Gambia Mission History

MSP arrived in Gambia in September 1991.

The Gambia mission was opened in September 1991 by then the acting (AG) Superior, late Msgr. Godwin P. Akpan, MSP. As requested by the then bishop Cleary, CSSP of Banjul. At that time, only five young indigenous priests and about a dozen Holy Ghost priests. The majority of them were elderly. Today, the diocese has twenty-one indigenous priests, with a few urban parishes.

The diocese today has more than 20 indigenous priests, with a few Urban parishes 

HISTORY
 

The pioneer missionaries of St. Paul to the diocese of Banjul were Frs. Sam Offia and Augustine Inwang, in September 1991. A year after, late Msgr G. Akpan as the acting superior accompanied by late Fr. Joe Otoide (councilor) and Fr. Anselem Eke to sign the mission contract papers with Bishop Micheal Cleary, CSSP of the diocese of Banjul. A parish was chosen at North Bank region for primary evangelization by late Msgr. G. Akpan. St Michael’s parish, Njongon. Never did he know that it was meant for (the nursery not primary) evangelization. Fr. Sam Offia was made the parish priest and also the local superior of the new mission. Fr. Augustine Inwang assisted Fr. Offia briefly and later went to Banjul as assistant cathedral Administrator and a teacher in St. Augustine’s senior secondary school, Banjul. Njongon mission is a very challenging, stressful one. Later Fr Maurice Udo succeeded Fr. Offia. Then Fr. Anthony Mbanefo joined in the mission in November 30, 1994. He was later transferred to the resurrection parish at Brikama from Njongon after the death of Fr. White CSSP while driving. That was how MSP came to Brikama. Fr Mbanefo spent eight years in Brikama. On October 6^th, 2004. Fr. Francis Eyo and Fr Benedict D. Mba, MSP arrived at the Mission. Fr. Francis Eyo took over from Fr. Anthony Mbanefo of Resurrection Parish Brikama. Fr Benedict took over from Fr. Lawrence Ebuk, MSP, at St Michael parish Njongon. 

THE GAMBIA MISSION

This mission is in the diocese of Banjul. Gambia, in West Africa, a largely tourist country. According to the records of the 2003 national census, the population of the Gambia is 1.5 million people. The majority of this population are youths. On this number over 90% are Muslims and about 4% are Christians, and rest are adherents of African traditional religions.

The Gambian people are made up of many different tribes, these include Wollof, Fula, Mandinka, Jola, Serer, Mankanges, Manjagors, Keroninkas, Mankagne, Balantas, Maswankas among others. Christianity is more accepted among the minority tribes. These minority tribes make up the majority of the Catholic and Christian communities.

Christianity has played a major role in helping to empower the Gambian people, especially through Catholic education. Many in the political class were trained by early Irish CSSP missionaries. MSP Missionaries have also sponsored the education and vocational training of many other youths, a few of which have gone on to become nuns and priests. Through these and many other efforts, the missionary Society of St Paul has remained an agent of the liberating power of the gospel.

CULTURE AND LIFE STYLE
The Gambians are a united people, even though they come from many different backgrounds. So, when a foreigner shows acceptance and appreciation of the people and their culture he/she receives a warm welcome. Understanding this helps MSP in her Mission.