Pius Ijeoma

Br. Pius Ijeoma was born in to the family of Mr. Mbe Ijeoma and Mrs. Virginia Nwaolo Nwafor in 1933 at Obiagu-Uturu, Abia State. He was among the St. Peter Claver Brothers who joined the Marist Brothers in 1959.

He entered the Postulancy in 1959 and Novitiate in 1960 at Uturu. He made his First Profession on 9 th January, 1961 and Perpetual Profession on 9th January, 1966 at Uturu. In addition, he made the Vow of Stability on 14th July, 1977.

Before joining the Marist Brothers Novitiate, he taught at Holy Cross’ School, Uturu in 1956 and St. Bridget’s School Akpukpa, Uturu in 1957. He attended Teachers’ Training College (TTC) at Azaraegbelu, Imo State.

Br. Pius served and worked in different places as a Catechist for twelve years. Among these places were: Ogbaku, Iwollo, Okpala, Orlu, Port Harcourt, Awomama, Nsukka, Orlu, Ihioma, Uturu, and Azaraegbelu.

Furthermore, he worked at Assumpta Press, Owerri for three years. He taught at Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu in 1972 and served as Owerri Diocesan contractor from 1975 to 1977. Also, he taught in the Primary School at Anyigba, Kogi State from 1982 to 1987. He served at Hopeville Rehabilitation Centre, Uturu for two years.

His last Community was Madonna, Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje where he taught Religious and Moral Education, Moral Instruction and Catechism to the students.

While we were on our 2017 annual retreat at Marist Formation Centre, Orlu, Br. Pius took ill. He managed to end the retreat with the Brothers. After some days, the sickness intensified in the Community and he was rushed to Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu. He died at the hospital on Wednesday 16th August, 2017.

Br. Pius was a very calm, gentle, humble, peaceful, and simple Marist Brother. This was evident in the circumstances around his death, which was very peaceful and calm. May the soul of Br. Pius Ijeoma Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.