Gregory Ugwu

Br. Gregory Ugwu died today Monday 22nd February, 2016 at 2:30 pm. He had been sick for a while.

Late Br. Gregory Ugwu was born on 25th March, 1922 into the family of late Mr. Ugwuowo Neze and late Mrs. Igala Nwonu of Amogu-Ezimo, Udenu L.G.A. Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. He did his Primary Education at Ezimo from 1936 to 1940. He also studied at Obollo Eke, Nsukka and Otukpo, Benue from 1940 – 1944.

Late Br. Gregory joined the Marist Brothers’ Postulancy in 1954, and Novitiate in 1955 all at Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. He made his First Religious Profession on 6th January, 1958 at Uturu, and Final Profession in January, 1963. Br. Greg, as he was fondly called, made his Vow of Stability in 1994.

Br. Gregory started his apostolic activities at Holy Cross Parish, Uturu in January, 1958. He later moved to Ihioma Parish, Orlu from January 1959-1962. His apostolic activities also took him to Iwollo Parish from 1962- 1966. Furthermore, he worked at Isuikwuato Parish from 1966 to 1967. He served at Sacred Heart Parish, Port Harcourt. When the Biafra war started, Br. Gregory came back to Ihioma, in 1968, where he carried relief food from the airport and distributed them to war victims. On 10th May, 1970 he was posted to Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu where he worked with late Bishop Godfrey Okoye until 31st August, 1984.

To strengthen his religious consecration, Br. Gregory was sent to Switzerland in August, 1984 for Second Novitiate Formation. In addition, he attended St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome, where he did Cathecatical Studies. On his return from Rome, Br. Gregory taught at Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu. In 1988, he went back to Ihioma and served the parish until 1990. He was later transferred to Nike Centre for the Disabled, Emene as Director until October, 2000.

Br. Gregory returned to Uturu, and worked at the Marist Nursery/Primary School, and later transferred to Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Uturu where he served until death. While at Uturu on retirement, Br. Gregory was very much engaged in poultry farming. Proceeds from his farm were used for the feeding of Brothers in the Community.

It is worth to note that late Br. Gregory lived a very happy and fulfilled Religious Life. Even at his old age, he was always beaming with joy, happiness and contentment. May the soul of this faithful servant of God, and committed disciple of Marcellin Champagnat, rest in perfect peace.