On Sunday 8 February 2026, in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, in the presence of the Delegate Superior Father Fabio Pallotta, the new Parish Priest of Pforzheim Father Steffen Schölch, many fellow priests and many Italians, there was the emotional handover of pastoral responsibility between Father Arcangelo Biondo and Father Bonaventure Onwukwe, a Guanellian from Nigeria.
After more than eight years, Father Arcangelo, who will serve alongside him in the future as Vicar, leaves behind a large, united community, eager to continue growing. This community is also supported by the presence of the new Pastoral Council and a fine group of dedicated collaborators.
After completing a lengthy study of the language, an internship in a German parish, and obtaining a driving license, Father Bonaventure is the third parish priest to lead the Italian Mission in Pforzheim and the surrounding area, following Father Wieslaw Baniak and Father Arcangelo.
In fact, Opera Don Guanella has been in Germany since 2014, to assist Italian families who have emigrated here, keep the Catholic faith alive, support our missions, and collaborate with the local German church, which is also facing a vocations crisis. The Superior, Father Fabio Pallotta, recommended that his brothers, above all in the future, pay particular attention to the poor and the sick, as is the Guanellian tradition.
At the end of the religious celebration, in the hall adjacent to the church, the Mission organized an Italian-style lunch in honor of the new parish priest. In addition to all the priests present, a large number of families from the community attended the lunch. In a festive atmosphere, they welcomed Father Bonaventure, wishing him well in his pastoral ministry. We welcome him among us.
