The Church has been in the forefront of human progress. The seed of faith was planted across planet earth by missionaries, watered by the sweat, blood and lives of devoted, dedicated ones who dared to confront the demons of uncharted paths. Those seeds sprouted, bloomed, and bore fruits. Like the mustard seed of the scripture parable, their branches are landing spots for birds; and their fruits provide food.

Missionary work in Africa was particularly hazardous. Spurred by faith, love and hope, there was no letting off. Today, the glorious fruit of their labour makes so much impact that we are tempted to think that it was such an easy task, a walk in the park.

Conversion, vocation, inculturation, not to mention education, social work, empowerment and healthcare, attended missionary work. Never to be discounted are the sacrifices of early indigenous helpers of missionaries. They assisted mission work in their roles as catechists, interpreters, guides, and sundry help. Some of the early vocations came from their families.

It is to the credit of these pioneers that Africa, confirmed as “missionaries to yourselves” by Pope Paul VI in 1969, has moved on to “bring the Gospel to the world.” African missionaries are to be found in distant parts of the world far from their homes. African priests, nuns, and lay missioners help in other dioceses of need in Africa, and in other parts of the world.

Missionaries from Africa not just work away from home, they are well regarded and given responsibilities at higher levels, where they perform creditably. A respectable number of African clergy work in the Roman Curia, some in very high positions. Bernadine Cardinal Gantin, Francis Cardinal Arinze, and Robert Cardinal Sarah served as heads of high level dicasteries. Cardinal Gantin was Dean of Cardinals. Some Africans are Papal Nuncio (envoys) to nations and international agencies.

In the United States of America, priests, and nuns from Africa work in many of the country’s 196 Dioceses. They are given high responsibilities, hold very high positions and are held in high regards.

Edward J Burns, Bishop of Dallas made a comment that should make Africans proud. The Bishop remarked that “We have some wonderful Nigerian priests collaborating with us in Dallas”. It proved to be not just a polite comment. It was a statement made not lightly, but in deep faith. He acted his words.

John Kelly, Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas also served as Vicar General. On 20 December 2024, Bishop Kelly was appointed Bishop of Tyler to take the place of Bishop Joseph Strickland and was installed on 24 February 2025.

Joseph Strickland had been removed as Bishop of Tyler for his open opposition to, and relentless criticism, of the reforms conducted by Pope Francis. An apostolic visitation of his diocese, followed with careful consideration by the Congregation for Bishops, concluded that Strickland’s continued governance of Tyler Diocese was unsustainable. His resignation was requested. Rather than resign, Strickland went public daring the Pope to remove him. The Holy Father obliged Strickland, removing him as Bishop of Tyler.

Back in Dallas and its Bishop. When Bishop Kelly left for Tyler in February 2025, the position of Vicar General became open in Dallas. It did not take Bishop Kelly long to make a choice. In April it was announced that the Bishop had appointed Fr. Arthur Unachukwu as Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, and Vicar for Clergy. Fr. Unachukwu has been a priest for 14 years but packs an impressive record of important assignments at both the Diocesan and national levels.

…… to be continued.

 

Ayo Fasoro

Non Sum Dignus