By Leslie Ann AquinoÂ
Pope Francis has appointed Father Jose Rapadas as the new bishop of the Diocese of Iligan in southern Philippines.
Bishop-elect Jose Rapadas of Ilagan. (Photo from BP Alberto Uy via CBCP News /MANILA BULLETIN)
The 46-year old Rapadas will be the youngest Filipino bishop serving in and outside the country today, according to a CBCP News post.
Upon his appointment, the bishop-elect has been serving as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Born in Tondo, Manila in 1972, Rapadas is a product of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, and was ordained priest in 1999.
He also holds a licentiate in dogmatic theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University.
As a priest for 20 years, he has served in a number of pastoral roles including parish vicar and coordinator of diocesan social pastoral ministry.
The bishop-elect also served as seminary professor, director of the Office of Catechesis for the Family and Life, rector of the Saint Joseph College Seminary and professor of religious studies at the University of Zamboanga.
Rapadas will be the fifth bishop of Iligan, with around a million Catholic population in 26 parishes.
Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare has been overseeing the diocese as apostolic administrator following the death of Bishop Elenito Galido in 2017.
Bishop-elect Jose Rapadas of Ilagan. (Photo from BP Alberto Uy via CBCP News /MANILA BULLETIN)
The 46-year old Rapadas will be the youngest Filipino bishop serving in and outside the country today, according to a CBCP News post.
Upon his appointment, the bishop-elect has been serving as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Born in Tondo, Manila in 1972, Rapadas is a product of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, and was ordained priest in 1999.
He also holds a licentiate in dogmatic theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University.
As a priest for 20 years, he has served in a number of pastoral roles including parish vicar and coordinator of diocesan social pastoral ministry.
The bishop-elect also served as seminary professor, director of the Office of Catechesis for the Family and Life, rector of the Saint Joseph College Seminary and professor of religious studies at the University of Zamboanga.
Rapadas will be the fifth bishop of Iligan, with around a million Catholic population in 26 parishes.
Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare has been overseeing the diocese as apostolic administrator following the death of Bishop Elenito Galido in 2017.