PROFILE OF THE BISHOP
Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Nanman Dachelem, CMF, was born on 3 June 1966. He is a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians). He made his First Religious Profession on 8 September 1988 and his Final Religious Profession on 13 September 1993, committing himself fully to the evangelical mission of the Church in the spirit of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
He was ordained a priest on 1 June 1995, after completing solid philosophical and theological formation. He studied philosophy at the Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Nekede, Owerri, affiliated with the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, graduating in 1991. He pursued theology at the Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu, affiliated with Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA, and completed his theological studies in 1995.
Driven by a desire to integrate pastoral ministry with sound leadership and administration, Bishop Dachelem undertook further studies in management and leadership. He obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management Technology (PMT) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1996–1997), followed by an MBA in Project Management Technology from the same institution (1997–2000). He later earned a PhD in political science from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, further equipping him for leadership in complex social and ecclesial contexts.
Deeply committed to spiritual formation and accompaniment, he pursued advanced studies in spirituality at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where he obtained both a Certification in Spiritual Direction and a Master’s Degree in Spirituality (2009–2014). This formation strengthened his ministry as a retreat director and spiritual guide to clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
Over the years, Bishop Dachelem has served the Church in various pastoral and administrative capacities. He worked as general bursar under different administrations of the Claretian Western Province and also served as parish priest in the Archdiocese of Owerri, as well as in the Shendam Diocese and the Jos Ecclesiastical Province. His pastoral contributions, both as a priest and now as a bishop, are numerous and far-reaching. He has conducted countless retreats, seminars, and spiritual formation programs, leaving a deep spiritual impact on individuals and communities.
On 31 May 2017, he was appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, and he was episcopally consecrated on 17 August 2017 by Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.
Bishop Dachelem’s episcopal motto, “God First” (Allah Farko), clearly expresses the guiding principle of his life and ministry. This conviction has shaped his worldview and sustained him through the challenges of pastoral leadership, helping him to navigate the often demanding realities of ministry with faith, courage, and hope.
His pastoral outlook has been deeply influenced by the life and charism of St. Anthony Mary Claret, the founder of the Claretian Missionaries, whose zeal for souls, love for the Word of God, and missionary dynamism continue to inspire his service to the Church. He is always seeking to place God at the center of all things and to foster faith, hope, and love in the hearts of those he serves.
