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ARUA DIOCESE

ECCLESIATICAL STRUCTURE

The Bishop

Arua Diocese was erected on the 23rd June 1958, detached from Gulu Diocese. It’s patrons are the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces. The first Bishop was late Rt. Rev. Angelo Tarantino of the Comboni Missionaries from 1958-1984.

The present Bishop is Rt. Rev. Fredrick Drandua born at Baribu of Uleppi Parish now under Nebbi Catholic Diocese on 12th August 1943. He joined Minor Seminary in 1957, Philosophy from 1964-1965 in Lacor Seminary. He did theological studies in Urban University, then ordained priest on 9th July 1970. He worked in the parish from 1970-1975. In May 1975 he became Rector of Pokea Minor Seminary up-to 1984. In 1982 he was made the Vicar General of Arua Diocese. On 4th Jan, 1985 he was appointed Diocesan Administrator. He was Consecrated Bishop of Arua Diocese by late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga on 15th August 1986 in Arua Catholic at Ediofe.

The Vicar General is Msgr. Casto Adeti, appointed from 1995.

The Vicariates

Arua Diocese is divided into two vicariates.
The Episcopal vicar for Moyo Vicariate is Msgr. Pierino Madrwa and Msgr. Casto Adeti is the Episcopal Vicar for Ediofe Vicariate.
In each vicariate the priests hold regular meetings and on-going formations in order to promote harmony and efficiency in the pastoral Ministry. The priests and the religious in each Vicariate also do together bi-monthly recollection at least four times a year. This faster mutual growth, understanding and collaboration.
The Episcopal Vicar is freely appointed by the Bishop and he has ordinary executive powers within his territory.
Some of his duties include,
• To inform the Bishop of the needs of the Vicariate
• To make regular Canonical visits to the parishes of his Vicariate
• To collaborate with the deans and assistant pastoral Coordinators of his Vicariate.
• To care for the clergy of the Vicariate with deans.
• To install parish priests and curates in their new assignment
• To be informed of and care for the absences of parish priests from their parishes.
• To organize bi-monthly days of recollection for the clergy, religious and Missionary laity of their Vicariate.
• To ensure faithful implantation of Synod plans and diocesan policy in his vicariate.
• To represent the Bishop when asked to do so.
• To grant permission for mixed Marriages.
• To celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in the Vicariate when the Bishop is unable to do so.
• To serve as a member of Episcopal Council, College of Consulters, presbyteral Council, diocesan pastoral council and Curial.