The Catholic Diocese of Awka in Anambra State is mourning the loss of one of its senior clergy, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu, who died suddenly on Monday morning while playing lawn tennis.
Fr. Udogu, who served as the Parish Priest of St. Francis Parish in Awka and Dean of Awka II Deanery, reportedly collapsed during a game and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but all efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
His passing was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Awka. The statement described the incident as a shocking and painful loss to the Church and the faithful.
“With faith in the resurrection, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the passing of our brother priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu, whose sudden death occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 19,” the statement read.
Born on December 24, 1964, Fr. Udogu was ordained as a priest on August 19, 1995. He served the Church faithfully until his untimely death on May 19, 2025.
The Diocese extended its condolences to his family, parishioners, and all who are grieving the loss.
Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
“May the soul of Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen,” the statement concluded