Fr Benedict Joseph Iwatt

Fr Benedict Joseph Iwatt is a priest of the Diocese of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He was ordained on 21 September 2013 and served in several parishes and diocesan apostolates before beginning further studies in Rome in 2020.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Theology degree from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. He studied for a diploma in Church Management, and a Licentiate degree in Church History from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome.

Since 2022, Fr Benedict has been on pastoral mission in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. He first served as assistant priest at Ss Mary and David in Hawick, Kelso, and Jedburgh (October 2022 – September 2023). In October 2023, he was appointed Parish Administrator of Our Lady and St Andrew, Galashiels, with pastoral responsibility also for Our Lady and St Joseph, Selkirk, and St Cuthbert’s, Melrose. He has additionally served as the Vicar Episcopal for Marriage and Family Life since 2024.

Fr Benedict’s deepest desire as a priest is,

“to contribute his quota in building up the Kingdom of God here on earth.”

On the day of his ordination, he chose as his personal motto the words of the psalmist:

“I will tell of your name to my brethren and praise you where they are assembled.” (Psalm 22:22).

This verse has guided his ministry from the beginning. Since his ordination, Fr Benedict has devoted himself to proclaiming God’s mercy and goodness, helping others encounter the love of God through prayer, pastoral service, and the daily witness of his priestly life.

He is the last child in a family of five. Three boys and two girls.