US Capuchin Named Bishop in Papua New Guinea

The Vatican announced today the appointment of Capuchin Father Donald Lippert, 54, who until now was the councillor of the vice province of Papua New Guinea of the Capuchins.

Donald Lippert was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1957 and ordained in 1985. Until the year 2007, when he was sent as a missionary to Papua New Guinea, he was active in the United States in roles including parochial vicar, program coordinator for Hispanic candidates, professor of theology and provincial vicar. He also spent periods of study in Belgium.

The Diocese of Mendi has some 114,000 Catholics out of a total population of 600,000. They are served by some 35 priests and 70 religious.