User:Joachim Oforchukwu

Curriculum Vitae

Joachim Ifezuo Oforchukwu

Adjunct Professor Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Issues in African American Communities St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Graduate School of Theology and Program of Catholic Studies, Philadelphia

Graduate Dissertation/Thesis

Ph. D. Dissertation: A Theological and Biblical Appraisal of Ozo Title Taking and its Implications for Current Leadership Issues in Igbo Catholic Church (Nigeria).

Thesis: A Biblical and Theological Study (Analysis) of Marriage and Divorce Among Igbo Catholic Christians (Nigeria).

Thesis: The Implementation of Quota System and its Effects on School Dropout in the Federal Secondary Schools in the South East and South South Regions of Nigeria

Publications and Presentations

Oforchukwu, J.I. (2013) Perspectives on Leadership: A Synthesis of types and theories. AuthorHouse, 1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403

Oforchukwu, J.I. (2013). Inculturating the Ozo title taking into Christianity. Trinity Press Publishing, LLC, Newburgh, IN 47630

Oforchukwu, J.I (2006). The Implementation of Quota System and its effects on School Dropout in Federal Secondary Schools in the South East and South South Regions of Nigeria. Xlibris Book Publishing Company

Oforchukwu, J. I. & Njoku, G. M. C. (2002). Education Among Nigerian Youths: Can Our Educational System be Redeemed? Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Umelo Press and Publishing.

Oforchukwu, J. I. (2000). Improving the Christian Marriage-Relationship in Our Society. Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Hope Paper Mill

Oforchukwu, J. I. (2000). The Impact of Youths in Nigerian Society. Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Oforchukwu, J. I. (1999). Politics without bitterness in Nigerian Polity. Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Oforchukwu, J. I. (1996). Towards A Just Nigerian Society. Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Nosike Printing Press.

Teaching/Work Experience

Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Indiana June 15, 2015 Chaplain, Counselor

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Graduate School of Theology and Program of Catholic Studies 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096 Adjunct Professor Septembe, 2012

2008 - Ezinne Philomena Scholarship Foundation, Inc September 3, 2008 Director

Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Advisoral Committee, Multicultural Diversity, Hammonton, NJ, USA, 2006 – 2015.

Ancora Psychiatric Hospital Kessler Memorial Hospital Hammonton, NJ 08037 Chaplain, Counselor. 2005 - 2015

Villa Sancta Anna, home for the Aged, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Chaplain, Counselor. 2003- 2005

Graduate Research Assistant, Public Administration and Urban Studies, The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. 2004 – 2005.

Graduate Research Assistant, Public Administration and Urban Studies, The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. 2003 – 2004.

Internship, Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority, Ravenna, Ohio, USA. 2003.

Graduate Research Assistant, Public Administration and Urban Studies, The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. 2002 – 2003

Internship, Youth Employment for Success Program, Summit County, Akron, Ohio, USA. 2002

Graduate Research Assistant, Educational Administration, The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. 2001 –2002.

Sacred Heart Parish, Emure, Nigeria 1997 – 2000: Pastor

St. Patrick’s Parish, Awo-Omamma, Nigeria 1993 – 1997: Pastor

Spiritan International School of Theology, Enugu, Nigeria 1990 – 1993: Faculty Member.

Holy Ghost Novitiate, Nigeria 1993 – 1997: Teaching – Church History.

Sisters of the Apostles, Nigeria 1995- 1997: Spiritual Director and Teaching – Church History

Holy Ghost Juniorate (Seminary), Ihiala, Nigeria 1985 – 1986: Teaching. Government, Religion & English Language.

Area of Research Interest

Family and marriage Youths’ dropout of school Betterment of Society and Politics Issues in Practical theology and social issues

Awards, Honors, and Distinctions

Celebrating Black Priests of the Camden Diocese, April 2010.

Golden Key International honour Society, October 2008.

Special Merit Award, Certificate of Recognition, University of Akron Law Library, Akron, Ohio, 2001.

William Root Endowed Scholarship, Educational Administration, The University of Akron, Ohio, 2001

Dean’s List, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, P.A., USA. 1985

Dean’s List, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, P.A. USA. 1984.

Foreign and Ancient Languages

Reading Knowledge of English, French, German, and Latin.

PROFILE OF DR. JOACHIM IFEZUO OFORCHUKWU, C.S.SP

It is an honor to write the profile of an icon, a man of God, an educator, a teacher, and an erudite writer, Rev. Dr. Joachim Ifezuo Oforchukwu, C.S.Sp., as he celebrates the 25 years of his Priestly Ordination on July 14, 1990. I am in a better position to write about his profile on this great day. Why? I lived and grew up with him as a child. What I will say or write about him is based on my personal experience and my interview with the jubilarian.

