Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on 5 June 2007, accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Gizo, Solomon Islands, presented by Bishop Bernard Cyril O’Grady, O.P., in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. On the same day the Pope appointed as the new Bishop of Gizo (Solomon Islands) Rev. P. Luciano Capelli, S.D.B., until now director of the Don Bosco Technical School in Honiara.
The Bishop elect was born on 19 October 1947 at Cologna di Tirano (Diocese of Como, Italy). In 1960 he joined the Society of Don Bosco. In 1965 he made his first profession and was sent on mission to the Philippines where he studied philosophy at Don Bosco Seminary College, Laguna. Later he taught at Don Bosco Technical School, Manila, Philippines (1969-1970) and at Laguna Seminary (1970-1971). In 1971, he returned to Italy and continued his studies in theology in Messina and in Turin. He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1975 and has since ministered as follows: 1975-1977: director of the youth centre at Don Bosco Technical School in Manila; 1977-1982: spiritual director at Don Bosco Technical School, Manila; 1982-1985: rector of Don Bosco Technical School, Tarlac, Philippines; 1985-1991: rector of Don Bosco Technical School, Manila,; 1991-1993: rector of Don Bosco Boarding House, Manila; 1993-1999: Provincial Superior of the Salesian Fathers in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Since 1999 director of Don Bosco Technical School, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The diocese of Gizo, suffragan of Honiara, was created in 1966. It has an area of 11,700sq km., and a population of about 101,000 including 10,673 Catholics assisted by 6 priests, (4 diocesan and 2 religious), 5 Brothers, 18 Sisters and there are 3 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/6/2007; Righe 23; Parole 317)
