Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on 2 February 2011 accepted the resignation from the pastoral care ministry of the Apostolic Vicar in Iquitos (Peru), presented by Bishop Julián García Centeno, O.S.A., in conformity with canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law. The Holy Father appointed as Apostolic Vicar in Iquitos (Peru), Father Miguel Olaortúa Laspra, O.S.A., Director of “San Augustin” College in Zaragoza and Provincial Counsellor. He has been assigned the titular seat of greater Abir.
Father Miguel Olaortúa Laspra, O.S.A., was born on 22 November 1962 in Bilbao (Vizcaya - Spain). In 1981 he entered the Novitiate of the Augustinian Order and made his First Vows in the Institute on 2 October, 1982. From 1982 to 1984 he studied Philosophy and Theology at the Augustinian Major Seminary in Valladolid and then, from 1984 to 1987, at the University of Deusto (Bilbao). He was ordained a priest on 4 October 1987. After his priestly ordination he held the following roles: 1987-1990: Studies for the Licentiate in the Science of Education, specialising in Youth Ministry and Catechesis, at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome; 1990-2002: Parish Vicar of Saint Rita in Zaragoza and College Director and Professor at the School of Catechesis for the Archdiocese in Zaragoza; in 1992 he spent a year as Coordinator of Pastoral Care at the St Augustine College in Zaragoza; 1998-2010: Provincial Counsellor; 2000-2006: Prior of the Community of Zaragoza; 2002-2010: Director of the St Augustine College; Member of the diocesan team for Catechesis and Permanent Delegate of the Major Superior at CONFER (Conferencia Española de Religiosos) in Aragón.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos, was created in 1945. It covers an area of 100,041 sq. km and its residents number 1,064,090, of whom 895,830 are Catholics, with 22 parishes and 85 chapels, 38 priests (16 diocesan, 11 men religious and 11 priests “ad tempus”), 13 religious brothers and 3 lay missionaries. 58 religious sisters are also actively collaborating. There are 22 major seminarians. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 2/02/2011)
