By Paschal Norbert
JULY 16, 2024 (CISA) – Pope Francis has appointed Fr Getahun Fanta Shikune CM, the Director of the Lazarist School of Addis Ababa and Spiritual Director of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia, as Vicar Apostolic of Nekemte.
Fr Shikune was born on February 25, 1973, in Aleku Sassi, West Wollega, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte. He joined the Congregation of the Missions and studied at St. Francis Capuchin Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Addis Ababa. He was ordained a priest on 1 July 2001.
The member of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians/Lazarists-C.M), has served in various capacities, including as parish priest of Holy Saviour, Sako, and of St. Mary, Metcha; rector of the major seminary of his Institute; superior of the Province of Ethiopia of the Congregation of the Mission for two terms (2010-2013 and 2013-2016); and service at the Saint Mary of Sion parish. He is currently director of the Lazarist School of Addis Ababa and spiritual director of the Daughters of Charity of Ethiopia.
The Vicariate of Nekemte became vacant when Pope Francis appointed Bishop Varghese Thottamkara CM who was serving as the Vicar Apostolic of Nekemte, as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Balasore in India on May 10, 2023.
