Father Daniel Fosu is pastor of St. Agnes in Iron River and St. Cecilia in Caspian.
Tell me about yourself:
My name is Fr. Daniel Fosu and I am the youngest of eight siblings. I come from a city in the Ashanti region of Ghana called Gyamaasi (Jamasi). I had my basic school education in Gyamaasi and I went to the Ashanti regional capital city, Kumasi, for my secondary (high) school education at St. Hubert Secondary/Minor Seminary School. I then proceeded to the major seminaries where I studied philosophy in St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary, Accra and Theology in St. Peter’s Regional Seminary in Cape Coast and Pope Urban University in Rome. I also studied sociology and religion in the University of Ghana, and education in the University of Cape Coast.
As for my hobbies, I like fixing things, watching soccer and volleyball, playing pickleball (which I learned here in the U.P.), talking to people and sharing jokes and stories, traveling (when I have the means), exploring technology and electronics, and I feel fulfilled to pastorally serve the less privileged and the needy.
What was it like coming from Ghana to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to be a priest for the Diocese of Marquette?
Coming to serve in the Upper Peninsula in the Diocese of Marquette was a mixed feeling. It was difficult to leave my family and friends, the communal life, and my beautiful culture. The good feeling was that I like exploration and adventure, and so I was happy when I was asked if I would want to come and work in the Diocese of Marquette. I was happy because I knew this was going to give me new pastoral challenges to explore and new experiences.
Having experienced one freezing cold winter here in the U.P., I am still happy I accepted to come to Diocese of Marquette. With the U.P. being among the colder regions, if I can survive here, I can survive almost everywhere!
What is your favorite devotion?
In terms of devotions, I have devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, and I am a Legionary in the Legion of Mary. Praise be to God I had the chance to work as a priest in one of the biggest Marian shrines (Grotto) in Ghana for three years, which boosted my love for Mother Mary. Saint Michael the Archangel is my patron saint.
You just celebrated the 12th anniversary of your ordination – what is your favorite part of the priesthood?
My joy in the priesthood is that, although unworthy as I am, God can use me to give relief to some people and put smiles in the faces of others. My favorite part of the priesthood is when I am able to attend to the sick and when I am able to meet the needs of the needy, whether spiritually, materially or emotionally. The joy of others that comes through my hands is my fulfilment.
What advice do you have to share with Catholics in the Diocese of Marquette?
My simple advice is this: let us know that there is joy in serving our fellow human beings. And so, let us help one another to experience heaven here on earth before we die and experience it to the fullest in God’s kingdom.