that he was a lecturer at the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
He was born on the 24th of December, 1964, was ordained as priest on the 19th of August, 1995, and died on the 19 of May, 2025.
The news of his death was revealed in a short press statement released on Tuesday by Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi. the Diocesan Chancellor, Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, Awka.
The statement read, “With faith in the resurrection of the dead, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu, whose sudden death occurred at the early hours of today(Monday) May 19.
He slumped while playing lawn tennis and was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital.
“All efforts to save his life proved abortive. Until his demise, he was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.”
He said the Catholic Diocese of Awka extended condolences to the family, parishioners, and all who mourned his passing.
“Please note that the funeral arrangements will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen,” the statement added.
Our correspondent, who visited the St. Francis Parish, Awka, on Tuesday evening, observed that activities were on a low-key as members of the parish were seen in a mourning mood, discussing in hushed tones.
Although no priest was available to make further comments on the development, the few parishioners who spoke. The Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, has expressed its deep grief over the death of one of its priests, Reverend Father Anthony Udogu.
Reverend Udogu passed while playing lawn tennis during his routine exercise in the early hours on Monday.
Until his death, the deceased was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish, Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.
It was also found that he was a lecturer at the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
He was born on the 24th of December, 1964, was ordained as priest on the 19th of August, 1995, and died on the 19 of May, 2025.
The news of his death was revealed in a short press statement released on Tuesday by Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi. the Diocesan Chancellor, Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, Awka.
The statement read, “With faith in the resurrection of the dead, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu, whose sudden death occurred at the early hours of today(Monday) May 19.
He slumped while playing lawn tennis and was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital.
“All efforts to save his life proved abortive. Until his demise, he was the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish Awka and Dean of Awka Il Deanery.”
He said the Catholic Diocese of Awka extended condolences to the family, parishioners, and all who mourned his passing.
“Please note that the funeral arrangements will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen,” the statement added.
Our correspondent, who visited the St. Francis Parish, Awka, on Tuesday evening, observed that activities were on a low-key as members of the parish were seen in a mourning mood, discussing in hushed tones.
Although no priest was available to make further comments on the development, the few parishioners who spoke to our correspondent said positive things about the deceased, describing his passing as “too sudden and painful.”
One said, “He served the Church for nearly 30 years and was well regarded for his devotion, humility, and commitment to pastoral duties. to our correspondent paid glowing tributes to the deceased, describing his passing as “too sudden and painful.”
One said, “He served the Church for nearly 30 years and was well regarded for his devotion, humility, and commitment to pastoral duties.”