Resignation of bishop of Naha, Japan, and appointment of successor

The Holy Father Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Naha, Japan, presented by H.E. Msgr. Berard Toshio Oshikawa, O.F.M. Conv.

The Pope has appointed, Rev. Fr. Wayne Berndt, O.F.M. Cap., currently parish priest of Yonabaru, as bishop of the same see.

Rev. Fr. Wayne Berndt, O.F.M. Cap.

The Rev. Fr. Wayne Berndt, O.F.M. Cap., was born on 15 May 1954 in Fitchburg, diocese of Worcester, U.S.A. He entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin of New York, United States, making his first profession on 16 August 1976 and his perpetual profession on 28 June 1980. After arriving in Japan in 1981, he studied Japanese in Tokyo until 1983.

He was ordained a priest on 21 May 1983 in Yonkers, New York.

Since priestly ordination he has held the following positions: parish vicar at Miyako, diocese of Naha (1983-1984); parish vicar at Koza/Futenma/Awase, diocese of Naha (1984-1986); parish priest of Futenma, diocese of Naha (1986-1997); adjunct lecturer at the University of Riukyus diocese of Naha (1986-1998); minister of the Custos of the Friars Minor Capuchin (1994-2000); parish priest of Kumagaya, diocese of Saitama 2000-2002); ministry in the Open House Centre for Migrants, diocese of Saitama (2001-2005); parish priest of Higashi Matsuyama, diocese of Saitama (2002-2005); parish priest of Omiya and Ministry in the Centre for Migrants, diocese of Saitama (2005-2010); minister of the Custos of the Friars Minor Capuchin (2009-2014); Parish priest of Oroku, diocese of Naha (2010-2014); and since 2014: parish priest of Yonabaru, diocese of Naha.