Election Process for New Bishop:
Bishop Todd McGregor resigned as the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Toliara on December 31st 2020, and the process of electing a new Bishop is now underway. A letter has been sent to the Archbishop James Wong (Archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean).
So we now pray and wait for Archbishop Wong to start the discernment process.
Once he has done so, there is a period of 40 days for the names of candidates to be submitted by the Diocesan chancellor to the Provincial Chancellor. These names will then be circulated amongst the Diocesan bishops of the Province seeking their approval.
The election date will then be set & the election will be led by the Provincial Chancellor. On the election day, all the candidates will be presented by the Diocesan Chancellor to the assembled members of the Electoral College.
Throughout the process, every step will be supported and uplifted by a chain of prayers within the Province, and specifically by a special time of prayer organized at the Diocesan level, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout.
Prayer for New Bishop:
Almighty God, Giver of every good gift, who can do more than we can imagine and who blessed us with your Son our Savior Jesus Christ: thank you for blessing us with the ministries of Bishop Todd McGregor and Rev. Patsy McGregor, founders of this Diocese. Bless and guide the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Toliara as we search for our next bishop.
Through your ever-flowing grace and mercy, fill us with the desire and ability to do your will, and grant us inquiring and discerning hearts that we may indeed see, hear, and do your will. Give us wisdom as we select a new Bishop, who will proclaim by word and example the Good News of your Son Jesus Christ, and who will challenge and encourage our Diocese to grow and move forward in Christ; through Jesus Christ your Son our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
What happens in the interim?
Generally speaking, the Vicar General is the person nominated by the Diocesan Bishop to run the Diocese when the Bishop is not present.
The Rt Rev Dr Samitiana Jhonson RAZAFINDRALAMBO is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Toliara.
Now that Bishop Todd has resigned, the Vicar General, Assistant Bishop Samy, is running the administrative, pastoral and spiritual life of the Diocese in collaboration with the Archdeacon, Venerable Hery.
He is also preparing the Diocese with the Provincial and Diocesan Chancellors for the election of the new Diocesan bishop.