Our Boars Hill Community

Within our Boars Hill community, the friars observe a simple life of prayer and solitude, which are balanced with daily liturgy, work and love of neighbour. The friars offer a variety of retreats and courses, based mostly on Carmelite spirituality and the ancient tradition of prayer. Each friar at Boars Hill bring their own unique skill and spirituality to all their retreats and courses they offer.

Meet our Friars at Boars Hill

Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe, OCD

Kelvin is a Discalced Carmelite priest and Prior of Boars Hill Carmelite Priory, Oxford. He previously served as a formator at the International College of Formation in Rome, and continues as a formator on the CACS Spiritual Direction Formation Programme. He holds degrees in Philosophy, Theology and Formative Science from The Dominican Institute, Ibadan, Institut Catholique de Toulouse (Catholic University of Toulouse), and Epiphany Academy, Pittsburgh, respectively. Fr Kelvin is a trained pastoral supervisor, offering group and individual spiritual direction and supervision.

Fr Liam Finnerty,
OCD

Liam Finnerty, OCD, is a Carmelite priest with degrees in Theology and Social Work from Milltown Institute in Dublin and Glasgow University. With years of experience in the retreat ministry and mentoring, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his work. Additionally, he is a certified Pastoral Supervisor from the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice.

Fr Rathan Nicholas Almeida, OCD

Rathan Nicholas Almeida, OCD, is a Carmelite priest belonging to the Karnataka-Goa Province, India. He holds a Doctorate in Systematic Theology, specialising in Christology, from the University of Vienna, Austria. He is a Professor of Theology and is also involved in the Christian Formation Programmes. He contributes to theology and spirituality through his involvement in spiritual animation programmes. As the Deputy Director of CACS (Formation and Studies), he skilfully leads a variety of programmes and ministries, demonstrating both insight and precision in his work.

Fr Daniel Ehigie, OCD

Daniel Ehigie, OCD, is a Catholic priest. He has a licentiate in Carmelite Spirituality from CITES and has served as a Definitor within the General Government of the Discalced Carmelite Order in Rome. In this role, he assists the Father General in leadership, global governance, visitation of provinces, and administrative oversight across international jurisdictions. Presently, he is active in promoting the spiritual heritage of Carmel at the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality in Boars Hill, Oxford, where he continues to teach spirituality and Church History.

Fr Thaddeus Ekuma, OCD

Thaddeus Ekuma, OCD, is a Discalced Carmelite priest. He has served in key leadership and pastoral roles. He is currently the regional superior of the English Region. He also serves as a provincial Trustee and acts as the Safeguarding Lead for the Province, while supporting the formation and educational outreach of the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality.

Fr Alexander Ezechukwu, OCD

Alexander Ezechukwu, OCD, is a Carmelite priest and serves as the director of the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS), Oxford. He is a trained spiritual director and Pastoral Supervisor with many years of experience in spiritual guidance. He holds a Licence in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome.

 Fr Luke Dominic Onwe,
OCD

Luke-Dominic Onwe, OCD, is a Carmelite priest currently serving as the assistant director of CACS. With extensive experience as a formator and director, he is a skilled spiritual and retreat director. He holds a Licence in Systematic Theology and a Master’s degree in Spirituality, focusing on the Carmelite Tradition. Additionally, he is a certified Pastoral Supervisor from the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice, and he coordinates various programs at CACS.

Fr Savariyar Arockiasamy,
OCD

Savariyar Arockiasamy, OCD, is a Carmelite priest who has built a solid academic foundation. He holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology from India, an MA in English, and a Licentiate in Theology obtained in Spain. His diverse ministry encompasses various roles, including parish assignments, administrative responsibilities as a managing director and procurator, as well as international service. Additionally, he is fluent in Spanish, which further enriches his ministry.

Fr Chidiebere JohnBosco Ezeakacha, OCD

Chidiebere JohnBosco Ezeakacha, OCD, is a Discalced Carmelite Priest and a member of the Carmelite Priory, Oxford. He holds a degree in Philosophy and an STB in Catholic Theology from Blackfriars Studium in Oxford. He received training in Pastoral Supervision and was formed as a Spiritual Director in the Carmelite Tradition. Now, he serves in CACS in those capacities. He also serves as the Centre’s Head of Media and Publicity.

Fr Clement Obiorah,
OCD

Clement Obiorah, OCD, is a Carmelite priest residing at the Priory. He is involved with CACS as Director of Communications, member of the Safeguarding Team and formator. He is a certified Pastoral Supervisor from the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice.