Bishop of Keetmanshoop
Rev. Fr. Willem Christiaans, O.S.F.S., was born on February 12, 1961, in Gabis, Karasburg District, Diocese of Keetmanshoop. He made his first vows as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales on January 23, 1983, and his perpetual vows on January 23, 1988. He completed his studies in Philosophy (1983–84) and Theology (1985–88) at St. Joseph’s Theological Institute in Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an institution affiliated with the Pontifical Urban University. He was ordained a priest on December 10, 1988. Subsequently, he held the following positions: 1989–1990: Director of the O.S.F.S. Pre-Novitiate; 1991–1992: Director of O.S.F.S. Scholastics; 1993–2005: Provincial Superior of the O.S.F.S. for three consecutive terms; 2005–2009: Parish Priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rehoboth (Keetmanshoop); 2010–2013: Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier in Witkranz and St. John Vianney in Stampriet (Keetmanshoop); 2008–2013: Vicar General of Keetmanshoop; from 2013: National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PP.OO.MM.) in Namibia; from July 26, 2017: Diocesan Administrator of Keetmanshoop.