AFRICA/ANGOLA - New Bishop of Menongue

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 3 August 2005 appointed Bishop of Menongue (Angola) Rev. Mário Lucunde, until now Rector of the major seminary of Benguela.
The new Bishop was born on 13 May 1957 in Caimbambo (diocese of Benguela). He obtained a degree in philosophy at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was ordained a priest in February 1985. He has been: parish priest, prefect of Huambo interdiocesan major seminary and rector of the major seminary in Benguela. He is the Director of the Angolan Institute for Religious Science.
Menongue diocese created in 1975 is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Lubango. It is situated in the south east of Angola and covers the whole province of Kuando. It has an area of 213,309 sq km., a population of 500.000 including 150.000 Catholics, gathered in 22 parishes, assisted by 15 priests (12 diocesan and 3 religious) and 28 women religious and there are 86 major seminarians and 60 minor seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/8/2005; Righe 13; Parole 159)