AFRICA/LESOTHO - Bishop of Leribe resigns, Successor appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, on 30 June 2009 accepted the resignation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Leribe (Lesotho), presented by Bishop Paul Khoarai in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father appointed as Bishop of Leribe (Lesotho) Rev. Fr. Augustinus Tumaole Bane, O.M.I., Superior of Mater Jesu Scholasticate, Roma (Maseru).
Rev Fr Augustinus Tumaole Bane, O.M.I., was born on 14 August 1947 at Motsistseng, Mokhotlong (Diocese of Qacha’s Nek). He is a citizen of Lesotho. He entered the Novitiate of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate at Quthing, Roma (Maseru), on 6 January 1970. He made his first vows on 6 January 1971. He completed his scholastic studies at Mater Jesu Scholasticate, Roma (Maseru). He was ordained a priest on 23 January 1977. Since his ordination he has ministered as follows: 1997-1978: parish assistant at the Missions of Mamohau and Lagheto in Leribe; 1978-1984: parish priest at Sekake, in Qacha’s Nek; 1984-1987: Parish priest at Aurey and Montmarte, Maseru; 1988-1990: O.M.I provincial Vicar ; 1990-1993: parish priest at St. James Mission, Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek; 1993-1994: sabbatical year at Gonzaga University, Washington State, United States; 1995-1999: Superior of Mater Jesu Scholasticate, Roma (Maseru); 1999-2003: again OMI provincial superior in Lesotho; since 2004: again superior at Mater Jesu Scholasticate, Roma (Maseru).
The Diocese of Zeribe created in 1952, is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Maseru. It has an area of 5,129sq km., and a population of 424,400 including 230,639 Catholics gathered in 17 parishes, served by 23 diocesan priests, 10 religious priests, 6 Fidei Donum priests and 226 religious. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/6/2009; righe 21, parole 284)