AFRICA/GUINEA - The Pope appoints Bishop of Kankan

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 5 January 2007 appointed Bishop of Kankan (Guinea) Rev. Emmanuel Félémou, of the clergy of the diocese of N’Zérékoré, until now rector of Saint Eugene de Samoe Seminary in N’Zérékoré.
Rev. Emmanuel Félémou was born on 24 December 1960 in Kolouma, in the parish of Gouécké, diocese of N'Zérékoré. After attending school in Gouécké, he studied at Kindia Minor Seminary and Saint Eugène de Samoé Major Seminary in N'Zérékoré, from 1974 to 1980. In 1980 he started studies in veterinary medicine in Beyla (Guinea), and two years later began his formation to the priesthood, first at Saint Joseph propaedeutic seminary in Bouaké, Cote d’Ivoire, and then at the Coeur Sacré de Marie d'Ayama major seminary from 1983 to 1989. He was ordained a priest on 19 November 1989 for the diocese of N'Zérékoré. Since then he has ministered as follows: 1989-1992: vice rector and professor at Saint Eugene de Samoe Seminary; 1992-1994: assistant parish priest of Our Lady of the Nativity parish in Gouécké" and professor at the Novitiate of the Sister Servants of the Virgin Mother Mary; later parish priest; 1995-1997: parish priest at Saint Joseph’s Yomou; 1997-2000: in Abidjan studies in biblical theology at the Catholic University of West Africa (ICAO); 2000-2004: in Rome specialisation in theology at Teresianum College and Liturgy at S. Anselmo College. Since 2004 director of Saint Eugène de Samoé Seminary and bishop’s delegate for formation of diocesan clergy.
The Diocese di Kankan a suffragan of the archdiocese of Konakry, was created in 1993. It has an area of 118,000 sq km and a population of 1,811,000 including 56,255 Catholics, gathered in 20 parishes, served by 29 priests (23 diocesan and 6 missionary), 11 Brothers, 13 women religious. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/1/2007; Righe 22; Parole 302)