Orientation week held for recently-arrived priests in the diocese of Saskatoon

A visit to the Wanuskewin Heritage Site and information about the history of Indigenous Peoples was part of a recent "Fidei Donum" orientation and enculturation program for priests who have recently arrived here from other countries. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Posted By: Kiply Lukan Yaworski April 1, 2022

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Information about culture, ministry, services, safeguarding, diocesan structures and community supports were part of a full week of “Fidei Donum” enculturation and orientation for priests from other countries who have recently arrived to serve in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

The title “Fidei Donum” or “the Gift of Faith” hearkens back to a 1957 encyclical of Pope Pius XII seeking the cooperation of diocesan bishops to send priests to mission lands. The most recent arrivals of missionary priests to our diocese include priests from Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, who are assigned here in consultation with their bishops and dioceses.

A local volunteer committee provided input and assistance in planning the enculturation and orientation week March 7 to 11, working in collaboration with Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Fr. Peter Ebidero (who serves as the bishop’s Delegate for “Fidei Donum” priests), and Catholic Pastoral Centre Office Manager Heather Fiolleau. The orientation week included guest speakers, tours and social gatherings.

Participants included Fr. Prince Sarpong, the newest arrival (only two weeks before), as well as four other priests who have arrived in the diocese in recent months: Fr. Benjamin Ezekwudo, Fr. John Ezeoruonye, Fr. Jerome Ogunleye and Fr. Daniel Louh, SMA.

In addition to sessions on the Canadian context, liturgy, homiletics, practical living skills, ethical issues, administration and finance, the week included visits to Holy Cross Catholic High School, Wanuskewin Heritage Site and the Western Development Museum — including some time outdoors in very cold winter weather.

Participants also spent time with host families, sharing meals and building connections. A “Culture Night” March 10 featured home-cooked meals from different countries, shared by participants, committee members and hosts.

During celebration of Mass March 11, which was live-streamed from the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, the Bishop blessed the newly-arrived priests who have brought their “Gift of Faith” to share in the diocese of Saskatoon. (The Mass was live-streamed: LINK)

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