Priestly Ordination of Deacons Yisi and Yongyee

Deacon Ezekiel Banla Yisi and Deacon Evans Bongwunyuy Yongyee will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome to attend.

The Sacred Order of the Priesthood will be conferred by the Most Reverend George Nkuo, Bishop of Kumbo, in the presence of the Most Reverend James T. Ruggieri, Bishop of Portland. The two deacons are from the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon but are being cosponsored by the Diocese of Portland and graduated in May from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following ordination, the deacons will first serve in the Diocese of Portland before returning to their homeland.

In addition to the Mass of Ordination, a Holy Hour & Solemn Vespers to pray for those to be ordained will be held on Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Hour will also be an opportunity to pray for an increase in priestly vocations.