HISTORICAL NOTES AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The history of the Vicariate Apostolic of Nekemte can be traced back to the Vicariate Apostolic of the Galla, (Oromo) which was erected on 4th May 1846.  Taking Territories from it, the Apostolic Prefecture of Kaffa was established on 28th January 1913.  Later, on March 25th 1937 it was raised to a Vicariate Apostolic, and renamed the Vicariate Apostolic of Jimma.  The Decree of Propaganda Fide dated September 3, 1982 changed the name of the Vicariate to the Vicariate Apostolic of Nekemte. 

Extent

The Vicariate Apostolic of Nekemte comprises Assossa and Kamashi Zones in Benishangul Gumuz Region; East and West Wollega Zones and large part of West Shewa Zone of Oromiya Regional State.

Approximate figures:

Area: 85,500 Sq. Kms.     Population: 7,154,000        Catholics:  45,724

ORDINARY:

H.E. Mgr. Theo Van Ruyven, c.m

Birth Place:                          Rijswijk, Netherlands
Birth Date:                           May 22, 1938
Ordained Priest:                  March 19, 1964
Nominated Bishop:              July 23, 2009
Consecrated Bishop:           August 30, 2009

 

Addresses

Nekemte

P. O. Box 412, Nekemte
Tel:  00.251.057.661.13.58/661.16.26
Fax:  00.251.057.661.36.60
P.O.Box 5934, Addis Ababa
Tel: 00.251.011.279.24.27/279.48.92
Fax: 00.251.011.279.26.59
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

Nekemte Diocesan Catholic Secretariat

Head Office:                 Addis Ababa
                                    P.O.Box 5934, Addis Ababa
                                    Tel: 00.251.011.279.24.27/279.48.92
                                    Fax: 00.251.011.279.26.59
                                    E-mail: < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
 

    Secretary General:-        
                                   Tel: 00.251.011.279.24.27

    Development Coord:-        
                                       Tel: 00.251.011.279.24.27

    Pastoral Coordinator:-    
                                        Tel: 00.251.011.279.81.70

Presbyterial Council

Abba Girma Tesfaye
Abba Alvaro (I.M.C)
Abba Tilahun Gemechu
Abba Raguel Hika
Abba Zelalem Tesfaye
Abba Dawit Terfa
Abba Solomon Berhanu
 

Formation Houses:

Diocesan Major Seminary:
Director:  Abba Dawit Terfa
Spiritual Director: Abba Girma Tesfaye.
P.O.Box 5934, Addis Abeba
Tel: 00.251.011.279.48.92/93

Vincentian Group
Spiritual Director: Abba Girma Tesfaye
Postulants 3       
Addis Ababa
P.O.Box 5934, Addis Abeba
Tel: 00.251.011.279.27.13