Title: 1) Parish Administrator; 2) Parish Administrator
Company: 1) St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church; 2) Good Shepherd
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Melchesideck Wirngo Yumo, Parish Administrator at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church and Good Shepherd, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Religious Services.
Fr. Yumo’s career in religious services began in Cameroon, Central Africa, where he was ordained as a priest in April 2015. Over the past few years, he has excelled as the parish administrator at both St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church and Good Shepherd in North Carolina. In these roles, he addresses the spiritual needs of all parishioners by celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and offering spiritual direction. Fr. Yumo also manages administrative tasks for both parishes, represents them legally, and oversees infrastructure development and maintenance.
Over more than a decade in religious work, Fr. Yumo has prioritized unity within his congregations. Notably, at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, which experienced demographic shifts from a predominantly African American community to a majority Hispanic membership, he worked diligently to foster reconciliation and mutual respect between these groups. Fr. Yumo’s efforts have resulted in improved relations and renewed hope among parishioners after decades of stagnation in both spiritual growth and infrastructure development.
Fr. Yumo’s early ministry included serving as a chaplain at Saint Anne’s High School Limbe from 2015 to 2016, where he provided spiritual guidance to young women and supported their educational journey. The following year, he became the campus minister at the Catholic University Institute of Buea, Cameroon, contributing to the faith formation of university students. In 2017, Fr. Yumo assumed the role of principal at Regina Pacis Higher Technical and Commercial College Mutengene in Buea for one year, overseeing both academic and spiritual development within the institution. His commitment to family and community life led him to serve as the director of family life for the Diocese of Buea after his tenure as principal. This role allowed him to address the needs of families within the diocese and promote values central to Catholic teachings.
Following his service in Cameroon, Fr. Yumo was invited by his bishop to continue his ministry in the United States as a missionary priest. He was assigned as a parochial vicar at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, North Carolina, where he served from 2019 to 2023. During this period, Fr. Yumo provided pastoral care and spiritual direction to a diverse congregation.
Education has played a central role throughout Fr. Yumo’s journey. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil law before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in theology. He received certification as an ordained priest in 2015.
Beyond his formal roles within the church, Fr. Yumo is deeply committed to civic engagement through initiatives such as founding the Do It For Jesus Foundation. This nonprofit organization raises funds to support children who cannot afford school fees, ensuring access to education for those most vulnerable.
Fr. Yumo’s most notable achievement is reviving hope within his parish communities by bridging divides between African American and Hispanic members. This accomplishment stands alongside significant progress in developing church facilities under his leadership. Fr. Yumo’s work was notably featured in the article “Parishes Unite to Transform St. Benedict the Moor Church,” published by Catholic News Herald in 2025.
Throughout his career, Fr. Yumo has learned that he serves as an instrument guided by God’s purpose rather than relying solely on personal effort or ambition. Born into a devout Catholic family in Cameroon, his early exposure to faith shaped his sense of purpose from childhood. After receiving Holy Communion at age 7 and serving as an altar server, Fr. Yumo felt drawn toward the priesthood but explored other interests before ultimately embracing his calling.
In recognition of his contributions, Fr. Yumo was named Knight of the Month by the Knights of Columbus. He attributes much of his success to his faith. He also draws inspiration from supportive relationships with friends and colleagues who have united with him to bring hope and transformation to their communities.
Currently, Fr. Yumo is finalizing a master’s degree in law and an ecclesiastical degree in canon law with plans to complete his studies by September 2026. As part of this program, he will travel to Rome, Italy, for three weeks of coursework and anticipates participating in a private audience with the Pope alongside fellow students.
Looking ahead, Fr. Yumo intends to publish a book titled “I Am With You Always,” subtitled “How the Invisible Hand of God Has Always Guided Me,” where he will share insights from his life story and continue his efforts that reflect love for God through service to others. Fr. Yumo also remains dedicated to inspiring individuals within his parish and beyond, encouraging them to use their talents for humanity’s benefit while embodying unity rooted in faith.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Fr. Yumo:
