By Austin Ogwuda
…”In essence, the priority is to ensure the faithful receive the Eucharist, and the Mass is completed according to sacred tradition, even in emergencies”
Fresh facts have revealed that following the sudden collapse of Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma while delivering the homily during the Eucharistic Celebration at St. John De Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, on New Year Eve, the Mass continued to the end.
Eyewitnesses reported that the priest slumped at the pulpit while preaching; immediate efforts were made by parishioners and clergy present to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
He was promptly rushed to the hospital, accompanied by one of his Assisting Priests and some parishioners. Sadly, he was reported to have died before getting to the hospital.
The Townhall gathered that despite the sad development, the Holy Mass did not come to an abrupt end. One of Fr. Stephen’s Assisting Priests continued with the Eucharistic celebration, while the other remained by the side of the late priest and accompanied him to the hospital.
Parish sources further confirmed that the Mass was completed in an atmosphere of deep solemnity and prayer.
Fr. Stephen Chukwuma, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, died in active service, having served faithfully until his final moments at the altar. His death has left parishioners, clergy and the wider Catholic community in shock and grief.
In a moment marked by sorrow and reflection, the incident has served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, even as the rhythms of worship and time continue. While the Mass proceeded, hearts paused in grief as the Church entrusted the soul of her priest to God.
Facts to know
*If a priest slumps during Mass, especially after consecration, another priest is typically called to finish the Mass, completing the Eucharistic prayers from where the first priest left off, ensuring the sacrament is completed according to Catholic rites. Eyewitnesses reported a priest slumping during a sermon (homily) at St. John de Baptist Parish in Agbor, and assisting priests continued the Eucharistic rite, showing the Church’s protocol to ensure the faithful receive Communion even if the celebrant falls ill or dies.
What Happens in Such a Situation (Catholic Rite):
If after Consecration: Another priest steps in to complete the Mass from the point the first priest stopped, ensuring both Body and Blood are consecrated.
If during Consecration: Another priest repeats the entire Eucharistic prayer over the same elements (or a new chalice) to ensure valid consecration.
Lay Ministers (EMHCs): If a priest is unavailable to finish, Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers (EMHCs) can provide Communion to the faithful, but their role is supplementary and always under the guidance of Church law to maintain the sanctity of the sacrament.
In essence, the priority is to ensure the faithful receive the Eucharist, and the Mass is completed according to sacred tradition, even in emergencies.
*Credit: AI, Catholic Focus, Bishop Shanahan Facebook
