Gambia Gets New Catholic Priest

The Catholic Diocese of The Gambia was over the weekend blessed with another priest, ordained by his Lordship, Bishop Robert P. Ellison Cssp, at the Presentation of Mary Nursery School Grounds in Brikama.

Rev. Yenes Manneh was Saturday ordained to the presbyterate by Bishop Robert P. Ellison Cssp, at the Resurrection Parish in Brikama. Thousands of people including visitors from Guinea Bissau, Senegal and Ghana and the Minister of Local Government and Land, Hon Ishmaila Sambou, who represented the President, attended the ceremony.

Fr. Tony Mbanefor, Yenes' former Parish Priest was also present with several other priests.

Yenes Manneh, the new Priest was born to the late Raymond and late Jorsina Preirra on March 8, 1980 in Brikama Town. He attended Jamisa Primary and Bottrop Upper Basic School in Brikama, before getting admission to Saint Augustine's Senior Secondary School in June 2001.

Fr. Yenes Manneh while at school was involved in several youth activities, including Christian Student Movement where he rose through the ranks to become the President. He later left to enter the Junior Seminary in Lamin.

In October 2001, he entered the Major Seminary in Ghana for his spiritual year, which is another drive towards realising his dream. In September 2002, he entered the Philosophy House to study Philosophy for two years, before doing his theology course.

After the recommendations of his formators and his Bishop, on February 22, 2009, he was ordained Deacon and in June completed his studies.

According to those who know him, the young Priest is honest, hardworking and diligent.

After his ordination, Fr. Yenes Manneh, thanked all his formators, saying "I am thankful."

Meanwhile, he is posted at the Cathedral in Banjul.