ASIA/MYANMAR - The Pope creates the diocese of Banmaw and appoints first Bishop

Monday, 28 August 2006

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Vatican Service (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on 28 August 2006, created the diocese of Banmaw (Myanmar) with territory taken from the diocese of Myitkyina, making it suffragan of the archdiocese of Mandalay. The Holy Father appointed first bishop of Banmaw Rev. Raymond Sumlut Gam of the clergy of Myitkyina, until now chairman of the Council of Priests and head of the diocesan Caritas Office.
The first Bishop of Banmaw, Raymond Sumlut Gam was born on 19 June 1953 at Sadung, in the district of Banmaw, diocese of Myitkyina. After attending minor seminary he studied philosophy and theology at the major seminary in Yangon. He was ordained a priest on 29 March 1981. Since then he has ministered as follows: 1981-1984: assistant priest at Myitkyina; 1984-1987: rector of Myitkyina minor seminary; 1987-1991: diocesan bursar; 1991-2001: parish priest at Panghkat-Banmaw. Since 2001 he has been director of the diocesan Caritas office and chairman of the council of priests.
Statistics: the new diocese of Banmaw (nom. lat. Banmaven /sis/), is situated in the southern part of the diocese of Myitkyina and includes the civil districts of Banmaw, Mansi, Momauk and Shwegu. It borders to the north west and to the east with the mother diocese, to the south with the archdiocese of Mandalay and the Diocese of Loikaw.

Myitkyina (before division): area 78.000 sq. km; Population; 2.000.000; Catholics 99.000; Parishes 27; diocesan priests 46; Religious priests 6; Brothers 8; Sisters 110; Major seminarians 34; Catechists 700.

Banmaw: area 10.373 sq. km; Population 453.546; Catholics 26.070; Parishes 10; diocesan priests 13; Religious priests 0; Brothers 6; Sisters 40; Major seminarians 16; Catechists 122.

Myitkyina (today) area: 67.627 sq. km; Population 1.545.454; Catholics 72.930; Parishes 17; diocesan priests 33; Religious priests 6; Brothers 2; Sisters 70; Major seminarians 18; Catechists 578.

From now on the parish church of Saint Patrick at Banmaw, will serve as the cathedral for the new diocese. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 28/8/2006; Righe 67; Parole 272)