AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - The Pope appoints Coadjutor Bishop of Budjala

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 26 March appointed Rev. P. Philibert Tembo Nlandu, C.I.C.M., former Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in a Kinshasa, Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese of Budjala (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Rev. Philibert Tembo Nlandu, C.I.C.M., was born on 3 November 1962 at Nganda Kikamba, diocese of Boma. He attended minor seminary at Mbata-Kiela. In 1980 he entered the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scheut Missionaries), making his first profession in 1982. He then studied philosophy at Saint Augustine Institute, Kinshasa (1982-1985) and theology at St. Cyprian Institute in Ngoya, in Cameroon (1985-1988). He went for four year’s mission experience in Japan while specialising in theology (1988-1991). He also took a course at the Institute for Religious Formation in the United States. He was ordained a priest on 25 August 1991 and has since ministered as follows: 1991-1997: mission in Japan; 1998-2000: professor of theology in Manila, Philippines; 2000-2006: Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in a Kinshasa. Former vie-president pf the association of Major Superiors in Congo (ASUMA) and president of ASUMA Kinshasa.
The diocese of Budjala, suffragan of the archdiocese of Mbandaka-Bikoro, was created in 1964. It has an area of 50,000sq km a population of 1,070,000 including 525,000 Catholics gathered in 17 parishes assisted by 41 priests (39 diocesan, 2 religious), 182 women religious and there are 51 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2007; Righe 22; Parole 283)