Meet the Chaplain of St. Christopher Hospital Annune: Rev. Fr. Matthew Terh Ager
At the heart of St. Christopher Hospital Annune is not only medical excellence but also spiritual and administrative guidance, delivered with compassion and dedication. Leading these efforts is Rev. Fr. Matthew Terh Ager, the hospital’s Chaplain and Financial Administrator, whose life and work inspire patients, staff, and the community alike.
Early Life and Family Background
Fr. Matthew Terh Ager was born on April 20th into the Ager Swande family in Benue State. Raised in a devout Catholic household in Vandeikya Local Government, he was immersed in faith, service, and community values from a young age. His parents instilled in him the importance of living a life dedicated to helping others, shaping a character rooted in compassion and leadership.
Education and Vocation
Fr. Matthew’s academic journey began at RCM Primary School Ihugh in 2000, later transferring to Iortyer Model Nursery Primary School Vandeikya, where he completed his primary education in 2006. He then attended St. James Minor Seminary, Yandev Gboko for his secondary education from 2006 to 2012. It was during these formative years that he discovered his deep calling to the priesthood, nurtured by mentors and a supportive community of seminarians..
In 2014, Fr. Matthew began his Spiritual Year at St. Charles Lwanga Preparatory Seminary, Makurdi, before advancing to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, for his major seminary formation in Philosophy and Theology. His dedication and zeal for understanding faith in practical life led him to earn a B.A in Philosophy (2018) and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (2023) from the prestigious Urbanian University, Rome.
Diaconate and Further Studies
On December 29, 2022, Fr. Matthew was raised to the Order of Diaconate by Most Rev. William A. Avenya, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, following glowing recommendations from the seminary and his community. After his diaconate year, he furthered his education in Healthcare System Management and Financial Management at CORAT Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, equipping him with the skills to address health and financial challenges in both the Church and wider community.6
Ministry and Leadership at St. Christopher Hospital Annune
Today, Rev. Fr. Matthew Terh Ager serves as the Chaplain and Financial Administrator of St. Christopher Hospital Annune and the local parish, offering patients not just spiritual guidance but hope, comfort, and encouragement. His dual role allows him to ensure that the hospital operates efficiently while maintaining a compassionate, patient-focused environment.
Fr. Matthew’s journey reflects a life dedicated to faith, education, service, and leadership. He embodies the mission of St. Christopher Hospital Annune: providing holistic care that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Patients and staff alike find inspiration in his unwavering commitment to serve, making the hospital not just a place of healing, but a home of hope, faith, and excellence.
About St. Christopher Hospital Annune
St. Christopher Hospital Annune is dedicated to offering exceptional healthcare while fostering spiritual and emotional well-being. With leaders like Rev. Fr. Matthew Terh Ager, the hospital continues to provide care that is compassionate, holistic, and life-changing.