ASIA/MYANMAR - Auxiliary Bishop of Loikaw appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benediect XVI, on June 19, 2009 appointed Fr. Stephen Tjephe of the clergy of the Diocese of Loikaw, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Loikaw (Myanmar), pastor of the church of St. Matthew at Daugneku, assigning him the Titular See of Novabarbara.
Fr. Stephen Tjephe was born on August 1, 1955 in Danoku, in the Diocese of Loikaw. After the first and secondary studies, he was transferred to the Philosophical Major Seminary of Maymyo and later, to the Theological Seminary of Yangon, to complete ecclesiastical studies. He was ordained a priest on March 28, 1984 for the Diocese of Loikaw. He has since ministered as follows: 1984-1987: Parish Vicar of Phruso and Dimawso; 1987-1988: Pastor of Dimawso; 1988-1991: Masters' studies in Theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary, New York, U.S.A.; 1991-1999: Professor of dogmatic theology in Yangon's Major Seminary; 1999-2000: Pastor of Dimawso; 2000-2002: Pastor of Dougnaka; 2003: Leadership Course at Manila University, Philippines; 2004-2006: Supervisor of the Diocese of Loikaw. Since 2006: Pastor of Saint Matthew in Daugneku. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 19/6/2009)