My name is Fr. Damian Anumba, M.SS.CC. I’m originally
from Nigeria in West Africa. I’m the fourth child out of
the six that my parents had. All of my education from
elementary school, high school through my seminary studies
was done in Nigeria. I was ordained a priest under the religious
congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus
and Mary. The Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and
Mary was founded by Saint Gaetano Errico in 1836, Secondigliano Naples, Italy. As a religious congregation of priests and brothers, we are dedicated to serving the needs of God’s people while
witnessing the great love present in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus
and Mary. Our missionaries currently have communities in Italy,
Argentina, United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom,
India, Nigeria, Slovakia, Indonesia, and Columbia. In our foreign missions, our apostolates include religious education and
administering the sacraments in underserved areas; outreach
support for families through aid for viable housing, establishment of English-speaking schools, providing meals and clothing,
books, and study materials for needy students. Welcoming and
instructing new Catholics, working with youth in parishes, counseling families, and meeting the needs of the aged and infirm in
nursing and assisted living facilities, visiting prisoners, etc. ence, after my priestly ordination, I was assigned as an
administrator in one of our mission parishes, Holy Cross parish,
Ndegwu, Imo State, Nigeria. I worked in that parish for two
years. In 2017 I came to the United States and was assigned to
our community in Linwood, New Jersey, for my second missionary journey. It was really exciting and inspiring to work with people of various cultures and ideologies in New Jersey. Thus, after two years in New Jersey through the help and request from Bishop John, I came to the Lexington diocese in 2019 and was assigned as a parochial vicar at Christ the King Cathedral. During my time at Christ the King I was able and had the opportunity to study clinical pastoral education (CPE) at the University of KentuckyUK healthcare. It is going to be a new experience for me, but I know that with trust and faith in God’s providence we will have a wonderful experience of love and friendship. And, together, we can make known to all people the most ardent love of the Sacred Hearts in all corners and countries of the world. Personally, I enjoy sports such as table tennis (ping pong), basketball, and soccer. I enjoy reading philosophical books and good novels. I like to hike and go fishing. I like to travel, meet new people, experience new cultures, and enjoy the adventures God has in store for me. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Fr. Damian Amumba
Priest