In 2012, during my Spiritual Year formation – a period of intensive spiritual preparation, Msgr. Jerome Madueke served as the moderator for one of our seminars. We had looked forward to his coming with great anticipation. On the scheduled day, he arrived at the Obiefuna Auditorium at Fides Media, we were already seated.
With calm confidence, he connected his laptop to the projector and began teaching. His topic was “Conversion.” From the moment he began to speak, we were swept up in the force of his delivery—the depth of his thought and passion captivated us entirely. Msgr. Jerome did not just teach; he performed the message. At intervals, he would stride across the auditorium with clenched fists, stamping feet, conducting hands, sudden turns, and knocks on the table and available chairs.
Sometimes, he paused, bowed his head, and stared thoughtfully into space—then swiftly turned back to the projector, launching into a story that illuminated his point. His style was magnetic. When he taught, everything else—time, hunger, distraction—seemed to disappear. Not even the lack of materials could interrupt his flow.
One story that illustrates his intensity was told by Fr. Robert Anagboso. While presenting a paper at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, during a weekend event, the lights suddenly went out. It was night, and the auditorium was plunged into darkness. Remarkably, Msgr. Jerome continued delivering his presentation flawlessly, without hesitation or repetition, for nearly ten minutes until the lights returned.
The students were stunned by his command of the material; filled with admiration, they applauded him. Oblivious to the cause of their applause, he simply urged them to listen attentively, saying he still had more to share.
In the same vein, the then Rev. Fr. Dr. Oliver Onwubiko (fondly called Oo Oo), appreciating Msgr. Jerome, would exclaim: “This is the Jerome of our time!” Indeed, being around Monsignor Jerome meant you had to listen—his words commanded attention.
Msgr. Jerome laid the foundation for what we now know as Fides Media. There, he was not just a director—he was everything: writer, typesetter, editor, photographer, videographer, translator, proofreader, sound mixer, documentary maker. Those who worked with him often said, “The light in his house never went off.” Whether editing news articles or composing music tracks, he was constantly immersed in creative work, tirelessly seeking beauty and meaning—even in places others overlooked.
He was, truly, a man searching for the Priceless Pearl. Msgr. Jerome also contributed deeply insightful reflections to the back page of Fides Weekly Bulletin. These short writings, produced between 2012 and 2015, were rich in theology, pastoral warmth, and spiritual depth. Many readers purchased the Bulletin just to read his reflections. Re-reading them today rekindles the experience of sitting under his teaching—soul-stirring, intelligent, and nourishing.
The idea of compiling these reflections into a book began years ago. I discussed it with Msgr. Jerome while I was in my second year of Theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. As was typical of his humility, he was hesitant. It was only after I assured him that the publication could serve as a tool for evangelization that he began to warm up to the idea. Unfortunately, the project never came to life before his passing on July 29, 2025. But in death, his voice still calls.
The desire to share his wisdom with the wider world grew stronger—not only in me, but in many others. Priceless Pearls: Reflections on the Readings of the Sunday Liturgy by Msgr. Jerome Ndubuisi Madueke is the result of that collective yearning. What you now hold in your hands was compiled within a short time, but only through the generous support and encouragement of many good and godly individuals.
In preserving the authenticity of these reflections, I made a conscious choice: nothing was edited or reworked. I tried to maintain one of the cardinal rules in book publishing: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sundays that appeared missing or titles that seemed unclear were left as they originally appeared.
Monsignor Jerome’s voice was consciously preserved. The reflections have been thoughtfully arranged according to the liturgical cycles—Years A, B, and C—so that readers, preachers, and pastoral workers can draw from them in step with the Church’s calendar. The choice of the title of this collection was influenced by the endearing words of Matthew 13:44-46 which is the gospel reading of 30 July, 2025, a day after the death of Msgr. Jerome.
That day, I celebrated the Mass at the ‘Fathers’ Chapel’ at Fides Media, Okpuno which Msgr. Jerome had lavishly but liturgically equipped. As I read and meditated on Matthew 13:45-46, I imagined that this Gospel episode must have shaped the life of Msgr. Jerome. He was a merchant in search of priceless pearls. Thus, I consider the reflections here as priceless pearls and the outcome of a lifelong search and the enduring legacy of a priest who has gone home to the Father, the Priceless Pearl.
This posthumous publication, Priceless Pearls: Reflections on the Readings of the Sunday Liturgy by Msgr. Jerome Ndubuisi Madueke is both a tribute and a treasure. It preserves the voice and vision of a priest whose preaching touched lives, stirred hearts, and shaped minds. This collection offers readers a window into the theological depth and pastoral zeal of a man wholly devoted to proclaiming the Gospel.
This publication is more than a collection of sermons. It is a living legacy—one that echoes the voice, wisdom, and burning zeal of a priest who gave everything to proclaim the Word. It is my humble offering to ensure that the mission he lived so passionately continues: to inspire, to teach, to awaken faith, and to lead souls to God.
This book stands not only as a lasting memorial of Monsignor Jerome but also as a continuation of his pastoral mission—nurturing the faith of God’s people through the Word he so lovingly proclaimed.
Constantine Echichechi Okoli (Rev. Fr.)
Phone: 08160424329
Email: constantineokoli@yahoo.com
