By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — After eight years of ministry in Canada, Father Joseph Gyim-Austin will return to his home country of Ghana this summer.

The Catholic priest has served parishioners in the Sacred Heart pastoral region — which includes churches in Davidson, Kenaston, Elbow and Outlook — since December 2008.

Father Joseph, 64, will continue his ministry in his home diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, where he was ordained in 1981.

After working in Ghana for 17 years, he spent three years in the Aberdeen diocese in Scotland, then came west to Wausau, Wis., in 2001.

He said he witnessed his first snow in Scotland, and after seven years in Wisconsin he was well acquainted with winter weather.

“Saskatchewan has its own weather,” said Father Joseph. “I didn’t have any problem with it, as long as I was able to drive.”

He arrived in Saskatoon in May 2008, spending six months at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, then began his ministry here on Boxing Day of that year.

The priest said he had initially been assigned to Sacred Heart for five years, which was later extended by another three years.

He has visited his home country several times since coming to Davidson. Most recently he was home in 2014 for the installation of a new bishop.

Returning to Ghana had been on his mind, said the priest, adding that the opportunity was there for him when he decided he wanted to go home.

For the full story, see the May 30 edition of The Davidson Leader, or phone 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.