Rev. Dr. Joachim Ifezuo Oforchukwu is born to a Royal Family of Chief Bartholomew Oforchukwu. Our mother, Philomena Chikwere was a daughter of HRH Eze Osuala Nwandiribe of Isu-Njaba. Fr. Joe is the sixth child of Nze Bartholomew and Princess Ezinne Philomena Oforchukwu of Amugbara in Isuobishi, Imo State. He is given the name Ifezuo – which means may all be complete. The Igbo attach much importance to a name. When I reflect on the meaning of my brother’s name, Ifezuo, I conclude that God has a purpose for creating and naming him Ifezuo, because, everything about Ifezuo is complete. We are therefore here today to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of a man who is complete before God and man.

Ifezuo began primary school when it was the tradition that a pupil’s hands must touch his/her ears. Fortunately, Fr. Joachim did not pass through this experience. He began and completed his elementary school in Community School, Umugbor, Isuobishi. He could still remember the memory of some of the activities of his teachers. I learned that he competed well in class. For example, he still remembers the decision of Mr. Stephen Ihekaoha, one of his elementary school teachers who adopted the method of placing the intelligent pupils in the first seats. My brother narrated that he was always placed in the middle of first and third pupils, which ordinarily would be between a boy and a girl. He studied hard to make sure that he would be placed among the best pupils of Mr. Stephen Ihekaoha’s class. According to my brother, this method helped him to study hard in the school. Ifezuo was one of the few pupils to earn his First School Leaving Certificate in 1972.

The journey to his priesthood began in 1973 at Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala. He took the entrance examination to Juniorate in Orlu. He was taken to Ihiala for an interview by our late brother, Tobias Oforchukwu, who was his primary sponsor by his motor cycle. This was the first time Fr. Joe stepped outside Orlu Province. The interview was conducted by the then rector, late Fr. Damian Nwanyia. Joe was elated when he was told that he was successful at the interview. He began his junior Seminary training on the 1973/74 session. This was a big test and challenge for Joe. He tried his best to adapt himself to the rules of the Seminary. He held different functions in the Seminary, among which included, class prefect, refectorian, labor master, and sports director. He took and passed his School WASC in 1979.

After the School Certificate Examinations, Fr. Joachim has made up his mind to continue his priestly training. This was a time when many of his class mates have decided to take the University entrance examinations. He knew what he wanted, and pursued his dreams. He entered into the Novitiate with only three of his class mates of about 70 in number. His Novitiate mates came from different classes. He enjoyed the Novitiate trainings. One of his best moments in Novitiate was when it was time for sports. This kept him going. In 1980, he made his First Religious Profession under Fr. Anthony Ekwunife, who was a father to all of the novices.

The journey to his priesthood was a rigorous one. It has so many stages. And, any seminarian at this time must pass through these stages. After his profession, my brother went to the Spritan International School of Philosophy, Isienu for his philosophy education. He spent three years at Isienu. He had three rectors within three years at Isienu. One of the functions which he held was sports director. He made an impressive impact as a sport director. This was a time the school has no standard field for soccer. Joe was able to construct a standard field at Isienu, which became one of the best fields among the Seminaries in Nigeria. He successfully completed his philosophy training in 1983.

After his philosophy education at Isienu, Joe was asked along two other seminarians to proceed for philosophy degree at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Isienu Spiritan International School of Philosophy was seeking to be affiliated with Duquesne University. This was in the testing stage. Joe was selected to be part of the first team to go to Duquesne University. Joe did not let the Nigerian Spiritans down in this adventure. He behaved well in St. Paul Seminary, Noblestown, Pittsburgh, PA USA. On August 1985, he successfully graduated with a B.A. degree in Philosophy in Duquesne University.

When Joe came back from studies from the United States of America, he enrolled into the NYSC 1985/86 programs. He had the option to serve his land in any State. He served in the Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala, Anambra State. He taught English Language, Religious Knowledge and Government. He introduced Government in Juniorate, where he taught the then Class 5 students. He handled his classes well in such a way that the Class 5 students came out in flying colors. While in Juniorate, he published his first book in Religious Knowledge for class three students. He completed his NYSC programs in 1986.

