Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on July 15, 2008, elevated the apostolic prefecture of Galapagos (Ecuador) to the rank of apostolic vicariate, with the same name and territorial configuration. He appointed Bishop Manuel Valarezo Luzuriaga O.F.M., currently Titular Bishop of Questoriana and Apostolic Prefect of Galapagos, as the first apostolic vicar of the new apostolic vicariate.
Bishop Manuel Valarezo Luzuriaga, OFM was born in Malvas-Zaruma, in the Diocese of Loja (Ecuador), on June 7, 1937. He was ordained a priest on August 11, 1962. He majored in Communications Media and has had a wide-range experience in pastoral ministry and governing, having served in many positions. He has served as Provincial Minister of the Franciscan Friars Minor for two terms, Visitor General (Representative of the General Superior) in Venezuela and Peru. On June 22, 1990, he was named Apostolic Prefect of Galapagos, and on June 23, 1996, he was ordained a Bishop.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Galapagos was erected on May 6, 1950 and occupies the civil jurisdictions with the same name. It is made up of 13 large islands, 17 small islands, and 47 islets, in the Pacific Ocean (927 sea miles from the continent). In 1978, UNESCO declared it “Patrimony of Humanity.” It has a population of 21,000 inhabitants, spread out among five islands and an estimate 150,000 tourists are estimated to visit the Natural Park every year. This is the main source of income for the population. The administrative and ecclesial headquarters are located on San Cristobal Island, the most populous of the islands, where the Apostolic Prefect resides. There are nearly 16,000 Catholics. There are 10 parishes, 9 diocesan priests, and 6 major seminarians that are a sign of hope for the future of this ecclesiastical jurisdiction. There is only one male religious in the area, but there are 15 religious sisters. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/7/2008)
