By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski (second from right) applauds as Father Fidelis is named pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Miami Gardens June 22, 2025. Accompanying Archbishop Wenski are, from left, Spiritan Fathers Fidelis Nwankwo and Francis Akwue and another archdiocesan priest.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Spiritan Father Fidelis Nwankwo sign documents declaring Father Nwankwo the new pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Miami Gardens, as Father Agustin Estrada, secretary of the archbishop, looks on June 22, 2025.
MIAMI GARDENS | Eight years after Archbishop Thomas Wenski appointed Spiritan Father Fidelis Nwankwo as administrator of St. Philip Neri Church, it was time to give the Nigerian priest a much-deserved title: pastor of the Miami Gardens church.
Even though it took a while, “Father Fidelis recently wrote me a letter asking me to make him your pastor,” said Archbishop Wenski. “Although, the job description is the same, it’s time for him to become your pastor,” said Archbishop Wenski. “He has been your shepherd, preacher, teacher. Today, we install Father Fidelis as your pastor. Father Fidelis, love your people with a shepherd’s heart.”
St. Philip Neri Parish has been through many changes in its 71 years. It was one of several churches that closed in 2009 when the Archdiocese of Miami was facing financial challenges. Parishioners prayed and urged Archbishop Wenski to reopen the predominantly black church in Bunche Park. In 2011, their prayers were answered. The archbishop appointed Msgr. Chanel Jeanty as pastor. He served until 2017 when Father Nwankwo took on the role of administrator.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski celebrates Mass with Spiritan Father Fidelis Nwankwo. During the Mass Archbishop Wenski installed Father Nwankwo as pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Miami Gardens, June 22, 2025.
“We thank God for the gift of Father Fidelis,” the archbishop said.
Father Nwankwo's journey to this significant moment has been marked by his unwavering dedication and commitment to his congregation. His deep understanding of the community's needs and his compassionate leadership have garnered respect and admiration from parishioners and fellow clergy alike.
Kim Roy, a member of the church financial council, said the church has experienced many challenging times. During the past eight years, “Father Fidelis has cared for and guided his flock. He has provided vision and direction,” she added.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Sister Mary Angela Ogoke, a Daughter of Mary Mother of Mercy claps to the music during Mass at which Archbishop Thomas Wenski installed Spiritan Father Fidelis Nwankwo as the pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Miami Gardens, June 22, 2025.
“When we are faced with uncertain times, he reminds us to hold on to our faith in God,” Roy said. “He is dedicated to his calling and the teachings of our faith. During several of his homilies, he would tell us to open our song book to #303. We would all join in to sing one of his favorite hymns, “Because He Lives.”
Like the church’s patron saint, St. Philip Neri- a 16th century Christian missionary who founded the Congregation of the Oratory in Rome and is the patron saint of humor and joy- Father Nwankwo enjoys having fun. Parishioners also celebrated their patron saint’s feast day, May 26, at the installation Mass.
“He often asks us, ‘Are you happy? ‘Can you smile?’” Roy said. Father Nwankwo likes to tell jokes - and he laughs at his own jokes.”
Roy also said parishioners believe that God has great things in store for their community of faith.
“We believe that you, Father Fidelis, are a vital part of that divine plan,” Roy said adding, “We are so blessed that God has called you to serve here with us, and we receive you with open hearts and sincere love. Father Fidelis on behalf of entire church family, I want to say, congratulations and Welcome Home!”
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy clap and sing during Mass at which Archbishop Thomas Wenski installed Spiritan Father Fidelis Nwankwo as the pastor of St. Philip Neri Church in Miami Gardens, June 22, 2025.
Father Nwankwo was born and raised in Nigeria. He has three sisters and four brothers. He joined the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, (Spiritans) in Nigeria in 1985 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. He took courses in public administration and management in his native country. He moved to the United States in 2006 where he took a clinical pastoral education program and became a board-certified chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
Besides serving at St. Philip Neri Parish, Father Nwankwo has been an archdiocesan staff chaplain at Jackson Memorial Hospital since 2007 and the director of the archdiocesan Nigerian Apostolate since 2017. In 2011, he began studying at the nearby St. Thomas University (STU) where he received a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. In 2016, he obtained a doctoral degree from the practical theology program at STU.
