Malakal Bishop Retires, Pope Appoints Administrator

Juba — The Catholics of Malakal in Southern Sudan learned on Sunday that their bishop has retired and the Vatican has appointed an administrator for the diocese until a new bishop is installed.

Pope Benedict accepted the resignation of Bishop Vincent Majok Nyiker presented last year when he turned 75.

Bishop Majok, 76, has been at the elm of Malakal Diocese since 1979. The Law of the Church requires bishops to submit their resignation when they turn 75.

The pope named Fr. Roko Taban, 41, currently vicar-general of Khartoum Archdiocese, as the Apostolic Administrator of Malakal.

Fr. Taban, who started Sunday evening a retreat to prepare for the new ministry, told Juba's Bakhita FM over the telephone that he accepted the invitation with joy. "I received it well with joy. After all, this is another way of participating more effectively in the evangelizing mission of Christ."

Fr. Taban said he was consulted one month ago to accept the new mission. He added that the clergy of Malakal has received his appointment well. 'I got a very positive reaction yesterday from priests of Malakal. They called me almost one by one and congratulated me, saying I was welcomed in Malakal Diocese."

Fr. Taban was born in Wau, Southern Sudan. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from Urban Pontifical University in Rome.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200905190766.html