New Priest Assignments
“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“May the blessing of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whose nativity we just celebrated, be with you as we enter the New Year. We have both news of sadness and joy to share with you today. In April 2023, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced unanticipated changes in the processing of extensions for work visas for our priests from foreign lands. As a result, some of them, particularly any newly arriving extern priests, will have to return home after five years of ministry; whereas, previously, they could apply for indefinite extension. The current rules require these priests who are here on a religious ministry visa to return home for a year and then they may apply to return. To our great sadness, Fr. Divine Ekebe is one of those who falls under this new requirement. Despite diligent efforts, we were not able to secure an extension of his current visa. He will need to return home to Nigeria. I want to publicly thank Fr. Divine for the ministry that he has given to the faithful of the Diocese of Gallup over the past five years. He has been a faithful spiritual father to the people entrusted to his care and he will be missed. If it fits his desires and those of his bishop, we intend to initiate a petition for his return after a year’s absence as the current rules require.
“I welcome Fr. Sandeep-Reddy Kommareddy from the Diocese of Gunter in India. His bishop has graciously granted that he come and share his ministry with us. He has been assigned to serve as the Pastoral Administer for the parishes of Immaculate Conception in Cuba, NM, St. Francis in Lumberton, N.M. and St. Anthony in Dulce, N.M. Please welcome him to the Diocese.
“We are also pleased to announce the assignment of Father Kingsley Ijeomo, as Parochial Vicar of Santo Niño de Atocha Parish in Aragon, New Mexico, and Sacred Heart in Quemado, NM with the Pastoral care in the Missions in Reserve, Datil, San Isidro, Horse Springs and Glenwood. Fr. Kingsley comes from the Diocese of Okigwe in Nigeria. I am grateful for his service and to his bishop.
“Please keep Fr. Divine Ekebe, Fr. Sandeep-Reddy Kommareddy and Fr. Kingsley Ijeomo in your prayers as they prepare for these transitions.
“Sincerely yours in Christ,
“James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup”
2024 Jubilee Celebration
You Are Invited – St. Mary’s Food Bank & Kayenta Community Conversation!
School Job Openings
1. K-8 Teacher, St. Anthony School in Show Low, AZ. More info here.
2. St. Joseph School in San Fidel, NM. More info here.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage with Fr. Peter Short, June 24-29
“For pilgrims who wish to take a spiritual journey close to home, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage tour offers a pilgrimage experience to Mexico without the jetlag of traveling to Europe or the Holy Land. Mexico City is home to some of the most beautiful churches and shrines in all of the Americas.”
The Friday news roundup presents a quick overview of Catholic stories and events from around the Diocese of Gallup, United States, and world. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email [email protected], call 505-863-4406 or mail us at PO Box 1338, Gallup NM 87305.