The black priests of the Diocese of Camden were recognized on Sunday afternoon, April 18, a day that began with vespers in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, followed by a dinner in Cathedral Hall.
The event was sponsored by the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation, Black Catholic Ministry. The 20 black Catholic priests currently serving in the diocese are Msgr. Edward D. Alleyne; Father Bruno Dongo, A.J.; Father George Donkor-Tang; Father Rico Ducle, C.S.; Father John Onyeanu Ekeocha; Father Mike Steve Ezeatu; Father J. Overton Jones; Father Yvans Jazon; Father Aland Jean, C.I.C.M; Father Grace Manano; Father Gerard C. Marable; Father Alfred Mungujakisa; Father Robert Ngageno; Father. Laserian I. Nwoga; Father Joachim Oforchukwu, C.S.S.p; Father Alfred Onyutha; Father Vincent Orum, A.J.; Msgr. Leonard G. Scott; Father O. Hugh Stout; and Father Paul C. Wise.
Vespers were led by Deacon William G. Johnson and Deacon Vincent Okoro. Music was provided by the Diocesan Gospel Choir.
The keynote speaker at the dinner was Father George F. Kintiba, SVD. Also offering remarks were Msgr. Roger E. McGrath, Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia, and Brother Thomas Osorio, O.H., delegate for men religious for the diocese.
The master of ceremonies was Ricardo V. Taylor, mayor of Pennsauken, and a member of the Black Catholic Advisory Council.
Tributes to the priests were performed by singer Ann Harrison Evans, and St. Bartholomew Parish, Camden’s Akwaaba Prayer Group, an African dance ministry. James Watson, a postulant with the Capuchin Community of Philadelphia, prepared a visual presentation at the dinner.