A native of Nigeria, Chukwuma served with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry in Durham, S.C., before joining Holy Name Province. Prior to his ministry with the Franciscans, he lived with his family in New Jersey and worked as a warehouse assistant for Amazon. He attended the University of Port Harcourt, where he majored in biochemistry and took religious and philosophy courses. He believes he brings many gifts to the Franciscans, especially the gifts of kindness, love, compassion, and joy.