Message from Bishop John
July 2024
PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DANIEL FOSU
Bishop John Doerfler (center) presides at the ordination of four new priests for the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Ghana alongside Bishop Emeritus Joseph Osei-Bonsu (left) and Bishop John Opoku-Agyemang (right) on July 6, 2024. Bishop Doerfler and Frs. Timothy Ekaitis and Daniel Fosu traveled to Africa in July.
African Adventures
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
We are blessed to have many priests from other countries serving in the Diocese of Marquette. In fact, about thirty percent of the priests serving here are international priests. They offer not only fine priestly ministry, but also a taste of the universal Church. What a beautiful witness we have of the expression of the one Catholic faith in many cultures.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong has been very generous in offering priests to serve here, and he invited me to travel to his diocese to ordain his priests this year. Fr. Tim Ekaitis accompanied me on this journey, and we have just returned.
Throughout the trip we experienced overwhelming hospitality, and we witnessed a local Church that is young, energetic, devout. Our path in Ghana led to the three dioceses that have sent priests, to serve here: the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, the Archdiocese of Kumasi, and the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong. I had the privilege of visiting with each of the bishops, which served to deepen the bonds of fraternity in the Lord.
Of course, celebrating the ordination of priests was a privilege and heartfelt joy. You can view photos of the ordination and the trip here.
The ordination was also live-streamed. View archived video of the welcome address on YouTube here and additional videos of the ordination on Facebook here and here.
In sum, I am truly grateful for the privilege of an inspiring witness of a vibrant local Church, and I wish to offer a debt of gratitude to all our international priests. Thank you for making the sacrifice to leave your homeland and serve the people of the Diocese of Marquette.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
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