Statement of the Diocese of Buffalo Regarding the Allegations and Arrest of Rev. Jeffrey Nowak

In the spirit of transparency and full cooperation with law enforcement authorities, the Diocese of Buffalo wishes to provide the following background concerning the status of Jeffrey Nowak as a suspended priest of the Diocese and further details relating to his removal from active ministry:

In 2019, the Diocese was advised of numerous complaints about Rev. Nowak.  None of the complaints included any allegation of inappropriate sexual contact, possession of child pornography or sexual abuse of a minor.  However, given clear evidence of inappropriate conduct of Jeffrey Nowak with adults, then-Bishop Richard Malone removed him indefinitely from active ministry in 2019.  The Diocese further required Rev. Nowak to engage in professional counseling which he repeatedly failed to do. In 2020, then-Apostolic Administrator Bishop Edward Scharfenberger reviewed Rev. Nowak’s circumstances and decided to remove him from the Office of Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians through a process required by canon law, despite the fact that he was on indefinite leave.

For a brief period, Rev. Nowak resided at the Bishop Head residence for retired priests, however, Rev. Nowak was not a “retired” priest but a priest whose faculties to function as a priest had been indefinitely suspended. Rev. Nowak subsequently moved to his parents’ home in Lackawanna.

Following Bishop Michael Fisher’s appointment to the Diocese of Buffalo in January 2021, Bishop Fisher personally met with Rev. Nowak, having reviewed details of his removal from active ministry, and informed Rev. Nowak that he would not consider reappointing him to a parish, nor allow him to function as a priest within the Diocese.  Bishop Fisher further made clear that he would advise against any other bishop or diocese accepting Rev. Nowak as a priest in their diocese, should he pursue that route.  Bishop Fisher encouraged Rev. Nowak to personally seek voluntary removal from the clerical state by the Vatican, a process known as “laicization.”  As there was no allegation of child sexual abuse or other criminal allegation, the Diocese had no grounds to petition the Vatican to remove Rev. Nowak from the clerical state against his will.

As required by canon law, the Diocese must provide some level of financial sustenance to priests of the Diocese, even if they have been removed from active ministry, though not formally removed from the clerical state.  As such, Rev. Nowak was provided a modest monthly stipend, considerably less than what an active priest receives, and also less than what a retired priest receives.

In light of the abhorrent criminal conduct recently alleged by federal investigators, the Diocese is no longer providing any financial support to Rev. Nowak, who remains incarcerated pending his trial.  Moreover, Bishop Fisher has now instructed the Diocese’s Judicial Vicar to gather the necessary documentation based on these latest allegations to petition the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to dismiss Jeffrey Nowak from the clerical state.

Priest Assignments and Pastoral Changes in the Diocese of Buffalo

The following clergy assignments have been announced by Bishop Michael W. Fisher and are effective on July 1, 2026 unless otherwise stated.

As of July 1, 2026, Family of Parishes #9 and #15 have been reconfigured and Family of Parishes #13 has been reinstated as follows:

Family of Parishes #9:

  • St. Mary of the Assumption, Lancaster
  • St. Martha, Depew
  • St. Philip the Apostle, Cheektowaga

Family of Parishes #13:

  • St. John the Baptist, Alden
  • St. Teresa of Avila, Akron
  • Our Lady of Peace, Clarence

Family of Parishes #15:

  • St. Mary, Swormville
  • Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Harris Hill
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bowmansville

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rev. Sebastian Aristizabal has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #3 (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Silver Creek and Holy Trinity, Dunkirk), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Holy Trinity, Dunkirk.

Rev. David D. Baker has been reappointed full-time Vocation Director and Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Buffalo, effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Mitch Byeck has been appointed Pastor of Family of Parishes #1 (Immaculate Conception, Wellsville), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Immaculate Conception, Wellsville.

Rev. George Devanapalle has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #9 (St. Mary of the Assumption, Lancaster; St. Martha, Depew; and St. Philip the Apostle, Cheektowaga), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Mary of the Assumption, Lancaster.

Rev. Jeffrey J. Donovan has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #36 (St. Joseph University, Buffalo and the Campus Ministry Parish), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Joseph University, Buffalo.

Rev. Thomas D. Doyle (retired) has been appointed to serve as the Bishop’s Liaison for Retired Priests, effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Peter Ekanem has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #8 (St. Josaphat, Queen of Martyrs, Resurrection and Our Lady Help of Christians, all in Cheektowaga), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Our Lady Help of Christians, Cheektowaga.

