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Filipino priest named auxiliary bishop in the United States

Philippines | National

Filipino priest named auxiliary bishop in the United States

By Rhowen Del Rosario

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced on Saturday, April 20, that Auxiliary bishop-elect Reynaldo Bersabal has been appointed as the fifth Filipino to be appointed as a bishop in the United States (US).

Auxiliary bishop-elect Reynaldo Bersabal — (Auxiliary bishop-elect Reynaldo Bersabal / Screengrab from Diocese of Sacramento)

Currently serving as the pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in the capital city of California since 2022, the 59-year-old bishop has a well-known background within the church.

According to CBCP, he served as the assessor of marriage cases for the metropolitan tribunal of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City, as chancellor, and as archdiocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines.

His appointment follows closely after the selection of Auxiliary Bishop Efren Esmilla, who assumed his post in December 2023.

The Diocese of Sacramento, one of California’s 12 dioceses, covers the northern and eastern regions that have just one million Catholics.

The said diocese consists of 102 parishes, 40 missions, 36 elementary schools, and six high schools.

Early life

Born in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, the bishop was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro in 1991.

Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including parochial vicar at Our Lady of Snows parish, parish administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, and parish priest at St. Francis Xavier parish.

He also held the position of treasurer of the diocesan presbyteral council from 2007 to 2010 and currently serves on several vital boards and commissions within the diocese.

Related Tags

Catholic Bishopsâ€™ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) - Health Care Ministry CBCP

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