Fr. Samuel Jandeh, V.C.

Parochial Vicar

Born November 6,1978 and raised in Nigeria, Fr. Jandeh, 46, was the second of nine children born to Mr. & Mrs. Iorchugh John Jandeh. Both his mother and father are living as are five brothers and three sisters (all now adults) in Nigeria. According to African culture, Father’s extended family (comprised of many uncles, aunts, cousins) is equally dear to him.

Educated in Catholic schools through elementary and high school, Fr. Jandeh was influenced and inspired by parish priests and nuns. His sense of awe, devotion to worship and appreciation/reverence for the Mass first came about as an altar server. He loved ringing the bells and swinging the thurible! From age 12, he wanted to be like the priests he knew in his parish and schools.

His high school principal, Very Rev. Angus Fraser CSSp was also the Founder of the Via Christi Society*, the religious congregation to which Fr. Jandeh belongs. Via Christi in Latin means Way of Christ. Fr. Fraser was very influential in guiding young Samuel’s vocation – steering him from the study of the sciences with a path to becoming either a doctor or pharmacist – to seriously considering study for the priesthood.

Fr. Jandeh attended two seminaries in Nigeria – St. Thomas Aquinas Major in Makurdi, Benue State in 2001 – 2003 where he attained a degree in Philosophy, followed by the National Missionary Seminary of St. Paul in Gwagalada, Abuja from 2005 – 2009 where he earned a B.Th in Theology.

He was ordained on July 11, 2009; Fr. Jandeh will celebrate the 15th year anniversary of his ordination next month!

In addition to his new duties as Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle parish, Fr. Jandeh will continue as the Local Superior of the Via Christi Society here in the U.S. In this role he helps coordinate any "business transactions" that are VC-related on behalf of the Superior General of the Order who resides in Nigeria (where their Mother House and Houses of Formation are located.) There are presently 23 Via Christi Fathers serving in the United States - in Phoenix, Las Cruces, San Francisco, Spokane and Milwaukee; 10 serve the Diocese of Tucson!

Fr. Jandeh came to the U.S. in 2012 – at the request and arrangement of Bishop Gerald Kicanas - and has served the Arizona parishes of St. Patrick in Bisbee (2012 – 2015); St. Francis of Assisi in Superior (2015- 2022) and St. Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista (2022 – 2024).

Fr. Jandeh’s favorite priestly ministries are celebrating the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, journeying with others through counseling and preaching (because faith comes from hearing. Romans 10:17.) Regarding his homily style, Father has been told it is direct, truthful and relatable!

Among his favorite Catholic seasons/traditions are Holy Week, Catholic iconography, Gregorian chants and liturgical decorum. He has special affection for St. Augustine of Hippo because of his real-life struggles and triumph over them; Pope St. John Paul II, the only saint who lived during Father’s lifetime, St. Cardinal John Henry Newman, whose intelligence and search for truth resulted in his pursuit of and subsequent conversion to the authentic, Catholic faith, and St. Teresa of Avila who wisely said, “God along suffices.”

Fr. Jandeh’s ‘best’ priest day involves praying the Liturgy of the Hours, celebrating Mass, doing office work and working out (running.) When he is not engaged in his ‘priestly’ duties Father enjoys traveling, visiting new places, studying and making new friends. On his travel bucket list are international destinations such as Dubai, Spain and the Philippines…or anywhere with an ocean nearby!

Fr. Jandeh’s recommended readings are broad; a few may be found here - https://www.statucson.org/fr-jandehs-suggested-reading-list.

Guiding scriptures/spiritual quotes that ‘ground’ him are:

I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. For I know him in whom I have believed.
2 Timothy 1:12
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.
Romans 8:28
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

When asked what he would like his new parishioners to know about him as he begins his assignment at St. Thomas where he looks forward to growing in Christ with new friends, he replied:

“I want all of you to know that I am here to serve you, following the lead of my Lord and Master who came not to be served but to serve…Whether you attend Mass in person or through social media platforms or you are homebound, know that I care about you and am here for you! Do not hesitate to reach out to me for anything you need for your spiritual enhancement.”

FYI, Father’s preferred method of engagement is in-person. Second is phone. Third is email.

*The Via Christi Society is a public association which aspired to become a clerical Society of Apostolic Life of Diocesan Right. By the bond of promise, the members of the society undertake the observance of evangelical counsels of perfect chastity in celibacy apostolic obedience, and simplicity of life in imitation of Christ. The members strive for the perfection of charity in the service of God’s kingdom though living the fraternal life in community.

The Society’s purpose is the daily sanctification of its members through prayer in intimate union with our blessed Lord Jesus Christ offering of daily works as sacrifice to God, and the joyful proclamation of the gospel as Christ did.

Via Christi's charism is the imitation of Christ by following the Way of the Cross.