On Sunday 22 February, at Maputo in Mozambique, Fr. Adrian Langa ofm, was consacrated as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Maputo (Mozambique) and titular bishop of Baia. He had been nominated by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on the Feast of Christ the King (23 November 1997). Fr. Langa had been elected General Definitor for Africa during the General Chapter of 1997.

The Consecration liturgy was presided by the Cardinal of Maputo, Alexandre José Maria dos Santos, assisted by the Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Stephan Zurbriggen and numerous bishops. The Minister General, Fr. Giacomo Bini, partecipated at the Liturgy as did the president of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano together with numerous civil authorities and diplomatic representatives, a celebration which went on for five hours. The consacration was held in a covered sport complex and was animated with dance and hymns by the thousands of faithful who participated.

Fr. Adrian Langa ofm was born in Macapulana, diocese of Xai-Xai, on October 25th 1946. He entered the Noviciate in 1979. He collaborated in the mission of Homoine. He studied philosophy and Theology in Portugal at the Catholic University. He attended also at the "Lumen Vitae" Institute at Brussels where he graduated in Pastoral Theology.

He was ordained priest on November 21st 1982 at Xai-Xai (Mozambique). Besides serving as parish priest, Fr. Adrian was also responsible for the Secretariat of Pastoral Co-ordination of the diocese of Inhambane, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Conference, Guardian at the House of Formation in Matola and Custos of the Franciscans in Mozambique. Furthermore he served the Order as Visitor General in Guinea-Bissau and Zaire (Congo).

He was also member of various commissions and working groups to study the Franciscan presence in Africa. He was also invited to participate in one of the Plenary Councils of the Order and served as the president of the Conference of religious in Mozambique (CIRM). He participated as expert at the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa and lastly elected as General Definitor for the Order during the General Chapter of 1997.

The Consacration coincided with the centenary of the Franciscan presence in Mozambique, a presence which had been characterised by a strict collaboration with the local church for the formation of the clergy and the missionary - pastoral activity.