Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 15 April 2008, accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the Apostolic Vicariate of Mendez (Ecuador) presented by Bishop Pietro Gabrielli S.D.B., in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father has appointed as Apostolic Vicar of Mendez (Ecuador) Fr. Nestor Montesdeoca Becerra S.D.B., director of the Don Bosco Salesian Community of Quito - La Tola, assigning him titular bishop of Celle of Mauritania.
Fr. Nestor Montesdeoca Becerra S.D.B was born April 29, 1957 in El Pan. After having completed his primary school education in his hometown, at Nicanor Corral and his secondary school studies at the Salesian School in Cuenca, he studied Philosophy from 1977-1980 at the Salesian Higher Learning Institute, then part of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (today, the Salesian Poly-technical University), where he received a Licentiate in Educational Studies, with specialization in Psychological studies. From 1977-1980 he studied Theology in Rome at the Salesian Pontifical University, where he earned his License. He also took courses towards a Doctorate in Scientific Technology and Sacred Scripture (at the PUS) and is currently preparing his doctoral thesis. He made Perpetual Vows on May 24, 1982 and was ordained a priest on August 30, 1986. He has since ministered as follows: 1986-88: Profesor and Counselor at the Salesian Higher Learning Institute (Quito); 1988-1992: Counselor at the Salesian School Cardinal Spellman; 1992-93: member of the Salesian community of Riobamba and Professor of Saint Thomas School; 1993-95: parish pastor at the Mission of Limon (Mendez) and head of Youth Ministry at the Salesian High School; 1995-2000: formator and Vicar of the Salesian Post-novitiate (Quito), professor at the Salesian Poly-technical University; 2000-03: member of the Salesian community El Giron and head of Youth Ministry at the Salesian School Cardinal Spellman (Quito); 2003-06: Director of the Salesian community El Giron (Quito); Since 2006: Director of the Salesian community at La Tola (Quito); Head of the Education Team Cardinal Spellman and Don Bosco in La Tola and a program for youth living on the streets in Quito.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Mendez was established in 1893. It extends across the Amazon region of Ecuador. It has an area of 25,691 km.sq., total population 183,348, Catholics 120,000, parishes 38, Salesian priests 28, diocesan priests 10, religious 98, and some 500 catechists. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2008; righe 33, parole 394)
