November 11, 2020

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

MALONE – He’s now officially a priest of the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

On Nov. 2, Father Medenel Angrand, parochial vicar at St. André Bessette Parish in Malone, was formally incardinated as a priest of the diocese.

“Incardination is the canonical institution of permanent attachment of bishops, priests and deacons to a particular church or other ecclesiastical entity for the primary purpose of the service of the people of God,” according to the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law.

Canon Law states that “every cleric must be incardinated” and “unattached or transient clerics are not allowed at all.”

Father Angrand was previously incardinated in the Diocese of Fort-Liberté in Haiti. To be incardinated into the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Father Angrand had to receive permission from his bishop in Haiti, Bishop Quesnel Alphonse, SMM, as well as Bishop Terry R. LaValley.

“Father Angrand is a welcome addition to our diocese,” said Bishop LaValley. “He has served faithfully and been a living witness of the Gospel to the people of St. André Bessette Parish in Malone for the past year, and we look forward to having him continue to serve God, the Church and the people of our diocese for many years to come.”

Father Angrand, who recently completed a pastoral year in Malone, said he is pleased to continue his ministry here in the North Country.

“I feel comfortable here,” he said. “It is a joy to serve in this diocese. I’m very happy to be here to serve the Church as a priest among the people. I want to be and remain a servant of God among them. I pray for that. I ask them to pray for me so I can be a humble servant of God, live the joy of the Gospel and bring the joy of the gospel to these people.”

Father Angrand said he “fell in love with the diocese” after visiting the North Country several times and meeting Father Howard J. Venette.

“I asked Father Venette if I can be part of the diocese,” he said. “He said I can. I sent a letter to the bishop to accept me into the diocese. Bishop and (Vicar for Clergy) Father Chris (Carrara) gave me an assignment in this parish. I’m very happy to be here.”

Father Angrand said he has enjoyed working with the people at St. André Bessette Parish.

“People here, they are very devoted, and they welcome me with great love,” he said. “They are patient with me and my English and my accent. I love them.”

He also noted that he is glad to serve in a diocese where there is a need for priests.

“There’s a need for priests in this diocese,” he said. “In my country, they have a lot of vocations and a lot of priests.”

Father Angrand was ordained Aug. 24, 2003 in the Diocese of Fort-Liberté, Haiti. In addition to serving as a pastor of two parishes, he has served as director of Caritas, director of Holy Childhood, a member of the College of Consultors and as an assistant pastor in his previous diocese.

Father Angrand received his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 2002 and a master’s degree in moral theology in 2019. He also has associate degrees in intercultural studies and philosophy.