REVEREND Father Willem Christiaans will be consecrated soon as the next leader of the Diocese of Keetmanshoop.
He succeeds the bishop Emeritus, Phillip Pollitzer, who retired on 21 July last year.
The appointment of Christiaans as bishop by the holy father Francis announced today is effective immediately.
Christiaans served as diocesan administrator and national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Namibia until his appointment.
Born on 12 February 1961 at the farm Gabis in the Karasburg district, Christiaans took his first vows as Oblate of St. Francis de Sales on 23 January 1983, and those perpetual on 23 January 1988.
“I am surprised, but equally grateful for the honour bestowed upon me by the holy father Francis with the appointment,” he said yesterday.
He pledged to work with the leadership of the diocese of Keetmanshoop, as well as religious leaders of other church denominations.
