Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on December 5, 2009 has elevated the Apostolic Prefecture of Jimma-Bonga (Ethiopia) to the rank of Apostolic Vicariate, with the same name and territorial configuration. The Pope has appointed as first Vicar Apostolic of Jimma-Bonga (Ethiopia), Fr. Ghebremedhin Markos, CM, Provincial Superior of the Vincentians Fathers in Ethiopia, bestowing on him the Titular See of of Gummi of Proconsul.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Jimma-Bonga, entrusted to the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Missionaries), was founded June 10, 1994, upon the division of the Vicariate Apostolic of Nekemte, entrusted to the same religious family. The Apostolic Prefecture has an area of 57,000 sq. km. And a population of 3,500,000 inhabitants. In the vast territory, there are just over 12,185 Catholics. In the territory of Jimma-Bonga, there are 20 parishes run by 7 Ethiopian Vincentian missionaries and one European. There are 23 religious sisters and 14 seminarians. The main church of the Prefecture is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Ghebremedhin Markos, CM, was born November 18, 1966 in Shappa, the Apostolic Prefecture of Jimma-Bonga. He completed his primary studies in Shappa and Bonga. On January 1,1988, he entered the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians PP), and took final vows on September 26, 1992. He studied philosophy and theology in the Capuchin Theological Faculty of Addis Ababa, where he was ordained a priest on September 19, 1993. He has since ministered as follows: studies in Spirituality at the Tangaza College in Nairobi (Kenya) (1993-1995), Rector of the Minor Seminary of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers) in Addis Ababa (1995-1998), and Pastor of the Parish of SS. Peter and Paul in Jimma (1998-2001); since 2001: Provincial Superior of the Vincentian Fathers for three consecutive terms; also covering the office of Assistant Apostolic Administrator of Jimma-Bonga, and Vice-President of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Ethiopia (CMRS). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2009)
