Lhe royal palace of Oussouye received a distinguished guest this weekend. Indeed, Monsignor Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga, the new bishop of the diocese of Ziguinchor, recently paid a courtesy visit to Maan Sibiloumbaye Diédhiou, the king of Budjumaayii. This approach is part of a tradition of pastoral leadership which favors collaboration and dialogue with all the social and cultural components of the region, thus ensuring inclusive governance that respects diversity.
Mgr Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga thus becomes the 5th bishop of Ziguinchor, succeeding Mgr Paul Abel Mamba Diatta, who led the diocese from January 25, 2012 to November 4, 2021 before being transferred to the diocese of Tambacounda. Before Mgr Diatta, the diocese had been led by the late Mgr Maixent Coly from 1993 until his death in 2010, and before him, by the late Mgr Augustin Sagna from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. The very first bishop of the diocese, Prosper Dodds , had held this position from 1955 to 1966.
The appointment of Bishop Manga comes after a period of management by Father Fulgence Coly, diocesan director of Caritas, who administered the diocese on an interim basis.
The official installation of Mgr Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga is planned for November 2024, but he has already taken initiatives to establish a dialogue with the different communities in the region. The meeting with the king of Budjumaayii is an important step in this direction, showing a desire to harmonize relations between the different traditions and beliefs of the region.
Tomorrow Monday, Bishop Manga will hold a press conference to share his vision and projects for the diocese of Ziguinchor according to seneweb. This communication should enlighten the faithful and residents on its priorities and commitments for the future of the diocesan community.
Author: SARA JUPITER, SENEGAL7
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