Explainer: Monsignors Louis, Asare assigned Titular Sees of Fessei, Castello di Numidai

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Henryk Mieczyslaw Jagodzinski on February 14 at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra announced the appointment of Rev. Monsignor John Kobina Louis, Ph.D and Rev. Monsignor Anthony Narh Asare as Auxiliary Bishop-Elects of Accra Archdiocese by Pope Francis.

The two were appointed together to assist Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp. in the administration of the Accra Archdiocese when ordained later this year.

While Pope Francis appointed Monsignor Anthony Narh Asare as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Accra and assigned the Titular Seat of Castello di Numidia (Castellanes in Numidia), pr. Numidia, Monsignor John Kobina Louis, Ph.D was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra and assigned the Titular Seat of Fessei (Fesseitanus), pr. Numidia.

Since the announcement, questions have arisen regarding the Titular seat assigned to the Auxiliary Bishop-Elect. In this article, Catholic Trends explains what a Titular seat is.

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The Roman Catholic Church uses the term “Titular See” to refer to a diocese or episcopal seat that no longer exists in practice. In other words, a Titular See is an ancient bishopric or episcopal seat that has been abolished or merged with another diocese, but its title has been retained for various reasons.

There are a few reasons why the Catholic Church maintains a list of Titular Sees. One of the most common reasons is historical significance. Many of the Titular Sees were once important centres of Christianity and played a significant role in the Church’s early history. By retaining the title of the See, the Church is able to preserve the memory of the diocese and its impact on the development of Christianity.

Another reason for maintaining Titular Sees is to provide a title for bishops who are not assigned to a specific diocese. This can occur, for example, when a bishop is appointed as an auxiliary bishop or when a bishop retires from an active diocese but continues to serve the Church in other ways.

A bishop who is appointed to a Titular See is given the title of the ancient diocese, but he does not have any jurisdiction over a particular geographical area. Instead, he is responsible for promoting the Catholic faith and serving the Church in a broader capacity. This may involve working as a diplomat or representative of the Church, teaching at a seminary, or serving in a leadership role in a Church organization.

The Catholic Church maintains a list of over 2,000 Titular Sees, many of which are located in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Some of the most well-known Titular Sees include Carthage, Alexandria, and Ephesus. The bishops who are appointed to these Sees are given the title of “Titular Bishop,” and they are typically considered to be equal in rank to diocesan bishops, even though they do not have a specific diocese to oversee.

In summary, a Titular See in the Roman Catholic Church is a diocese or episcopal seat that no longer exists in practice but retains its title for historical or administrative purposes. Bishops who are appointed to a Titular See do not have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area, but they are responsible for serving the Church in other ways.