Rev. Daniel F. Fiebelkorn has been reappointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #3 (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Silver Creek and Holy Trinity Dunkirk), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Samuel T. Giangreco has been appointed Parish Administrator of Family of Parishes #34 (St. Peter, Lewiston and Immaculate Conception, Ransomville), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Peter, Lewiston.

Rev. James W. Hartwell has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #19 (Good Shepherd, Pendleton and St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville.

Rev. Mark Itua has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #4 (St. Patrick, Randolph; St. James, Jamestown; Sacred Heart, Lakewood; and Holy Apostles, Jamestown), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. James, Jamestown.

Rev. Michael J. Johnson has been appointed full-time Chaplain at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Timothy, Tonawanda.

Rev. Edward F. Jost has been appointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #13 (St. John the Baptist, Alden; St. Teresa of Avila, Akron; and Our Lady of Peace, Clarence), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. John the Baptist, Alden.

Rev. Ryan Keating has been reappointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #7 (Queen of Heaven, West Seneca; St. John XXIII, West Seneca; St. Gabriel, Elma; and St. John Vianney, Orchard Park), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Lukasz Kopala has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #28 (Nativity of Our Lord, Orchard Park; SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg; and St. Bernadette, Orchard Park), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg.

Rev. Aaron F. Kulczyk has been granted permission by Bishop Fisher to accept the position of Catholic Chaplain at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bowmansville.

Rev. Msgr. Paul A. Litwin has been reappointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #16 (St. Leo the Great, Amherst; St. Benedict, Eggertsville; Christ the King, Snyder; St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Cheektowaga; Infant of Prague, Cheektowaga; and SS. Peter & Paul, Williamsville), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Karl Loeb has been reappointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #6 (Immaculate Conception, East Aurora; Annunciation, Elma; and St. Vincent de Paul, Springbrook), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Johnson Machado has been reappointed as Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #29 (Most Precious Blood, Angola; St. Mary of the Lake, Hamburg; and St. John Paul II, Lake View), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Lathislaus B. Mariasoosai has been reappointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #35 (St. John de LaSalle, St. Vincent de Paul and Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, all in Niagara Falls), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Arthus E. Mattulke has been appointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #17 (Blessed Sacrament, Tonawanda; St. John the Baptist, Kenmore; St. Paul, Kenmore; St. Timothy, Tonawanda; and St. Stephen, Grand Island), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Blessed Sacrament, Tonawanda.

Rev. Romulo T. Montero has been reappointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #5 (St. Mary of Lourdes, Bemus Point; Christ Our Hope, French Creek; and St. Dominic, Westfield), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Daniel Ogbeifun has been appointed Pastor of Family of Parishes #13 (St. John the Baptist, Alden; St. Teresa of Avila, Akron; and Our Lady of Peace, Clarence), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Our Lady of Peace, Clarence.

Rev. Robert J. Orlowski has been reappointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #18 (St. Amelia, Tonawanda; St. Christopher, Tonawanda; and Our Lady of Czestochowa, North Tonawanda, St. Jude the Apostle, North Tonawanda), effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Mario O. Racho has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #28 (Nativity of Our Lord, Orchard Park; SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg; and St. Bernadette, Orchard Park), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg.

Rev. Donald R. Watkins has been appointed Pastor of Family of Parishes #35 (St. John de LaSalle, St. Vincent de Paul and Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, all in Niagara Falls), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at St. Vincent de Paul, Niagara Falls.

Rev. Christopher (CJ) Wild has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #1 (Immaculate Conception, Wellsville), effective July 1, 2026. He will reside at Immaculate Conception, Wellsville.

Rev. Robert A. Wozniak has been reappointed Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #19 (Good Shepherd, Pendleton and St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville), effective July 1, 2026.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rev. John W. Adams – retired as of June 30, 2026, but will continue as Coordinator of Healing Ministry programming

Rev. Joseph A. Walter – retired as of July 1, 2026:

Rev. Joseph Wolf – retired as of July 1, 2026:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rev. Victor Patricio-Silva, OMI – with the consent of Bishop Fisher, Father Patricio-Silva has been assigned by his Provincial as Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross, Buffalo. This was effective on May 15, 2026.

Rev. Walner David Diaz, CM – with the consent of Bishop Fisher, Father Diaz has been assigned by his Provincial to serve in Campus Ministry at Niagara University, effective July 6, 2026.

 

Pastor: A priest appointed by the bishop to serve as the spiritual leader and administrator of a Family of Parishes.