Joe proceeded to Bigard Memorial Seminary where he studied theology. The studies took him four years, in which at the end, he sat for B.D. degree exams. At the end of his theology programs, he was ordained a priest on July 14, 1990 at Owerri Assumpta Cathedral. When Rev. Dr. Ifezuo was ordained a priest on July 14, 1990, he chose to write on his souvenir card as, “I crucify myself not to seek for my own interest, but rather that of the poor and the oppressed”. Rev. Fr. Ifezuo is a priest who is not all that interested in his own affairs. He is rather more interested in the affairs of people who are nothing, who are poor, and who are oppressed in the society. His mission has been to liberate those who are enslaved and oppressed. Thus, his life as a Holy Ghost Missionary corresponds to the mission of his Congregation, to minister to the poor and those who are oppressed in the society. Rev. Dr. Ifezuo is a Holy Ghost missionary to the core.

There are two events that took place when he was at Sacred Heart Parish, Emure-Ekiti that would never be forgotten in the life of Rev. Dr. Ifezuo as a missionary. These two events are identical, but took place in different time periods. The first event happened on 1999. At exactly 2.00am, when everybody was deep at sleep, he heard a knock at the door. The voice started crying and said, Fr. please my wife is in danger of death. This was the wife of the station chairman of the Igbo church of St. Patrick who was unable to deliver after being at labor for many hours. Fr. Ifezuo was called to give a help at this critical hour, an hour that was unsafe to drive at that time. Fr. Ifezuo simply woke up, washed his face and brought out the car, and took the wife of the station chairman to hospital at Ikere at 2.00am. He did not mind for his own safety. He was only interested in the welfare of the woman who was in danger of death. Remember what he wrote in his souvenir card as a priest always corresponds to his work as a Missionary Priest. Fr. Was in the hospital at Ikere until the following morning when he returned to celebrate Mass at 6.00am. This has been the life of Fr. Ifezuo. He is always ready to help not minding the time, who, and when.

Rev. Dr. Ifezuo always cares for the welfare of people. One of my nephews who stayed with Fr. Ifezuo at St. Patrick’s Parish, Awo-omamma told us a story of how he was taking both material and spiritual care of his parishioners. According to my nephew, Alloy, Fr. Ifezuo helped many people at Awo-omamma, but there is a particular event that needs to be mentioned here. On one fateful morning, a parishioner came to Fr. Ifezuo during an office hour to tell him about his wife who was at the point of death. The wife needed a surgery, but there was no money to pay for the surgery bills. When Fr. Ifezuo saw the plight of this man, he was immediately concerned about the welfare of this poor woman. Fr. Ifezuo wrote a letter to the doctor who was to perform the surgery at Ihiala urging him to do the surgery. Fr. Promised to pay for the cost of the surgery. Dr. Onyebuchi of Ihiala performed the surgery without asking for the usual tradition of paying before service. The surgery was successful. Fr. Ifezuo was also able to pay the entire cost without burdening the poor woman for her hospital expenses. This is the character of the priest whom we are celebrating his 25 years of priestly ordination. He is a priest who cares for the poor, the oppressed and marginalized in the society. Or put differently, my brother, Rev Fr. Ifezuo is a friend of the poor.

His commitment to help the poor urged Fr. Ifezuo to form St. Vincent De Paul Society. St. Vincent De Paul Society is designed to take care of the needy, the poor, and those who have nothing. Fr. Joe started this society in St. Philomena’s Parish, Isuobishi, which is second in the Diocese of Orlu in taking care of the needy in different communities. Fr. Ifezuo is a visionary who knows what it takes to provide for the future. Rev. Fr. Ifezuo has a listening ear. I remember how people were coming with their problems to my brother, Ifezuo. To the best of my experience, knowledge, and memory, I could not imagine any day Fr. Ifezuo turned anybody down or told him/her not to border him. He was always ready to listen to people’s problems and come out with a solution. His availability speaks for itself. He is always there for his parishioners. He would not rest until he finds a solution to people’s problems.

Rev. Dr. Oforchukwu has been faithful to seek for the interest of the oppressed, rejected, and those who are worried in the society. Fr. Ifezuo sympathized with the Ozo title holders in the Diocese of Orlu for being abandoned in their spiritual welfare. Fr. Ifezuo Devoted many years of studies trying to find a way out to reconcile the Ozo title holders in the Orlu Diocese. He devoted years doing a doctoral degree studies on Ozo title taking in Igbo communities. This Ozo exploration gave Fr. Ifezuo the opportunity to come out with a guiding policy that could incorporate the Ozo title holders into the Catholic Church across the Igbo communities. It is a credit to Fr. Oforchukwu for being able to fashion out a solution to Ozo title taking in Igbo communities in general, but in the Diocese of Orlu in particular. Today, it is on record that the Ozo title holders could meaningfully participate in the Catholic Church activities across the Igbo communities.

