Two and a half years ago, Fr. John Jatau came from Nigeria to Durango to assist and then lead our parish, St. Columba. He has truly been a man of God. He came here on an R-1 visa. The federal government is currently not renewing visas from Nigeria, so Father John will have to return home. This will be a significant loss for St. Columba and for Durango.
As an example of how he has brought God into everyday life: whenever he begins a service or walks into a room of parishioners, he shouts, “God is good!” And the group responds, “All the time!” Father John: “And all the time –” Response: “God is good!” That sticks with you.
Whether you are Catholic or not, please do what you can to help this man renew his visa. Write Rep. Jeff Hurd and Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and ask them to intercede on Father John’s behalf.
Tim Rose
Durango