I am Fr. Uchechukwu Aladi. As not to make life difficult for some people, you may call me Fr. Uche. My name, Uchechukwu means ‘the will of God’ in the Igbo language. So, if my name seems difficult for you to pronounce be consoled by its beautiful meaning.
I was born May 28, 1978 as the fifth of the eight children to my parents. After high school, I decided to change a bit the trajectory of my career goal by finally embracing the call to the priesthood. The response to this priestly vocation formally began in 1998 with my admission into the seminary. After five years of seminary in Nigeria, in the year 2004 I was sent to Rome to complete my seminary formation. At the end of 9 years of seminary formation, I was ordained a priest in Rome on November 1, 2007, for the diocese of Aba, Nigeria. Immediately after my ordination, I continued my specialization in theology on the Masters and Doctorate levels. In in February 2012, I completed my doctorate in Catholic Social Teaching.
With my academic work completed came the need to get into the Lord’s vineyard for a full pastoral ministry. Thus, I began my first pastoral experience at the archdiocese of Pisa where I served for nine years (from 2012-2021); first as a parochial vicar and later as a pastor.
Towards the end of the year 2021, with the approval of my home bishop, came the decision to move to the Catholic diocese of Dallas. In February 2022, Bishop Burns appointed me the parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Dallas. On May 16, 2023, I received the ministerial call from Bishop Kelly that I have been appointed the Pastoral administrator of Holy Spirit Parish Duncanville. Trusting in the grace of God, and anticipated fraternal collaboration of all of you, I whole-heartedly accept to be among you as one of your priests. I pray that we journey together in our friendship and communion with God and service to humanity within the time God permits me to be with you.
Fr. Uche is the Chaplain of Council #8157 whose duties are to conduct all religious exercises for the Council – opening and closing prayers at meeting e.g. The Council looks to the Chaplain for spiritual example and guidance.