Bishop Ruggieri announces new priest assignments

His Excellency Bishop James T. Ruggieri has announced the following new priest assignments, effective June 1, 2026.

Reverend Ezekiel Banla Yisi has been appointed as parochial vicar for St. Agnes Parish in Island Falls, St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton, and St. Benedict Parish in Benedicta. Father Yisi was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23 and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Portland and the Diocese of Kumbo in his native Cameroon. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Father Yisi is familiar with two of the parishes, having had a summer assignment at St. Agnes and St. Mary of the Visitation while at seminary.

Reverend Evans Bongwun-nyuy Yongyee has been appointed parochial vicar for St. John Paul II Parish in Scarborough. Father Yongyee was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23 and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Portland and the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon, his native country. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Father Yongyee already celebrated Mass at one of the churches of the parish, having chosen St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough for his Mass of Thanksgiving the day after his ordination.