Parochial Vicar: A priest assigned by the bishop to assist the Pastor with specific delegated accountabilities and assigned responsibilities within a Family of Parishes. A parochial vicar shares in responsibilities such as celebrating Mass and the sacraments, preaching, visiting the sick, and supporting parish ministries under the direction of the Pastor.

Diocese of Buffalo Achieves Third Consecutive Clean Audit of Child Protection and Compliance Programs

The Diocese of Buffalo has achieved a clean audit for the third consecutive year, demonstrating full compliance with its Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults; its Priest Supervision Program; its Code of Conduct for personnel; and with respect to all 29 Commitments outlined in the Stipulated Final Order (SFO), a condition of the Diocese’s 2022 settlement with the New York State Attorney General. The full audit, covering the period from December 3, 2024 to December 2, 2025, can be accessed HERE.

Following a thorough, independent, and transparent review, the Auditor (representing the firm, Kinsale Management Consulting), determined that the Diocese remains in full compliance with each of the SFO’s 29 Commitments. The audit further confirmed that the Diocese has established and maintained effective internal controls, supported by appropriate oversight, management, and personnel, to ensure ongoing compliance across all aspects of its child protection and accountability programs.

The Auditor’s review examined the Diocese’s procedures from the receipt of an allegation of abuse through reporting to civil authorities, investigation and review of complaints by the Independent Review Board, priest assignments and transfers, and administration of the Diocese’s Priest Supervision Program.

In a letter accompanying the audit report, Bishop Michael W. Fisher noted that the Auditor found the Diocese had fully cooperated throughout the process and imposed no limitations on the independent review.

“The Diocese provided all of the information, pertinent documents, and access to all personnel necessary to conduct the audit,” Bishop Fisher said. “The Auditor and Independent Audit Team were able to independently examine every aspect of our compliance efforts and again confirmed that the Diocese is meeting each of the commitments required under the Stipulated Final Order.”

The audit included interviews with diocesan personnel responsible for implementing and overseeing child protection policies and procedures, as well as the Chairperson of the Independent Review Board. The Auditor’s findings recognized the continued diligence and professionalism of those entrusted with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the Diocese.

Among those whose work contributed to the successful audit were members of the Independent Review Board and its Chairman, the Safe Environment Coordinator, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, the Child Protection Policy Coordinator, the Diocese’s Vicar for Clergy, and the Monitor of the Priest Supervision Program.

“The results of this audit reflect the unwavering commitment of many dedicated individuals who work every day to ensure the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, while promoting accountability, transparency, and trust throughout our Diocese,” Bishop Fisher said.

The Diocese of Buffalo remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of protection, oversight, and accountability and will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure a safe environment for all those it serves.

Bishop Fisher Revokes Decree to Merge St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville

(Buffalo, NY) — Following a detailed review and further discussions with parish leaders, Bishop Michael W. Fisher has decided to revoke his decree requiring the merger of St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville, with St. Leo the Great Parish in Amherst, NY. The result of the revocation is that St. Benedict will remain an independent parish as part of Family of Parishes #16.  A key consideration in Bishop Fisher’s decision is the fact that St. Benedict continues to operate a pre-K to 8th grade elementary school (established in 1921) which operates at near-capacity.  

Bishop Fisher’s decision to revoke the merger is being communicated to the Dicastery for the Clergy of the Holy See. Currently, this merger decree from December 2024 is being studied by the Dicastery, following the decision of certain parishioners to exercise their right to pursue recourse. This revocation will bring that recourse to an end.

As part of the Road to Renewal process which aims to bring together unsustainable parishes with more financially viable parishes that have greater resources, as well as consistently higher levels of attendance, the Diocese will continue to closely monitor each parish included in Family of Parishes #16 to determine if further consolidation of parishes is necessary. 

“As we continue to work through the detailed process of mergers and closures of parishes on the road to creating a more responsive and sustainable Catholic family throughout Western New York, there is naturally an opportunity to consider additional information that may lead to a reconsideration of announced decisions,” said Fr. Bryan Zielenieski, Vicar for the Renewal. “A number of parishes have pursued recourse with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy and a few have prevailed in having the bishop’s decree reversed.  In this instance, Bishop Fisher determined that there was sufficient reason to reverse his own decree to ensure the stability of the elementary school, among other factors.  We will continue to follow this process of dialogue and discernment as we work to define a new and more hopeful future for Catholic faith and ministry across our region.”

February 2026 Clergy Assignments

Rev. Peter Napierkowski has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #14 (St. Michael Parish, Warsaw and St. John Neumann Parish, Strykersville), effective February 7, 2026. He will reside at SS. Joachim & Anne, Attica.

