In honor of Black Catholic History Month 2025 Faith in Action: Fr. Humphrey Ikueze and the Global Spirit of Black Catholic Leadership
Fr. Humphrey Ugochukwu Ikueze, is a Nigerian citizen, ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Ondo in 2006. As part of the prerequisite for his academic formation for the Catholic priesthood, he obtained a BA in Philosophy from the University of Benin, and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Prior to his arrival in the United States in 2022 for the graduate studies in Theology at Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida, Fr. Ikueze was involved in parish pastoral ministries in his home diocese of Ondo, in Ondo State, Nigeria, both as a vicar, and a two-time pastor, with roles including full time involvement at the parochial schools.
While studying at Barry University, Fr. Ikueze was resident at Saint Gregory Church and Schools. He was received into the Theta Alpha Kappa theology honor society in 2023. At his graduation from the master’s program in Theology, he was hired as a Resident Associate at Saint Gregory Church and Schools in Plantation, Florida, where he applied the fruits of his theological studies to liturgies, preaching, public speaking seminars and continuous adult education, counseling, and spiritual direction.
The graduate program in Theology exposed him to the various dimensions of suffering, and to a compassionate God who suffers-with us. This exposure inspired his current PhD program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University.
Today, as the University Chaplain at Barry University, Fr. Humphrey Ikueze continues to embody the spirit of global Catholicism—nurturing faith, dialogue, and community. His story honors all Catholics, celebrating the vibrant legacy of Black Catholic leadership and the enduring call to serve with wisdom, empathy, and love.
We would like to thank the Barry University Library Buccaneercast team for their awesome work with the Podcast/Video: Julian Perez, Jasmine Otero and Joshua Schroder; also we thank Father Humphrey Ikueze, for his time and for supplying the photographs. We would like to thank Professor Pamela Hall for her advice and assistance, and Dr. Vivica Pierre for her guidance and support, as always. Thank you, everyone!
