[Gulf Goans] Kuwait: Bishop Micallef Resigns - Comboni Missionary Camillo Ballin New Incumbent

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:01:25 -0700

Kuwait: Bishop Micallef Resigns - Comboni Missionary Camillo Ballin New Incumbent
 

From Wilson Saldanha, Kuwait - for Daijiworld News Network - Kuwait (MB)

Kuwait: Bishop of Kuwait Francis Micallef has resigned on health grounds. He served here for 24 years since 1981and stayed in Kuwait throughout during the Iraqi invasion.

Pope Benedict Benedict XVI named Father Camillo Ballin, a Comboni missionary, new bishop for the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait. 
 
Fr Melwin DÂ’Cunha and the Catholic community of Kuwait, with grateful hearts, have wished Bishop Micallef all the best in his future and have extended a warm welcome to the Bishop Designate, Fr Camillo Ballin. 

Zenit News

Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Camillo Ballin, a Comboni missionary, new bishop for the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait ((area 17,900, population 2,650,000, Catholics 158,500, priests 10, religious 13).

Father Ballin, 61, has been director of the Center of Arab and Islamic Studies in Cairo, Egypt. Born in Fontaniva, Italy, Camillo Ballin was ordained a priest as religious of the Comboni Missionaries in 1969. After his ordination, he learned Arabic in Lebanon and Syria. From 1972 to 1979 he was a parish priest in Zamalek-El Cairo.

From 1980 to 1989 he was delegation superior and provincial superior of his religious congregation. In 1989-2000 he was involved in the founding in Sudan of the Institute for the Formation of Religion Teachers.

Since 2000, he has been director of the Dar Comboni Center of Arab and Islamic Studies in Cairo and professor in the inter-ritual major seminary.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait has 2.6 million inhabitants, including 158,500 Catholics, according to data of the Annual Yearbook of the Holy See. Pastoral agents there include two diocesan priests and religious-order priests.

About Bishop Micallef

The outgoing Bishop Francis Micallef was born on December 17, 1928, at Birkirkara, Malta and was christened Francis George. His parents were George and Marianna. His home was not far from the Discalced Carmelite monastery which instilled in him the seed of vocation and resulted in his entry into the Discalced Carmelite Order as a novice on August 15, 1947.

He made his first religious profession in the same Order, on August 22, 1948. He dedicated his life to the Order by ending final vows (profession) on October 15, 1951.

Bishop Francis had his studies in Malta as well as in Rome, Italy. Ordained as Priest on May 9, 1954 and having finished his Master's (Licenciate) in Theology, he returned to Malta where he taught moral theology.


File pics clicked during the visit of Bishop Aloysius of Mangalore to Kuwait, with the last one showing the Apostolic Nuncio being present

Having returned to Malta he served as the Conventual, Prior (Superior) of the Monastery, Master of Novices and finally as the Provincial Superior of Maltese Discalced Carmelite Province. The Discalced Carmelite Order recognized his service and at the General chapter held in Rome in the year 1973, he was elected one of the Four Defenitors General. Later he was Rector at the Carmelite International College (TERESIANUM) in Rome from 1979-81. Being given the responsibility to look after the Carmelite missions world over, he had the opportunity to get acquainted with missions all over the world including Kuwait.


Bishop Micallef with the present Pope

Little did he realize then, that a few years later he would have to shepherd the flock here. As Msgr. Victor San Miguel was retiring due to his age, Bishop Francis George Micallef was appointed as Bishop of Kuwait on November 11, 1981; the office and responsibility which he reluctantly accepted. He was ordained as Bishop by Pope John Paul II on January 6, 1982, and came to Kuwait on January 13, 1982, and took charge of the vicariate of Kuwait on January 15, 1982, where he still serves as shepherd of the flock.


The outgoing Bishop with the late Pope John Paul II

As evident, Bishop Francis is a man of simplicity and rejoices in humble service of the least of his brethren. His motto as Bishop is "To see the bright side of people and things". It is in this very manner that he administers to the needs of his flock after the example of the good shepherd. "There is no greater love, than to lay down one's life for his friends".

The parishioners of Kuwait will surely miss Bishop Francis as he was very simple and popular among all.

(File photos by Wilson Saldanha and others)

 

- Forwarded by Sanny Vaz   <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>



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