Bio

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

• PRIEST — Ordained June 2019 as Priest of the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians).  Currently serving at the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville, MD and as the Chaplain at Riderwood Senior Living Community in Silver Spring, MD.  Dedicated member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
• DIRECTOR — Founder and Spiritual Director of New Creation Catholic Inspiration Ministry (NCCIM) and Helen’s Women Empowerment Initiative International (HWEII). HWEII is a nonprofit that supports the empowerment Nigerian women.  Director for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) United States Province of the Society of the Divine Savior.
• MISSIONARY— Served eight years with the Claretian Missionaries Province of Nigeria. Served four years as Seminarian of Catholic Diocese of Buea in Cameroon.
• MUSICIAN— Launched his first music CD in the summer 2021 with all original songs. Title: “Chukwu Nara Ekele M,” translates to “O God, Accept My Thanks.”
• SPEAKER — Hosted and spoke at “The Woman Project” International Conference Oct 2023.  Serves as a guest speaker at various venues.
• AUTHOR— Authored numerous books and articles. Most recent book is titled “Sacred Trust — Reflections of a Young Catholic Priest.”

SUMMARY OF EDUCATION

• DOCTORATE— Doctor of Ministry — 2019 — Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL
• TWO MASTERS — Master of Theology — 2012 — Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD.  Master of Divinity — 2017 — Sacred Heart Seminary & School of Theology in Franklin, WI
• BACHELORS — Bachelor of Philosophy — 1999 — Graduated with Honors — Claretian Institute of Philosophy in Nekede Owerri, Nigeria

EARLY YEARS:

• Fr. Virginus grew up in Nigeria with four siblings and says he felt God calling him as early as five years of age.
• During his high school years, he was involved in the young Catholic students club as well as the debating society and farmers club, though his favorite subject was English.