The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro as the new Bishop of Garissa Diocese following the resignation of Rt. Rev Paul Darmanin who has attained 75 years which is the canonical age for retirement.
In a letter written to the Catholic Bishops in Kenya, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya His Excellency Archbishop Charles D. Balvo informed the Bishops that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of His Lordship Paul Damanin.
“In accord with the norms of the Code of Canon Law, Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro automatically succeeded Bishop Darmanin on Tuesday 8th, November, 2015 at 2 p.m. local time,” the letter read.
Speaking at the Kenya Catholic Secretariat, Waumini house during the Celebration in honor of the consecrated women employees, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue called on the staff of the secretariat to support and pray for Bishop Alessandro as he assumes his duty fully as the shepherd of the Diocese of Garissa.
Bishop Alessandro was born on 30th, November, 1944 in paola Malta. At the age of 17 he was professed as a member of Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and in 1966 he professed his perpetual vows to the same order.
He was ordained deacon in December, 1969 and ordained priest the following year on 5th, April, 1970. He came to Kenya in 1989. In 2010 he was made Vicar General of the Diocese of Garissa by Bishop Paul Darmanin.
In 2012 Pope Benedict XIV appointed Alessandro as the new Coadjutor Bishop of Garissa. He was ordained Bishop by Cardinal John Njue on 29th, September 2012 in St. John's Co-Cathedral Valletta and left Malta on November 3 the same year.
By Rose Achiego; Waumini Communications, KCCB