Father Reginald Nwauzor to celebrate 45 years of priesthood

Father Reggie’s gaze expresses the solemnity of the Eucharist.  (Courtesy Photos/St. Catherine of Siena Parish)

By Kathleen Cook

For the ICR

There is never a stranger at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Priest River or St. Blanche Station in Priest Lake. Father Reginald Nwauzor welcomes parishioners and visitors weekly with his joyful spirit and warm personality. He was assigned to the North Idaho parish six years ago and has brought the Spirit of the Lord to all he serves with enthusiasm and concern for stewardship.

Father Reggie was born and raised in Umuapu Village in Aba, Abis state, Nigeria. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were prosperous farmers who helped the poor with their produce. They had ten children, five boys and five girls. His father, Joseph, was a priest and doctor in the native tradition before converting to Christianity at 85.

Father Reggie attended Catholic schools at both primary and secondary levels as a boy. The Irish pastor of the school, Father Crowley and his older brother Simeon, were instrumental in his decision to discern a priestly vocation.

Father Reggie was ordained on July 19, 1980, for the Diocese of Aba, Nigeria. On July 19, Father Nwauzor will celebrate 45 years of priesthood.

As a priest, he has served in various capacities: parochial vicar and pastor, rector of a minor seminary and a host of other ministerial positions. In 1997, he came to the United States for postgraduate studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburg. At the end of his studies, he applied to the Diocese of Las Vegas and served there for three years. In August of 2005, he came to the Diocese of Boise, where he was later incardinated, becoming a priest of the Diocese of Boise.

Father Reggie enjoys all areas of ministry and is particularly interested in liturgy. He also has a special love for the care of the sick, the homebound, those in nursing homes and the poor.

In addition, Father Reggie has a passion for Christian and lively varieties of music. He inherited this interest from his father, who was a native folklore musician. At Mass, his joy of music is infectious and is shared by his congregation.

The parish he serves recognizes and appreciates all the gifts he has brought to their little community. His knowledge of the church, his gift of song and his wonderful personality bring exceptional life to the parish.

Father Nwauzor encourages members of his community to gratefully recognize God’s gifts, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others and return them to the Lord with an increase by making stewardship a way of life.