(ANS - Vatican City) - On 30 November, Pope Francis appointed Fr Biord Raúl Castillo, SDB, as Bishop of the new Diocese of La Guaira, Venezuela. Until now, Fr Castillo has been Vice-Provincial and Delegate for Formation in the Salesian Province of Venezuela.

Raúl Biord was born on 23 October 1962 in San Antonio de los Altos, Venezuela.  He made his perpetual vows as a Salesian on 13 September 1987 in Rome, where he completed his theological studies. He was ordained priest on 15 July 1989 at San Antonio de los Altos, Venezuela.

He holds a Doctorate in Theology and a Licentiate in Fundamental Theology and Philosophy from the Gregorian Pontifical University.

In his pastoral ministry he has been assistant Parish Priest in Los Teques and Rector of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Güiripa; professor of theology and philosophy in IUSPO, ITER, UCAB, CERC and in the Seminary of Caracas; Rector of IUSPO; Secretary of the Theological and Pastoral commission of the Plenary Council of Venezuela; consultant of the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine and the Association of Catholic Education (AVEC); National Director of Youth and Employment; Provincial Delegate for Formation;  Director of the School of Formation for Salesians and Lay people; and Vice-Provincial of the Salesians in Venezuela from 2004 until the present.

Published 30/11/2013