Robert-Joseph Mathen Explained

Robert-Joseph Mathen (1916–1997) was the 28th Bishop of Namur in Belgium.

Mathen was born in Aubange on 30 December 1916,[1] and was educated at Collège Saint-Joseph de Virton.[2] He entered the seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on 25 August 1940,[2] after which he studied Theology at the Catholic University of Leuven.[1] In 1960 he was appointed dean of Arlon, and on 24 June 1974 he became bishop of Namur.[1] He had already been consecrated as his predecessor's coadjutor bishop on 3 May the same year.[2] In 1990 Pope John-Paul II accepted his resignation, to come into force when his successor was appointed.[2]

He died as a result of pneumonia on 19 January 1997 and his funeral service took place in Namur cathedral on 23 January.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Mgr Mathen incarnait le peuple de dieu. 20 January 1997 . Christian Laporte . Le Soir.
  2. Web site: catho.ch . 25 February 1990 . Namur: le pape accepte la démission de Mgr Mathen.