The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Fr Neil Augustine Frank OMI, the Coadjutor Bishop of
Mariannhill, with special faculties.

Mgr. Neil Frank was the Provincial of the OMI Province of Southern Africa until his appointment by the Holy Father.

Curriculum vitae

H.E. Mgr. Neil Augustine Frank, O.M.I., was born on 21 August 1966 in Pietermaritzburg, in the Archdiocese of Durban. He holds a Bachelor of Science (1988) and a Master of Science in Physics (1991) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). He completed his philosophical preparation in the St. Joseph’s Scholasticate (1993-1995) and the theological one at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1995-1998).

He made his perpetual vows as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate on January 4, 1998 and was ordained a priest on August 21, 1999.

He subsequently held the following positions and completed further studies: Parish Vicar and Pastor of various Parishes in the Archdiocese of Durban (1999-2004); studied in Pune, India, for the Master’s degree in Philosophy (2004-2006). Upon returning to South Africa he was pastor of two parishes, teacher, head of the Department of Philosophy (2006-2014) and President (2015-2018) at the St. Joseph’s Theological Institute (2015-2018). From 2018 until now he has been Provincial Superior of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate in South Africa.

Congratulations to the Diocese of Mariannhill and prayers for the new Bishop-Elect, Mgr Frank.