Diocese of Aitape receives it's official announcement of a Bishop for the Diocese.

AFter the retirement of Bishop Austen Crapp ofm on 5th March this year, Aitape Diocese was operating under the apostolic adminstration of Bishop Otto Separy the Auxillary Bishop

However, on 9th June it had been officially announced at 2pm European time by the Vatican in Rome, 8pm Papua New Guinea standard time that Bishop Otto Separy has now been appointed Bishop of Aitape Diocese.

At the age of 57 years, Bishop Otto is happy with this new journey in life as he prepares himself for this important role as head of a Diocese.

Bishop Otto said in an interview earlier today that he was aware of the challenges in terms of pastoral and administrative responsibilities, especially with the transition of the church from a missionary one previously administered by an international Bishop to a local one by a national Bishop.

Bishop Otto originally from Tangori One Village in the Kubalia District, East Sepik Province, said that he is quite happy to be the Bishop of Aitape as the place in terms of culture is no difference of that in Wewak Diocese where he previously served as priest for 16 years.

He added that he knows his role as Bishop will not be easy especially administratively however, he believes that if everyone (priests, religious, diocesan service providers, and people in general) work together, a lot will be achieved.

He also acknowledged Bishop Austen's previous role and efforts as Bishop of the Diocese, together with the Franciscan community in preparing the Diocese through the years for this transitional change, making the task of a local Bishop much easier with the existence of the Pastoral and Cooperate Plans established.

Bishop Otto Separy is the first local Bishop for the Diocese of Aitape and also the first in the Momase Region. The official date for his installation is yet to be confirmed.

Diocesan Staff with Bishop Otto outside the Diocesan Office Complex after congratulating him