Departure of Fr. Alphonsus Afina

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

22 April 2024

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

After many years of faithful service in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Fr. Alphonsus Afina will return to his home diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Fr. Alphonsus’ last day in the diocese is Tuesday, 23 April 2024.

Fr. Alphonsus served in Fairbanks, Nome, Kotzebue, Little Diomede, Teller, Saint Michael, Stebbins, and Unalakleet during his time in the diocese. I am grateful for his presence and the pastoral care he has provided since September 2017.

I would like to personally thank Fr. Alphonsus and his bishop for allowing him to minister in the Diocese of Fairbanks. I also want to thank the parish communities of the Seward Peninsula and Norton Sound, where Fr. Alphonsus has spent most of his time, for the support they have provided for him.

Fr. Alphonsus’ generosity in serving the people of God in the Diocese of Fairbanks has been a great blessing. Please keep him and his diocese in your prayers as he returns to Nigeria to lead the Diocese of Maiduguri’s first trauma treatment center for victims of terrorism.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Steven J. Maekawa, O.P.
Bishop of Fairbanks