Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, 12 July 2004 accepted the resignation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Xai-Xai (Mozambique), presented by Bishop Julio Duarte Langa, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law can. 401 § 1.
Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop of Xai-Xai, Reverend Lucio Andrice Muandula, parish priest at Maputo Cathedral and professor at the St Pius X inter-diocesan seminary
The Bishop elect was born in Maputo on 9 October 1959. He was ordained a priest on 14 May 1989. He has been assistant priest at the Cathedral, Secretary and chancellor of the archdiocese (1989/91); professor of theology and moral theology at St Augustine major seminary (1991/92); in Rome he studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute for a licentiate in Sacred Scripture and at the Pontifical Gregorian university for a doctorate in Biblical theology (1992/2003). Since July 2003 he has been parish priest at Maputo Cathedral and Professor at St Pius X inter-diocesan seminary.
Xai Xai diocese created in 1976, is a suffragan of the archdiocese of di Maputo. It has an area of 75,709 sq. km and a population of 1,266.431 including 131,189 Catholics, gathered in 34 parishes looked after by 26 priests (14 diocesan and 12 religious of 3 different congregations), 58 women religious and there are 8 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/7/2004; Righe 15; Parole 208)
