ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian Catholic Church Welcomes New Bishop for Nekemte Vicariate
Fr. Getahun Fanta Shikune, the New Vicar Apostolic of Nekemte
Bezawit Assefa
On Tuesday, July 16, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Getahun Fanta Shikune, the Vicar Apostolic of Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Until his appointment, Monsignor Fanta has been the spiritual director of the Lazarist School of Addis Ababa and spiritual director of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia.
A member of the Congregation of the Mission (CM), Fr. Getahun was born on 25 February 1973 in Aleku Sassi, West Wollega, in the apostolic vicariate of Nekemte. He was awarded a master’s degree in human resources from DePaul University, Chicago, United States of America.
He entered the seminary and studied at Saint Francis Capuchin Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Addis Ababa and later ordained a priest on 1 July 2001. He has served as parish priest at Holy Saviour, Sako, and Saint Mary, Metcha. Led the major seminary of his Institute and served two terms (2010-2013 and 2013-2016) as superior of the Province of Ethiopia for the Congregation.
The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops Conference expresses heartfelt congratulations on the appointment of monsignor Fanta.
