ROME — The current issue of Fraternitas features the appointment of a Franciscan as a bishop in Asia.
Last month, Pope Francis named General Councilor Fr. Paskalis Syukur, OFM, of St. Michael of the Archangel Province as bishop of Bogor in Indonesia. He succeeds Bishop Cosmas Michael Angkur, OFM, who retired last year, according to the January issue of Fraternitas.
The region has a total population of 16.283 million, of which roughly 83,400 are Catholics scattered in 18 parishes. The majority of the population is Muslim. Fr. Paskalis’s episcopal consecration is scheduled for Feb. 22 in Bogor. Information about his appointment was published in a previous issue of HNP Today.
Fr. Gabriel Mathias, OFM, Provincial Vicar of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle in India, was elected to complete the six-year term left vacant following Fr. Paskalis’s appointment. Fr. Gabriel is the first friar from India to be elected a General Councilor. His biography can be found on the English-speaking Conference’s website.
The monthly OFM newsletter also reports on:
• The election of new provincial ministers in provinces in Argentina, Brazil and Japan
• The General Minister’s schedule, including a visit to the United States, meetings in Rome, and meetings with all newly elected ministers and custodies
• Recently-published books about Franciscan themes
Past issues of Fraternitas, first published in 1967, can be found on the Publications page of the Order’s website that also provides links to its social media services.
— Compiled by Maria Hayes