Historic First: Banjul Diocese Ordains Five Priests

Ordained Priests

By Edward Francis Dalliah

In a momentous celebration of faith and vocation, the Diocese of Banjul ordained five Gambian priests on Saturday, 10th May 2025, an event of historic significance. This marks the first ordination of its kind since Gambians began receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders forty years ago.

The ordination Mass, presided over by Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel Mendy, C.S.Sp, occurred at St. Therese’s Lower Basic School in Kanifing and drew hundreds of faithful from across the country. Since its first ordination in 1985, the Diocese has ordained about 40 Gambians, five of whom have passed away.

This occasion represents a historic milestone for the Catholic Church in The Gambia, as it is the first time in the diocese’s history that five local men have been ordained together. The newly ordained priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Karbo, Rev. Fr. Michael Gabbidon, Rev. Fr. Felix Boissey, Rev. Fr Paul Donko and Rev. Fr. Sutty Jaata, each completed years of theological study, pastoral training, and spiritual formation.

Now ordained, these five young men will celebrate the Holy Mass and lead other religious activities. The ordination ceremony was a deeply moving and joyful event, marked by a solemn liturgy, uplifting choir performances, and the profound rite of the laying on of hands, symbolising the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the ordinands.

In his homily, Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel Mendy emphasised themes of unconditional obedience and availability in service to Christ and His Church. He stated, “The vocation and mission of priests and religious, after their ordination or profession, is to serve Christ and the Church wholly and unreservedly. The Church expects them to be celebrants, detached from worldly distractions, offering their lives in service to God and His faithful people.”

For many in attendance, including families, religious communities, and parishioners from across the nation, the ordination was a source of deep inspiration and renewed faith. The ceremony was also livestreamed via social media, allowing Catholics in the Gambian diaspora and beyond to participate virtually.

This group of five now joins the growing number of indigenous clergy in a country where local vocations have been steadily increasing, an encouraging sign of a maturing and vibrant church in The Gambia. The event also recalls a similar milestone 28 years ago when four Gambians were ordained together, a record now surpassed.

Ordained Priests

A History of Early Local Clergies

As the Diocese of Banjul celebrates this historic ordination, it is important to reflect on the journey of the Catholic Church in The Gambia and the significant role played by early Gambian priests in shaping the local clergy. A publication by the Point Newspaper reveals that the first Gambian priests were ordained outside the shores of the country, marking a significant moment in the development of local vocations.

Fr. Gabriel Samba was the first Gambian to be ordained a priest in 1869, followed by Fr. Joseph Charles Mendy, who was ordained in 1924. Fr. Mendy holds the distinction of being the first Gambian priest to have received his formation and ordination locally, a milestone in the history of Gambian Catholicism. Later, in October 1933, Fr. Thomas Gregory Jobe was ordained a priest. These early ordinations paved the way for future generations of Gambian priests, and though they faced challenges, their faith and perseverance laid the foundation for the vibrant and growing local clergy that we see today.

Fewer Priests Worldwide, With A Slight Increase in Africa

As the Catholic Church in The Gambia celebrates the ordination of these five new priests, it is important to recognise the broader global context in which this milestone occurs. According to Vatican News, across the Catholic world, the number of priests has been declining in many regions. At the end of 2023, there were 406,996 priests worldwide, marking a decrease of 734 compared to the previous year, or 0.2%. However, the situation in Africa is notably different, with the number of priests increasing by 2.7%. This growth contrasts sharply with the declining number of priests in regions like Europe (1.6%), Oceania (1.0%), and the Americas (0.7%).

In light of this global trend, the ordination of five Gambian men is even more significant. It highlights the resilience and vitality of the Church in Africa and specifically in The Gambia, where local vocations continue to rise. The growth of the local clergy in the Diocese of Banjul offers hope that the Gambian Church, much like the wider African continent, will continue to be a source of strength for the global Catholic community, even as other regions face challenges related to the diminishing number of priests.

Looking to the Future

As the newly ordained priests prepare to begin their pastoral ministries, the Catholic community remains united in prayer and gratitude for their generous response to God’s call. Their ordination not only enriches the spiritual fabric of the nation but also affirms the Church’s enduring mission: to form servant-leaders grounded in faith, love, and truth.