The catechetical session with Bishop Michael Bibi which took place on Monday April 29th 2024 at St. Martin De Porres Parish Likomba, Tiko, focused on the Diocesan Curia, its members and function. The Local Ordinary educated his Christians that the Diocesan Curia constitutes Institutes and persons appointed and assigned specific responsibilities, to assist the Bishop in the governing of the Diocese. It is made up of the different offices in the Bishop’s House which includes the Vicar general, chancellery, Finance, amongst others. It also constitutes institutes/offices which are not located at the Bishops house like the Education Secretariat, Directorate of Communication, Family Life, the Pastoral Formation Service among others.
Teachings at St Martin De Porres Parish Likomba
The prelate in his teachings stated that , the Bishop appoints these members and works in close collaboration with them, receiving regular reports about their activities as they carry on with the work of evangelization within the Diocese. He further said that the members of the Diocesan Curia must uphold the virtue of confidentiality and must be respectful, trust worthy and obedient to the Bishop.
Christians drilled on the Diocesan Curia
He went ahead to explain the roles of the different members of the diocesan curia, highlighting that the Vicar General is appointed to assist the Bishop and he works in full solidarity with the Bishop. The Chancellor on his part, caters for the Bishop’s secretariat and keeps record of all documents and information that leaves or comes to the Bishop’s secretariat. The chancellor works closely with the Directorate of communication to ensure that information is properly circulated within the Diocese.
Catechesis with Bishop Bibi
The prelate also noted that the finance office helps in the running of finances of the Diocese. The finance administrator must be one who is trust worthy, with an outstanding integrity, and serves for a period of five years, renewable as per the decision of the Bishop. The Bishop also appoints members of the finance committee, amongst whom must be 3 lay faithful who are experts in financial matters and the law.
These teachings were appreciated by the Christians who went further to ask questions related to the teachings of the day and others related to specific issues about their Christian life.
