The Catholic Archbishop of Louisville Archdiocese, Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, has named Nigerian priest Fr. John ‘Segun Odeyemi from the Ilorin Diocese as the new director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry.
According to the statement, Fr. Odeyemi will join the staff in August, taking over from M. Anette Mandley-Turner, who led the office for over thirty years.
The statement clarified that “The Office of Multicultural Ministry provides leadership and direction for the Archdiocese of Louisville on matters related to cultural diversity.
“It is a resource to parishes, schools, and pastoral leaders to ensure a multicultural perspective in the activities of local faith communities. The director of the office serves as a liaison to the various cultural communities within the archdiocese.”
Ordained in 1994, Father Odeyemi came to the U.S. in 2010 to further his studies. Most recently, he’s been part of the faculty at Xavier University of Louisiana, contributing to the Institute of Black Catholic Studies, and has also helped out at parishes in Pittsburgh and New Orleans.
A published author of several books and numerous articles, he’s an active member of the Catholic Theological Society of America.
In the Diocese of Ilorin, he served as a pastor, dean of studies at St. Peter the Apostle Seminary, president of the presbyterial council, and as a consultor.
Alongside his seminary training, he earned an M.A. in religion and religious education from Fordham University and a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Duquesne University.
Until his new appointment begins, Vice Chancellor Dr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon will serve as temporary director, with Father William Bowling assisting at the Catholic Enrichment Center.
