A clergyman from St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Savannah, Georgia, has been chosen to join the Archdiocese of New York after leading the state’s oldest black Catholic congregation for 13 years.

This new assignment comes two weeks after Father Romanus Ezeugwu celebrated his silver jubilee, which marked 25 years of being a pastor. 

During a farewell celebration on Sunday, all church organizations came together to honor his years of commitment and leadership to the St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church community.

“Thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for all the support that I got in this parish,” Ezeugwu said. 

Parishioners said Father Ezeugwu was truly loved and will be missed.

“For your dedication to the youth of our parish over the past 13 years, we hold you in our hearts, pray for your success, and wish you the best as you continue serving the Lord’s people,” expressed Tristan Garvin in gratitude to Ezeugwu.

Rev. Father Anselm Eke, has been appointed as the new pastor at St. Benedict the Moor effective Oct. 1.