Father Godswill Agbagwa Meets Spiritual Needs at the Jenkins Senior Living Community

With a first name of Godswill, there really isn’t a more fitting profession than that of priesthood, which is the exact road that Father Godswill Agbagwa decided to take. As the Chaplain for the Jenkins Senior Living Community in Catonsville, Father Godswill tends to the spiritual welfare of the residents and their families as well as employees.  He celebrates mass daily in the St. Elizabeth chapel, delivers the sacraments to the elders, teaches spirituality classes to the residents, and regularly meets with families.

“Father Godswill is very gentle, approachable and soft-spoken. He meets a great spiritual need here on the campus and we’re grateful to have him,” says Joan Sibley, director of Elder Life.

Originally from Nigeria, Father Godswill says he always knew he would become a priest. He entered the seminary at age 12. He received a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit  and is currently working on a Doctorate Degree in Ethics/Moral Theology at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC.  He began working for Catholic Charities  in 2008. 

“I always had a desire to work with seniors. In Africa, I grew up with my grandparents and uncles and have always been comfortable with seniors. They are very loving, friendly, and humorous. Each moment I spend with them is wonderful,” he says.

Listening to their stories are what Father Godswill most enjoys about his time with them. “I’ve learned so much about American history from talking to  them. They are such good storytellers and their stories are treasures to me. I am able to connect with them even more as I learn their own stories.”

When asked about his name, Father Godswill laughs. It is a question he is asked daily. His name is a prophecy by his grandfather who told his father that his first child would be a boy, his second would be a girl and his third child would be a boy and he would become a priest. When Father Godswill was born following the birth of his oldest brother and older sister, his father believed it was the will of God and thus gave his new son his name.  However, not until he was 29 years old and was about to be ordained as a priest did his family tell him this story. 

“I just thank God that I have the opportunity to do what I love doing. This is a home for me and I love it here,” he says.

Jenkins Senior Living Community

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