Fr. Oforchukwu is an educator and a teacher. He appreciates the value of education in the society. He believes that it is through education that the ills of the society would be curbed. In view of this, he established a Scholarship Foundation to honor his beloved mother, late Princess Ezinne Philomena, as well as to help the poor students to get the best education. The Ezinne Scholarship Foundation is designed to assist poor students to get education at no cost. The Scholarship is aimed at providing education to poor students at no cost to their families. Their success is truly our success. This scholarship program will cover the following school expenses:  School fees  School supplies  Uniforms  From Elementary - Secondary – University levels Probably, this is an opportunity to inform those who do not know about the Ezinne Philomena Scholarship Foundation to support it, and make it an instrument to help the poor to get education in our different communities.

One day after my brother woke up to pray and to meditate, I asked him why he spends at least 30 minutes before celebrating the Eucharist at 6.00am. He simply answered to allow him to do his meditation. He said he learned this in the Novitiate, and since then, it has become part of him to thank God and also to reflect on the mysteries of the Catholic Faith. I also remember asking him the name of the book that has three volumes which he used every day. It was from his answer that I learned that priests and religious have the obligation to pray the Breviary. I can testify that my brother has been making efforts to say his Breviary. I have several times met him say the Breviary. Fr. Oforchukwu also has a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

My brother has a special love for sports. Fr. Ifezuo himself is a hero in soccer. Those who know Fr. Oforchukwu would agree with me that he likes soccer and plays soccer very well. He not only believes in soccer, but also promotes soccer wherever he is posted in his pastoral assignments. As a student, my brother captained so many teams.

I am very proud to say here that what we are celebrating today is Fr. Oforchukwu’s perseverance in the ministry. From experience, the call to priesthood is a rigorous road, only reached by those who could preserver to the end. My brother was able to persevere right from his seminary trainings to the priesthood. As a seminarian and priest, Fr. Dr. Oforchukwu does not say much. He devotes himself to his education. It is with patient and perseverance that he could endure to his doctoral programs. He obtained his doctorate in theology. Those of us who have earned a degree in doctoral program would testify the amount of work Fr. Ifezuo has put in to get his doctorate. Fr. Ifezuo is not only determined, but he also perseveres in anything he believes in. Fr. Joe also obtained a license as an Educational consultant because he wants to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students. We are therefore here today to celebrate the perseverance of Fr. Joe in the priesthood for 25 years in the Lord’s Vineyard. One of the things I learned from Fr. Oforchukwu is never to be discouraged in life. Fr. Ifezuo believes that anybody could attain what he/she wants to be in life. I told my brother that I would like to be like him. He asked what do I mean? I told him that I would like to be as educated as he is. He told me that I could be what I have mapped out for myself to be in life. He told me to believe in myself. According to Fr. Joe, a belief in oneself is the first success in life. He gave me an example of two tennis icons and stars, Venus and Serena Williams. Fr. Joe told me that these two sisters were able to succeed in tennis industry because they believed in themselves. Today, their belief in themselves made them what they are today. They are regarded as tennis stars across the world. My brother is a person who believes in himself, and also encourages others to have a total belief in themselves.

In essence, what we are celebrating today is the 25 years Silver Jubilee of a priest who has persevered in his vocation to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Fr. Joachim Oforchukwu has gone and crossed many places he was sent to preach the Good News of Jesus. The vocation to the priesthood is a vocation given to Fr. Ifezuo by the special grace of God. Joachim did not choose himself; rather, he was called to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Many would not forget the preaching, service, and pastoral work of Fr. Joachim. Fr. Joachim has done his best to bring many souls to God. His numerous preachings have touched the lives of many people. Fr. Joachim holds in high esteem the celebration of the Eucharist, which he believes is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. My brother maintains that Christ is present in the Eucharist which has made him to encourage others to seek God in time of need, trouble, and adversity. We are celebrating today your fidelity, perseverance, commitment, and love in celebrating the Eucharist, which is a sign of God’s thanksgiving for the sacrifice you have made in bringing people to God when he baptizes, officiates in a wedding, prays, forgives or reconciles people in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are proud of your fidelity to the Priesthood which has brought you to the 25 years in the Lord’s Vineyard. We would like to remind you of your priestly ordination souvenir word, “I crucify myself not to seek for my own interest, but rather that of the poor and the oppressed” and ask you to continue to be faithful to it. God who has chosen you would never leave you alone. He will guide, protect, direct and safeguard you as you preach the Good News to all the earth. Fr. Joe, always remember the poor whom you have chosen to take care of in your ministry. You are a friend of the poor. You are not happy when people are unhappy and sad. Ad Multos Annos!

Lolo (Mrs.) Bernadette Onyike, B.SC Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, Imo State (Nee Oforchukwu).