21 November 2023
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dear St. Brendan and S.t Richard Parishioners,

Last August I was informed by the Diocese that a missionary priest from Cameroon in West Africa, would be assigned as Parochial Vicar to both St. Brendan and St. Richard. Since the Diocese has never worked with the immigration process from Cameroon to the United States, I was told he was coming anytime from fall, 2023 to spring, 2024.

There will be ten other missionary priests coming into the Cleveland Diocese from various locations in Africa and the Philippines to be assigned to Cleveland parishes and hospitals. I attended a Diocesan meeting on November 3 regarding making the priest's transition from his culture to ours more comfortable. I also learned at this meeting that his name is Fr. Dinyuy Paul Wirsiy (Fr. Paul). He resides in Mamfe, South West Region, Cameroon. He is 42 years old, and has been a diocesan priest for twelve years. He has worked in various ministries of parish life, Catholic education, vocation work, and administration. His arrival status was still unknown.

On Monday, November 20, I was emailed, through the Cleveland Diocese, Fr. Paul's flight itinerary. He will be arriving late on Monday, November 27. He will reside at St. Brendan rectory.

His only ministry and work for the next five years will be an assigned Parochial Vicar to both St. Brendan and St. Richard Parishes.
Please welcome Fr. Paul to our communities. There will be ample time to come to know him and learn from him and he from us. Please be patient with his transition from his culture to our own. From what I understand, this is his first time in the United States. I hope you share my excitement that he will be with us to share his priestly ministry.

I live for Jesus Christ,
Fr. Tom Pastor/Administrator