PRIESTS from Africa are beginning to settle into life in Fermanagh as the Diocese of Clogher brings in new recruits to help address the shortage of priests across the diocese.
Parishioners in Aghalurcher have recently welcomed Fr Brahms N. Awinnam from Ghana, who will reside in the parish until he is appointed to a parish within the diocese.
The parish has urged the local community to welcome the new priest and help him settle into life in the area.
A further 12 priests from overseas, mainly from Africa, are expected to arrive next month, as the Diocese continues to respond to the number of priests available to serve local communities.
New arrivals
Among those arriving will be Fr Polycarp Okolie from Nigeria, who will serve the parishes of Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea-Maguiresbridge.
Fr Vitus Adiita from Ghana will take up residence in the Fivemiletown-Brookeboro parish, while Fr Bartholomew Uzoma from Nigeria will become priest-in-residence in Enniskillen.
Fr Sylvester Chasweka, who is currently serving as a curate in Enniskillen, will take up a new role as priest-in-residence in Carrickmacross.
The arrival of the priests comes as parishes across Fermanagh and the wider Diocese of Clogher face increasing pressure caused by a shortage of clergy.
Bishop Duffy concedes it’s becoming more difficult to cope with the demand on the clergy.
“Each year, the diocesan changes become more and more challenging. This year is no exception,” he said.
“The task of providing a priest for each parish is very challenging and calls on us to look at different options for the short and medium term.
“We must seek out the gifts of priesthood and ministry from other parts of our church to help us here.”