Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On December 5, the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Tôlagnaro, Madagascar, presented by Bishop Vincent Rakotozafy.
The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Luc Olivier Razafitsimialona, of the clergy of the diocese of Ihosy, until now bursar and professor in the Saint Jean Baptiste Seminary of Vohitsoa, as bishop of Tôlagnaro, Madagascar.
The Reverend Luc Olivier Razafitsimialona was born on 10 October 1969 in Ambositra. After attending the Immaculé Conception Minor Seminary of Farafangana and that of Antsirabe, he carried out his national service in Faratsiho. He studied philosophy and theology in the major seminary of Fianarantsoa.
He was ordained a priest on 9 August 1998 for the diocese of Ihosy.
He holds a licentiate in theology from the Catholic Institute of Madagasar (I.C.M.), Antananarivo (1998-2000). He then held the roles of parish vicar of the Cathedral and vice-rector of the minor seminary (2000-2001); rector of the minor seminary, diocesan accompanier of seminarians, president of the diocesan Confraternity, member of the diocesan Commission for Catechesis, vice-director of the Avec diocesan radio station, member of the College of Consultors (2001-2003); and vicar general of the diocese of Ihosy (2004-2005). He completed the Third Cycle of theology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2005-2009), and served as hospital chaplain in Fribourg (2006-2008), deputy parish priest of Sainte-Thérèse, Fribourg (2008-2009), diocesan administrator of Ihosy (2009-2011), vicar general of Ihosy, parish priest of the Cathedral, deputy director of the Avec radio station, and member of the College of Consultors. After receiving a doctorate in theology from the University of Fribourg (2015-2018), he went on to serve as formator and professor in the Saint Jean Baptiste Major Seminary in Vohitsoa (2019-2023), and since 2023, bursar and professor in the Saint Jean Baptiste Major Seminary in Vohitsoa. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 11/12/2023)
