The ecclesiastical history of Enugu-Ezike is inextricably tied to the life and mission of Rev. Fr. Desmond McGlade CSSp. While he was born in Belfast, Ireland, his spiritual legacy is indigenous to the red earth of Enugu-Ezike. He was not merely a visiting priest; he was the foundational architect of the Catholic faith in the region.
The Era of Foundation (1941–1970)
Fr. McGlade arrived in the Nsukka area in 1941. At that time, Enugu-Ezike was a vast, difficult terrain with minimal infrastructure. As the pioneer Parish Priest of St. Mary's Ogrute, he undertook the colossal task of evangelizing a people deeply rooted in traditional religion.
His strategy was twofold: Presence and Education. He did not govern from a distance. He trekked from Ogrute to the hinterlands of Umuida, Amufie, and Ette. In each station, he planted two things simultaneously: a Church and a School. He understood that to secure the future of the faith, he had to secure the minds of the young.
The Concept of "McGlade's Forestry"
Historians and theologians now refer to his work as "McGlade's Forestry." This metaphor describes the dense "forest" of indigenous vocations—Priests, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood—that grew from the seeds he planted. He actively sponsored the education of local boys, identifying early vocations and shielding them from the distractions of the time.
A Legacy Challenged
Today, the forestry planted by Fr. McGlade faces modern threats. As observed by contemporary scholars (e.g., Prof. Agbedo), the region battles new vices: syncretism, neo-paganism, and social unrest.
The history of Fr. McGlade challenges the current generation of ECRAA members. His model was not passive; it was confrontational against darkness yet compassionate towards the people.
Citation: ECRAA Media. (2023). Historical Profile of Rev. Fr. Desmond McGlade CSSp. ECRAA Archives.