Bishop Philibert Tembo Nlandu

Philibert Tembo Nlandu, C.I.C.M., was born on November 3, 1962, in Nganda Kikamba, in the Diocese of Boma. He attended primary and secondary school in Mbata-Siala and Kizu, as well as the diocesan minor seminary in Mbata-Kiela. In 1980, he entered the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scheut Missionaries), where he made his first profession in 1982; he subsequently pursued studies in philosophy at the Saint Augustin Institute in Kinshasa (1982–1985) and in theology at the St. Cyprian Institute in Ngoya, Cameroon (1985–1988). He later went to Japan, where he undertook a missionary internship and specialized theological studies, culminating in a Licentiate degree (1988–1991). During this period, he also attended a training course at the Institute for Religious Formation in the United States. He was ordained a priest on August 25, 1991. Following his ordination, he held various positions: missionary in Japan (1991–1997); formator of theology students and professor of theology in Manila, Philippines (1998–2000); and Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kinshasa (2000–2006). He also served as Vice-President of the Association of Major Superiors of the Congo (ASUMA) and as President of the ASUMA in Kinshasa.