Holy Cross Parish

Rev. Fr. Jack Haring, SMA, established Sambuli Outstation in 1963 under St. Charles Lwanga Parish, Saboba. The area remained under the Archdiocese of Tamale until the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Yendi on 16 March 1999. During its years as an outstation, Sambuli received regular pastoral visits from Rev. Fr. Jack Haring, SMA (1963); Rev. Fr. Joseph Connolly, SVD (1964); Rev. Fr. Michael Yochim, SVD; Rev. Fr. William Kane, SVD; Rev. Fr. Michael Knight, SVD; Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Banacki, SVD; Rev. Fr. Josef Mazur, SVD; Rev. Fr. Tomy Kanjiramalayil, SVD; and Rev. Fr. Francis Naduviledathu, SVD. On 11 March 2001, Sambuli, together with its 15 outstations, was elevated to the status of a quasi-parish, with Rev. Fr. Francis Naduviledathu, SVD, appointed as its first priest-in-charge. Other priests who served the community included Rev. Fr. Antonius Hibur, SVD (2010); Rev. Fr. Vinsensius Wangge, SVD (2010–2019); Rev. Fr. Fred Obeng (2015–2016); Rev. Fr. Benediktus Bau, SVD (2016–2020); Rev. Fr. Joseph Panabang, SVD (2017–2021); Rev. Fr. Bernardus Blolong, SVD (2022); Rev. Fr. Sunil Rodrigues, SVD (2023–2025); and Rev. Fr. Ignatius Ayivor, SVD, who began his service in 2025 and continues to serve. On 16 March 2019, Sambuli was elevated to parish status, with Rev. Fr. Benediktus Bau, SVD, becoming its first parish priest. He served until October 2020, when he handed over the administration to Rev. Fr. Joseph Panabang, SVD. The parish also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its catechists. Mr. Sebastian Taana served from 1965 to 2004, while Mr. Anthony Tibunla has served since 2004, supporting successive priests in evangelisation and pastoral care. Their dedication has contributed significantly to the growth of the Catholic faith in Sambuli and its surrounding communities. Today, Sambuli Parish comprises 15 outstations, serving communities under the patronage of various saints and devotions. From its beginnings as an outstation to its present status as a parish, Sambuli continues to build on the missionary foundations laid by the priests, catechists and faithful who have contributed to its spiritual growth.