November 24, 2021
A special thanksgiving Mass was hosted by St Patrick’s Catholic School on Saturday morning for departing Parish Priest Fr Chukwudi Chinaka.
The school’s hall was packed for the celebration with parishioners from the Catholic parishes of Kingaroy and Nanango.
Fr Chukwudi has been serving the Catholic communities in Kingaroy, Kumbia, Nanango, Blackbutt, Yarraman and Cooyar since January 2018.
Born in Nigeria, Fr Chukwudi has been in Australia since 2010.
He was invited to the country by the late Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby to complete his studies for the priesthood at Banyo Seminary.
After his ordination, Father “Chook” (as his parishioners call him), served at the Corinda and Caloundra parishes before being transferred to Kingaroy / Nanango.
Many friends from these parishes also travelled to Nanango for the celebration.
Sadly for his parishioners, his allotted time in Australia is now up and he will be returning to Nigeria at Christmas.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Fr Chukwudi told the congregation.
“I am overwhelmed by who you are and all you have done for me.”
The Mass and morning tea attracted a number of Fr Chukwudi’s fellow priests and current seminarians as well as retired Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan.