Rev. Paul Ladda has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #12 (St. Brigid Parish, Bergen; Resurrection Parish, Batavia; Ascension Parish, Batavia; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, LeRoy), effective February 13, 2026. He will reside at Resurrection, Batavia.

 Rev. James M.  Monaco will be retiring on February 15, 2026. He will reside at 34 Mariner St., Buffalo, NY 14201.

 

Statement of Bishop Michael W. Fisher on Scheduled Witness Impact Statements as part of the Diocese of Buffalo’s Settlement with the Creditors Committee

(Buffalo, NY) — Beginning today at 10:00 a.m. (EST), victim survivors will provide Witness Impact Statements (“Nontestimonial Statements”) during a hearing of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York, at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York.  Additional sessions will take place at the same time and place on January 28, February 25, and February 26, 2026.  Bishop Michael W. Fisher will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements until the conclusion of these Witness Impact Statements.  He offers the following statement at the start of these sessions:
 
“This is a long-awaited moment for those who have endured the devastating trauma of sexual abuse to speak and be heard. I will be listening intently with an empathetic heart and mind to these deeply personal accounts.  It’s my hope that this opportunity provides victim-survivors a sense of justice, however painful it is for them to recount their experiences.  We remain committed to doing everything we can to support their healing.”
 —Bishop Michael W. Fisher

January 2026 Clergy Assignments

Msgr. Salvatore Manganello – retiring as of January 15, 2026

Rev. Peter Santandreu has been appointed Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Buffalo, effective January 15, 2026. He also continues in his appointed positions of Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Buffalo and Defender of the Bond of the Tribunal Office.

Rev. Justin Steeg has been appointed Adjutant Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Buffalo, effective January 15, 2026. He also continues in his appointed positions of Judge and Defender of the Bond of the Tribunal Office.

Rev. Dennis J.J. Mancuso has been appointed Parish Administrator of Family of Parishes #5 (St. Mary of Lourdes Parish, Bemus Point; Christ Our Hope Parish, French Creek; and St. Dominic Parish, Westfield), effective January 15, 2026. This is in addition to his responsibilities as Vicar Forane of the Southern Tier East Vicariate and the Southern Tier West Vicariate.

Rev. Steven A. Jekielek has been appointed Administrator Pro Temp of Family of Parishes #34 (St. Peter Parish, Lewiston and Immaculate Conception Parish, Ransomville), effective January 24, 2026. This is in addition to his responsibilities as Vicar Forane of the Niagara/Orleans Vicariate and Finance Manager of the Department of Catholic Education.  

Rev. Luke P. Uebler has been granted a leave of absence, effective January 6, 2026.

Rev. Sean E. DiMaria has been appointed Coordinator of the Priests’ Personnel Board, effective January 15, 2026. This is in addition to his responsibilities as Vicar Forane of the Southern Erie Vicariate.

Rev. Msgr. Richard W. Siepka has been appointed Pastor of Family of Parishes #9 (St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Lancaster; St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Cheektowaga; St. Martha Parish, Depew; & St. John the Baptist Parish, Alden), effective February 2, 2026. He has been serving as Moderator of the Priests in Solidum of Family #9.

Rev. Bartholomew W. Lipiec has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #9 (St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Lancaster; St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Cheektowaga; St. Martha Parish, Depew; & St. John the Baptist Parish, Alden), effective February 2, 2026. He has been serving as Priest in Solidum of Family #9. 

Rev. Lukasz Kopala has been appointed Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #9 (St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Lancaster; St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Cheektowaga; St. Martha Parish, Depew; & St. John the Baptist Parish, Alden), effective February 2, 2026. He has been serving as Priest in Solidum of Family #9.

Notice of Opportunity to Present Nontestimonial Statements to Bankruptcy Court

Please take notice that on December 29, 2025, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) in The Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y. (the “Diocese”) entered an order [Docket No. 4471] (the “Nontestimonial Statement Order”)  granting the request of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Committee”)  for  the presentation  of  nontestimonial statements (the  “Statements”) in the above captioned bankruptcy case (the “Bankruptcy Case”).

Please take further notice that the hearings for the Statements (the “Statement Sessions”) shall be held at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York on the following initial dates:

  • January 27, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • January 28, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • February 25, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • February 26, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)

Please take further notice, that the Committee, in consultation with the Diocese, may seek to add additional Statement Session dates, if necessary, and subject to the Court’s availability.

