OCEANIA/MARQUESAS ISLANDS - Coadjutor Bishop of Taiohae appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Benedict XVI, on August 4, 2010, appointed Fr. Pascal Chang-Soi SS.CC., Pastor on Moorea Island and Master of Novices of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Taiohae in the Marquesas Islands (Pacific Islands).
Fr. Pascal Chang-Soi SS.CC., was born October 18, 1966 in Tahiti, in the Archdiocese of Papeete, of fallen away Protestant parents, who later converted to Catholicism. His father is of Chinese origin, while his mother is Polynesian. One of his brothers became a Catholic and later drew his brothers, including Pascal, and sisters and finally, his parents into the Catholic faith. He studied primary school studies in Tahiti, Piafau, and then in Punaauia (1975-1980). From 1980 to 1984, he was a student at the College of Faaa and from 1984 to 1986, a high school student in Taanoe. After secondary studies, he worked for several years in electronics and information technology. On August 23, 1991, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus). He made his first vows on August 23, 1992 and perpetual vows on November 9, 1997. He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Seminary of Notre-Dame de Pentecôte in Tahiti. He was ordained a priest on February 4, 2000. Later, he held various positions: 2000 - 2002: assistant priest in Hiva Oa, Diocese of Taiohae, Marquesas Islands; 2002 - 2003: Year of training in Paris in preparation for appointment as Master of Novices; 2003: Pastor at Moorea Island and Master of Novices. He is currently one of the Councilors of the Vice-Province of his Congregation in Tahiti. In addition, he is also one of the consultants of the Archdiocese of Papeete and member of the Priests' Council and the Board of Administration of the Mission of Tahiti.
The Diocese of Taiohae, built in 1974, is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Papeete. It covers an area of 1,250 sq km and has 9,600 inhabitants. There are 8,365 Catholics, 5 priests (2 diocesan, 1 Fidei Donum, and 3 religious), 4 religious brothers, and 4 religious sisters. It is governed by Bishop Guy Chevalier SS.CC. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 08/26/2010)