2016-06-24 16:06:00

Pope appoints archbishop to Myanmar’s Taunggyi Diocese


(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis on Friday appointed a new head to the Archdiocese of Taunggyi in Myanmar.  Bishop Basilio Atha, until now Auxiliary Bishop of the same archdiocese, is the new archbishop. The seat of Taunggyi had been vacant since 12 Apr 2015, with the retirement of Archbishop Matthias U Shwe.

Archbishop Athai was born on July 22, 1956 in Loikaw Diocese, Kayah state.  After his schooling, he took up geography at Taunggyi University.  Following his formation at St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary, he completed his philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary of Yangon.  After his priestly ordination on April 1, 1984, he was entrusted with several responsibilities, such as assistant parish priest of Hwary and  then of Taunggyi cathedral.  He was appointed professor of philosophy at the major seminary of Mandalay Archdiocese, then parish priest of Dorokohu , in  Loikaw  Diocese.  From 1996 to 2005 he studied for a licentiate in theology at Rome’s Pontifical Urban University.  On his returrn to Myanmar he was appointed the parish priest of Nanattaw ‎ then rector of the Sr. Michael’s major seminary of Taunggyi.  Pope Benedict appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Taunggyi on June 21, 2008, and since the retirement of Archbishops U Shwe he has been serving as Apostolic Administrator of Taunggyi. 








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