Appointment of bishop of the eparchy of San Charbel en Buenos Aires of the Maronites, Argentina

The Holy Father has appointed as bishop of the eparchy of San Charbel en Buenos Aires of the Maronites, Argentina, Bishop Juan Habib Chamieh, O.M.M., currently apostolic administrator of the same eparchy, transferring him from the titular see of Nomento.

Bishop Juan Habib Chamieh, O.M.M., was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on 7 October 1966, and entered the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the age of fifteen. After completing his superior studies at the Notre Dame de Louizé in Zouk, he was sent to Rome, where he received his formation in philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Lateran University. He was then awarded a licentiate in dogmatic philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

He gave his religious vows on 7 September 1991 and was ordained a priest on 14 August 1992.

He has held various positions in his Order: formator of postulants (1992-1995), vice-director of the Mar Abda school in Deir el Kamar (1995-1996), teacher of school professors (1997-1999), secretary general of the Order (1999-2005), in Rome, chaplain of school professors (2005), and treasurer of the Saint Antoine le grand convent (2005-2006), superior of the Marian mission in Uruguay (2008-2011), and master of novices (2011-2013). At the same time he carried out pastoral activities in parishes in Lebanon and in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Appointed titular bishop of Nomento and apostolic administrator of the eparchy of San Charbel en Buenos Aires of the Maronites on 17 April 2013, he received episcopal consecration the following May 25.

In addition to Arabic, he speaks French, English, Italian and Spanish.