AFRICA/KENYA - Bishop of Embu appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on May 9, 2009, appointed Father Paul Kariuki of the clergy of the Diocese of Emby, Professor of Sacred Scripture at Christ the King Major Seminary in the Diocese of Nyeri, as Bishop of Embu (Kenya).
Father Paul Kariuki was born on March 11, 1963 in Kathunguri, in the parish of Kyeni, in the district of Embu (then Diocese of Meru). He studied Philosophy and Theology at the Diocesan Seminary of Mseru (St. Joseph), 1985-1987 and at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary (1988-1991). He was ordained a priest on March 1, 1993 for the Diocese of Embu. He has since ministered as follows: 1993-1996: Parish Vicar of Kairuri; 1993-1994: Youth Chaplain; 1994-1996: Secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Education, Director of Catholic Schools; Diocesan Vice-Assistant for Youth Pastoral Ministry and the program for Family Life Education; 1996-1998: Studies for a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Theology in Rome, at the Pontifical University Urbaniana; 1998-2002: Studies for a degree in Bibilical Theology at the Pontifical University Gregoriana in Rome; 2002-2003: Parish Vicar in Kithimu and Secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Education.
Since 2003, he has served as Professor of Sacred Scripture and formator at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri, as well as Dean of Studies, Library Director, Assistant to the Rector in matters regarding the philosophy program with the CUEA (Catholic University of East Africa) and in the theology program with the Urbaniana. He is also member of the College of Consultants of the Diocese of Embu and President of the Diocesan College in Embu, St. Augustine Teachers College. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/5/2009)