Please take further notice that the Statement Sessions will be subject to the following conditions:

  • Statements shall be made in person at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York. Persons who are unable to appear in person may request accommodations, including having counsel or another person read a written statement on their behalf, and the Bankruptcy Court will consider whether to grant any other accommodation.
  • Statements should not exceed twenty (20) minutes;
  • No parties in interest shall be expected or allowed to comment or respond to the Statements;
  • No statements or Statements of any party at the Statement Sessions will be considered as evidence in any matter or proceeding, including in the Bankruptcy Case, and no such statements or Statements will carry any evidentiary weight become part of the official record in the Bankruptcy
  • The Statement Sessions will not be transcribed by a court reporter. The audio of the Statement Sessions will be recorded but any such recording shall be sealed and not available to the public or any party in any form except upon an order from the Court following a hearing upon notice to any affected persons or their counsel, counsel for the Diocese, and counsel for the Committee. To the extent the audio recording of a Statement or Statement Session is later released or transcribed pursuant to an order of this Court, such transcript or recording shall be sealed pending further Court
  • Persons who have Sexual Abuse Proofs of Claim in the Bankruptcy Case may elect to be identified only by their proof of claim number;
  • Consistent with Judicial Conference policy, no party or member of the public may photograph, video record, audio record, broadcast, televise, or otherwise transmit the Statement Sessions. Any media report concerning the statements made during the Statement Sessions shall not be considered evidence in any matter or proceeding in the Bankruptcy

Please take further notice, any person impacted by the Bankruptcy Case who  would  like  the  opportunity  to  make  a  statement  (a “Speaker”)  should  contact, or, if represented by counsel, should have their counsel contact the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors DioceseBuffaloCommittee@pszjlaw.com or 212-319-5527 by January 15, 2026, and include the Speaker’s, or the Speaker’s counsel’s contact information and the Speaker’s interest in the Bankruptcy Case. Please note it may not be possible to accommodate every request at the scheduled Statement Sessions.

Please take further notice, the Committee shall select the Speakers for each Statement Session, and, at least two business days in advance of the Statement Sessions, counsel for the Committee shall email Chambers with the number of Speakers, in order of expected appearance, and the estimated time allocated to each Statement.

Dated: New York, New York January 7, 2026

PACHULSKI STANG ZIEHL & JONES LLP
Counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors

December 2025 Clergy Assignments

Rev. Paul Ladda has been incardinated into the Diocese of Buffalo, effective November 19, 2025. He is currently serving as Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #11.

Rev. Marek Kreis, OSPPE – with the consent of Bishop Fisher, Father Kreis has been assigned by his Provincial as Parochial Vicar of Corpus Christi Parish, Buffalo, effective October 30, 2025. He is no longer assigned as Parochial Vicar  of St. Stanislaus Parish and St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

Rev. Quilin Bouzi, OMI – with the consent of Bishop Fisher, Father Bouzi has been assigned by his Provincial as Parish Administrator of Family of Parishes #23 (Our Lady of Hope Parish and Holy Cross Parish, both in Buffalo), effective November 30, 2025.

Rev. Ronel Bernadin, OMI – with the consent of Bishop Fisher, Father Bernadin has been assigned by his Provincial as Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #23 (Our Lady of Hope Parish and Holy Cross Parish, both in Buffalo), effective November 30, 2025.

Rev. Felix Nyambe, OMI has been reassigned by his Provincial to ministry outside of the Diocese of Buffalo, effective immediately.

Rev. David E. Tourville has been appointed Pastor of Family of Parishes #24 (St. Bonaventure, Allegany; St. John, Olean; and Pastor/Rector of Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Olean), effective January 15, 2026. He will reside at St. Mary of the Angels, Olean.

Rev. John Arogyasami has been appointed as Senior Parochial Vicar of Family of Parishes #24 (St. Bonaventure, Allegany; St. John, Olean; and Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Olean), effective January 15, 2026. He will reside at St. Mary of the Angels, Olean.

Bishop Fisher’s Statement on the Australian Hanukkah Massacre and Mass Shooting at Brown University

“Awaiting as we are the coming of the Prince of Peace, we again mourn those who have become victims of gun violence and acts motivated by prejudice and hate, especially toward our sisters and brothers of the Jewish faith. We hold in our hearts those family members and loved ones—here in our country and in Australia—who must now live with the pain of sorrow and loss as we also plead with the Lord to make His presence known and provide comfort and healing.
“Let us recommit to the ceaseless work of bringing about acceptance and understanding, even as together we address the underlying causes within our communities and society more broadly that fuel violence and enable the perpetrators of terror and fear.
“May peace reign in our hearts and may attitudes born of empathy and love for all members of the human family overcome every inclination to harm one another in word or in deed.”