Chronology of Catholic Dioceses:Notes on the apostolic Prefecture of Likouala, 2000
The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has created (October 30, 2000) the Prefecture Apostolic of Likouala (Congo) with territory taken from the diocese of Ouesso.
The diocese of Ouesso comprises two civil regions: Sangha and Likouala, which cover the whole of the northern area of Congo Brazzaville. Both regions together, mainly forest areas with difficult communications, cover an area of 121,839 sq km. There is a population of 127,000, 26 percent, 33,000, are Catholics. There are 13 priests: only one is diocesan, 5 are fidei donum, 6 are Holy Ghost Fathers and one is Dominican.
With the division of the two regions, Sangha with main town Ouesso and Likouala, main town Impfondo, the new statistics are as follows:
Sangha
region Ouesso diocese today |
Likouala
region New Prefecture Apostolic |
|
Area |
55,795 sq km |
66,044 sq km |
Population |
55,000 |
72,000 |
Catholics |
12,000 (20%) |
21,000 (30%) |
Parishes |
5 |
6+30 villages with chapel |
Priests (diocesan) |
1 |
0 |
Priests fidei donum |
2 |
3 |
Priests religious |
1 |
6 |
Missionary Sisters |
11 |
2 |
Major seminarians |
8 |
1 |
The new Prefecture Apostolic of Likouala has been entrusted to the care of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.
Source: Fides, December 15th, 2000
- CT