Reverend Francis Ikechukwu Igboanugo, born on 13^th August, 1963, is from Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State and ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Onitsha but currently belongs to Aguleri Diocese.

Religious Background

Date of Baptism: 4^th April 1974 at Oroma Etiti Anam by Fr Joseph Nwibegbunam;

First Holy Communion: 5^th April 1974 at Oroma Etiti Anam by Fr Joseph Nwibegbunam;

Confirmation: 28th Nov. 1974 Nmiata Anam by His Grace, Francis A. Arinze.

Installations/Ordinations

Lectorate: Dec. 1989 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha by His Grace, Stephen N. Ezeanya

Acolytate: Dec. 1990 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha by His Grace, Stephen N. Ezeanya

Diaconate: Dec. 1991 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha, by His Lordship Emmanuel N. Otteh

Presbyterate: 3^rd July 1992 at Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha by His Grace, Stephen N. Ezeanya

Academic Qualifications

He did his primary education at Hope Rising Primary School Oroma Etiti Anam (1971-1977), and his secondary education at All Hallows’ Seminary, Onitsha (1977-1982), obtaining Latin Diploma from Urban University, Rome in May 1981. He did one year perfecting at All Hallows’ Seminary, Onitsha before proceeding to Bigard Memorial Seminary (now St Joseph’s Major Seminary) Ikot Ekpene for his Philosophy Studies (1983-1987). He did one year pastoral experience in St Kizito Minor Seminary, Idah in Kogi State (1987/88) and proceeded to Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu (Affiliate of Pontifical Urban University, Rome) for Theology (1988-1992).

      He did specialization course in Sacred Scriptures at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2001/2002) and Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum) Rome (2000-2004) obtaining Licentiate (Masters) in Sacred Scriptures, SSL (2004) and doctorate in Biblical Theology, STD from Pontifical University of St Thomas (Angelicum) Rome (2004-2007). He also attended an Updating Course at Pontifical Urban University, Rome (February – May 2017).

Pastoral Assignments

Since ordination as a Catholic Priest on Friday 3^rd July 1992, Fr Francis has served as parochial vicar (1992) and as pastor (1993-1997) in St Michael Umudim Nnewi. He subsequently served as parish priest (pastor) in St James Amichi (1997-1998), St Theresa Umunya (1998-2000), and upon return from studies in Rome, at St Joseph Aguleri (2007-2011). He served as the secretary to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium (1992-1997), Archdiocesan chaplain to the Catholic Boys’ Organization (1994-1997) and as Episcopal Vicar Aguleri Region (2009-2011). He was the Vice Rector I Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu (2015-2021), and still lectures in the institution.

Teaching Experience

Father Francis teaches Fundamental Scriptures, Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Exegesis in Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu (2011 to date). He taught Fundamental Scriptures in Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary Onitsha (2008-2011) and in Spiritan International School of Theology (SIST), Attakwu-Enugu, 2013-2017, and also in Mount Calvary Cistercian Monastery Awhum.

Publications

1.      Cartesian Quest for Certainty (Ikot Ekpene, 1987)

2.      “That They May Be One” Towards Christian Unity, An Exegetico-Theological Enquiry into John 17,21 (Enugu 1992)

3.      “A Prophet’s Reward”: An Exegetico-Theological Study of Matthew 10,40-42 in the Light of Missionary Experiences (2007)

4.      Fundamentals of Scripture, Enugu (Victor-Jo, 2015)

5.      Deepening Faith through Biblical Apostolate (2017).

Seminars, Conferences, Conventions, Symposia

Father Francis attended many academic seminars, symposia, workshops and colloquia within and outside the country.

1.      CATHAN Conference: Theme: “Religious Faith and Public Service: Ambiguities and Paradoxes” at Madonna Renewal Centre Nkpor/Onitsha, 2^nd – 5^th April, 2013

2.      Deepening the Faith through the Sacred Scriptures and Biblical Apostolate, Onitsha Archdiocesan Seminar/Workshop on the Year of Faith. Theme: “The Year of Faith and the Church Today” at Shanahan Hall Onitsha, 6^th May 2013.

3.      Reconstructing the Major Seminary on the Basis of Moses’ Seat, to be Truly Catholic and Truly a University, 43^rd Convocation Paper Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, 19^th March 2014.

4.      Symposium in Honour of Archbishop Charles Heerey, CSSp at Madonna Renewal Centre Nkpor/Onitsha, 7^th-9^th May 2014.

5.      CATHAN Conference: Theme: “Theology and Ecological Issues” at BANPAC Umuahia, 29^th March – 1^st April 2016.

6.      International Missiological Symposium: Theme: “The Missionary Legacy of the Spiritans (Fathers and Brothers) in West Africa” at Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu, 26^th-29^th April 2016.Seminario: Tema: “I fondamentalisimi religiosi. Quale rapporto fra fede, storia e modernità?” Pontifical Urban University Rome, February-May 2017.

7.      International Convention: Tema: “Questo Tempo non sapete valutarlo?” Lc 12,57. Il discernimento, at Pontifical Urban University Rome, 13th – 15th March 2017.

8.      International Conference: Theme: “African Christian Theology: Memories and Mission for the 21^st Century” at University of Notre Dame Global Gateway Rome, 22^nd– 25^th March 2017.

9.       V Corso Intensivo sui Delitti Riservati alla Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, at Pontifical Urban University Rome, 27^th – 28^th March 2017.

10.  Symposium: Verso il IV Centenario di Fondazione della Congregazione per l’evangelizzazione dei Popoli: Status Quaestionis, at Auditorium Giovanni Paolo II, Pontifical Urban University, Rome, 11^th – 12^th May 2017.

Social Life and Hobbies

Sociable, Humorous, laden with wit and wisdom, loving and lovable

Moderator African Thought and Culture Society, Bigard Chapter

Member Knight of Columbus (Fourth Degree) Council 2079 Monroe, NY

Plays Badminton and Lawn Tennis.