Peruvian bishop retires after years of social activism, mediation

Published: 2004-05-04

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- Bishop Luis Bambaren Gastelumendi officially turned over the Diocese of Chimbote to his successor May 2, closing a long chapter of ministry as one of Peru's most socially active bishops. The bishop officially submitted his resignation last year, when he turned 75. He has been replaced in Chimbote by Bishop Angel Simon Piorno, who has headed the Diocese of Cajamarca for the past decade. Bishop Bambaren "has done a fine job. He's had a vision of Chimbote that no one else had," said Father Jack Davis of Fargo, N.D., who has served with the Society of St. James the Apostle in Chimbote for 29 years. "He has been tremendously involved as a mediator in conflicts with labor unions and other social problems. He never let (social issues) take second place."

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