AFRICA/GUINEA - Bishop of N’Zérékoré appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on August 14, 2008, appointed Father Raphaël Balla Guilavogui of the clergy of the Diocese of N’Zérékoré and currently studying for a Doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Urban University, as Bishop of the Diocese of N’Zérékoré (Guinea).
Father Raphaël Balla Guilavogui was born September 26, 1964 in Woleme, in a village in the Diocese of N’Zérékoré. He finished elementary school studies in his own village. Later, he entered in the Minor Seminary “Saint Eugène de Samoé.” He studied Philosophy and Theology at “St. Augustin” Major Seminary in Bamako, and in the Major Seminary in Koumi, in Burkina Faso. He was ordained a priest on November 14, 1993, in the Cathedral of N’Zérékoré. After his ordination, he served in the following tasks: 1993-1997: Assistant Pastor in Koulouma;1997-2001: Assistant Pastor in Macenta; 2001-2003: Studies for a Licentiate in Biblical Theology at the Catholic University of Western Africa; Studies for a degree in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Urban University.
The Diocese of N’Zérékoré (Guinea), suffragan of the Archdiocese of Conakry, was erected in 1959. It covers an area of 45,000 km sq., a population of 1,562,000 inhabitants, of whom 48,500 are Catholic. There are 9 parishes, 40 diocesan priests, 25 religious sisters, and 10 seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 1/9/2008)