Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, 12 June 2004 accepted the resignation of the pastoral government of the Apostolic Vicariate of Izabal (Guatemala), presented by Bishop Luis Maria Estrada Paetau OP, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 2. The Holy Father has appointed Apostolic Vicar of Izabal Reverend Gabriel Peñate Rodriguez of the clergy of Jalapa, assigning to him the titular See of Succuba.
The Vicar apostolic elect was born on 27 September 1957 at La Esmeralda (Jalapa). He studied in Guatemala and in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University where he obtained a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology. He was ordained a priest on 18 December 1984 for the diocese of Jalapa. He has been parish priest in several parishes, member of the Council of Clergy, formator and teacher of theology at the major national seminary and in charge of Marriage Encounter activities. At present he is diocesan Delegate for Catechesis.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Izabal, created in 1988, has an area of 9.034 sq. km, a population of 375,000, including 250,000 Catholics, gathered in 13 parishes, assisted by16 priests (10 diocesan and 6 Religious), 4 Brothers, 51 Women religious, and there are 17 major Seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2004; Righe 15; Parole 203)
