Ordination and Canonical Possession of the Cathedral of the Vicariate of Rundu, Namibia, by Bishop Linus Ngenomesho, OMI.
It was with sentiments of praise and joy that IMBISA received the news of your appointment by the Holy Father as Bishop of this beloved Vicariate of Rundu, Namibia, on May 11, 2026, and of your episcopal ordination on July 18, 2026.
Bishop Linus chose the following motto for his episcopal coat of arms: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The ordination was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Namibia, Archbishop Henryk Mieczylaw Jagodzinski, together with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Windhoek, Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, OMI, and Bishop Joseph Shipandeni Shikongo, OMI. This sacred rite marks the beginning of Bishop Linus’s ministry as shepherd, leader, and teacher of the Apostolic Vicariate of Rundu.
On July 19, 2026, he took possession as new Bishop of the Vicariate of Rundu, after almost 6 years as Diocesan Administrator. It is with joy, great rejoicing, and high honour that, on behalf of IMBISA, we warmly welcome you to your installation in this Cathedral of Saint Mary, where, from now on, you will have your cathedra: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26). In this festive atmosphere, we renew our commitment to walk together in faith. Count on our daily prayers, our fraternal support, and our dedication to building the Kingdom of God in the IMBISA region.
It should be noted that the Cathedra is a symbol of the bishop’s authority to teach, sanctify, and govern the local Church in communion with the Holy Father and the universal Church. From this chair, Bishop Linus now presides over the liturgical life of the Vicariate and leads the faithful in faith, hope, and charity. Yes, Bishop Linus Ngenomesho comes sent by the Lord Jesus, the “Great Shepherd of the sheep” who never abandons his flock. He continues to guard and guide it through the successors of the Apostles, the Bishops. Each Bishop is a link in this chain of apostolic solicitude for the faithful and holy people of God. It is, therefore, the Apostolic Church that, today, here and now, manifests itself in continuity with its origins and, at the same time, in permanent renewal.
The account gathered by the IMBISA representative at the event of his ordination and installation (Fr. Pelágio Cachingona) clearly demonstrated how the Christian people of the Vicariate of Rundu welcomed Bishop Linus Ngenomesho with open hearts and arms—as a successor to the Apostles and an image of the Good Shepherd, sent to preside over the unity of this Particular Church in faith, love, and mission during this time of epochal change. As a sign of the welcome, acceptance, and commitment of the entire Church of the Vicariate, a delegation of the faithful—including priests, religious, and laypeople—expressed their communion, obedience, and respect, acknowledging him as their Shepherd.
This gesture also brings to mind something very important. It reminds everyone that a Bishop cannot live out his mission as shepherd of the Church without the active accompaniment of the lay faithful in his ministry—the majority of the People of God, Christians living in the streets of the world, who represent the “Church going forth” in their respective environments. Nor can he fulfill this role without the variety, richness, and beauty of the charisms that the consecrated men and women present in the Vicariate demonstrate through their lives and actions. And even less could he accomplish this without the affective and effective cooperation of priests in their daily dedication to the vitality of faith, fraternal communion, and the mission of Christian communities. All are called to journey together in a synodal Church that goes forth.
At this moment, as the universal Church journeys toward renewal under the luminous guidance of Pope Leo XIV, the new shepherd will join—as a guide—this Church of the Vicariate, which is on a synodal path, eager for missionary renewal and discerning new ways and languages to proclaim the Gospel to the people of our time.
Bishop Linus, we entrust your mission to the intercession of Saint Mary, patroness of the Vicariate, with prayers for a fruitful apostolate. We pray that God grants you light, wisdom, health, serenity, spiritual joy, and a sense of humour—that radiant smile of love! We all wish you a blessed mission in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ in Rundu from the bottom of our hearts!
May the Divine Holy Spirit illuminate your steps, and may Our Lady cover your ministry with her mantle of love and protection!