Pope Francis Erects New Diocese in Mozambique, Appoints Pioneer Local Ordinary

Born in June 1974 in Inhassunge within the Diocese of Quelimane, Mons. Fernando started his Priestly formation at the Propedeutic Seminary of St. Augustine in Quelimane, and was ordained a Priest on 24 June 2001. 

He pursued his Philosophical and Theological studies at the Seminary of St. Augustine in Matola, and the Seminary of St. Pius X in Maputo respectively.

The holder of Licentiate in Pastoral Theology from the Theological Faculty of Triveneto in Padua has served in various capacities including Parochial Vicar and later Pastor of Mocuba and member of the Southern Africa Commission for Refugees.

He has also served as Spiritual Director of the Xaverian Apostolic Movement, Rector of the Propedeutic Seminary of St. Augustine in Quelimane and President of the Communication Commission in Quelimane.

The alumni of the Rome based Pontifical Lateran University where he obtained Doctorate in Pastoral Theology has also served as Formator at the Philosophical Seminary of St. Augustine in Matola.

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Outside the country, the Bishop-elect has served as Assistant Pastor at Santa Maria Maggiore Parish in Cordenons, Diocese of Concordia-Pordenonea and Assistant Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Pordenone, Diocese of Concordia-Pordenone in Italy.

After his Episcopal Ordination, the Bishop-elect is to oversee the newly erected Diocese, which has 14 parishes, 21 Diocesan Priests, 11 religious Priests,26 Religious Sisters, 16 seminarians, and two Religious Brothers.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.