Our Priest

Fr. Francis Uchenna Nnadi was born on January 24th, 1974, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. He is the first son and third of eleven children born to Chief Lawrence and Lolo Esther Nnadi. His family hails from Umuodudu, Orori, Umueze, Nkume, in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

In 1980, at the age of six, Fr. Francis moved to live with his grandparents in a rural village, where he spent five formative years (1981 -1987) before entering minor seminary at the age of eleven. His secondary education was spread across three seminaries: the Bonus Pastor Seminary in Osina (1989 -1991), St. Mary's Seminary in Umuowa (1991 -1994), with a one year (1994 -1995) Junior Apostolic work at Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu. From 1996-1997, he was at Custos Ecclesia Seminary in Uzii.

Fr. Francis pursued his philosophical studies for four years (1997 -2001) at St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene, followed by a year of teaching experience (2001 – 2002) at St. Mary's Seminary, Umuowa. He then completed a four-year (2002 -2006 ) theology course at St. Joseph Major Seminary and Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary in Owerri.

On August 18th, 2007, Fr. Francis was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlu. His early assignments included serving as Associate Cathedral Administrator at Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Orlu (2007 -2009), and Assistant Parish Priest at St. Patrick's Parish in Amucha (2009 – 2010). He later became Parish Priest at St. Michael's Parish in Akatta (2010 -2011) and St. Paul's Parish in Ibiasoegbe (2011 -2014). In August 2014, he was sent on mission to the United Kingdom by his bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Augustine T. Ukwuoma, to serve in the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

In the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Fr. Francis initially served as Assistant Priest at the Parish of Our Lady and The Apostles in Stockport (2014 -2016). He temporarily ministered at St. Alban’s Parish in Macclesfield for about eight months (2016 -2017). Following this, in September 2017, he was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Our Lady and The Apostles, and in December of the same year, became the Parish Priest (Parochial Administrator) of The Sacred Heart Parish in Whaley Bridge until August 2023. In September 2023, he began his current ministry as Parish Priest (Parochial Administrator) of St. Mary's Chapel in Congleton.

Fr. Francis is also the founder and director of The Heavenly Powers Adoration Ministry, which he established during his time in Nigeria. The ministry is dedicated to the motto “Salus animarum suprema lex” (the salvation of souls is the supreme law), focusing on the conversion of hearts, the strengthening of faith, and helping people return to the Church, with the ultimate goal of leading souls to Heaven.

A devoted advocate of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fr. Francis actively conducts daily Zoom prayer programs, where he leads the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 PM and the Rosary at 9:00 PM, both accompanied by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Our Church

St. Mary’s Chapel in Congleton, Cheshire, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally established as a private chapel, it was built by Sir Thomas Smith in 1826. He was a prominent local figure, known for his philanthropic activities. The chapel was constructed to serve the Catholic community in an era when the Catholic faith was still recovering from centuries of suppression in England following the Reformation.

The Gothic Revival style of the chapel reflects the architectural tastes of the time, with pointed arches, stained glass windows, and intricate stone carvings. It was a significant center for the revival of Catholic worship in the region. The chapel also featured a school, established to provide education for the Catholic children of the area.

Over the years, St. Mary’s Chapel has undergone various modifications and restorations, but it has remained an important place of worship for the local Catholic population. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring history of Catholicism in Congleton and its significance in the community’s spiritual and cultural life.