Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre has appointed Father John “Segun” Odeyemi — a priest of the Diocese of Ilorin, Nigeria — as the new director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry. Fr. Odeyemi will join the Archdiocesan staff in August, succeeding M. Annette Mandley‑Turner, who led the office for more than 30 years.
The Office of Multicultural Ministry guides the archdiocese on cultural‑diversity matters and serves as a resource to parishes, schools, and pastoral leaders to ensure a multicultural perspective in local faith communities. The director also acts as a liaison to the archdiocese’s various cultural communities.
Fr. Odeyemi brings extensive pastoral, academic, and administrative experience. Ordained in 1994, he served in the Diocese of Ilorin as a parish pastor, dean of studies and students at St. Peter the Apostle Seminary in Eruku, Kwara State, and as president of the diocesan presbyteral council and consultor. He moved to the United States in 2010 to pursue further studies.
Most recently, Fr. Odeyemi taught at Xavier University of Louisiana, including working with the Institute of Black Catholic Studies, and has assisted at parishes in Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He holds an M.A. in religion and religious education from Fordham University and a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Duquesne University. He is the author of several books and numerous articles and an active member of the Catholic Theological Society of America.
Until Fr. Odeyemi assumes the post in August, Dr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon, vice chancellor, will serve as interim director. Father William Bowling will assist the office staff and the Catholic Enrichment Center during the transition.