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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect for the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples, on September 19, 2007 appointed Fr. Nicolas Hazoumé, of the clergy of the Diocese of Porto Novo, Rector of the Philosophical Interdiocesan Seminary in the Diocese of Abomey (Benin).
The new Rector was born on December 6, 1958 in Cotonou and was ordained a priest on July 7, 1984 in Pobe. After completing studies in St. Charles Lwanga Minor Seminary in Porto Novo (1971-1974), in S.te Jeanne de Arc Minor Seminary in Ouidah (1974-75), and Notre Dame de Fatima Minor Seminary in Parakou (1975-78), he attended St. Gall Major Seminary in Ouidah (1979-1984). He later continued his university studies at the Paris Catholic Institute (2003-2006) and the Sorbonne (2005-2006). He completed a Bachelor's Degree in Theology in Ouidah in 1984, and two Masters in France. From 1989-2003, he carried out various ministries in the Clerical Union of Benin (UCB): National Secretary, Magazine Director, and National Delegate. In the Diocese of Porto Novo, he served as Diocesan Chaplain for the Catholic Scouts and editor-in-chief of the diocesan magazine. He has also served as Assistant Pastor and Pastor in various parishes and student-priest in the Diocese of Versailles, during his studies in France. On May 18, 2006, he was named Rector of Saint Paul Seminary in Djime. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/11/2008)
