Vatican appoints 2 new Filipino bishops

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Franco has formally announced the appointments of the ninth auxiliary bishop in the country and the coadjutor bishop to the Diocese of Alaminos, Pangasinan.

The National Office of Mass Media (NOMM), the media arm of the Apostolic Nunciature, said Pope Benedict XVI has designated Msgr. Marlo Mendoza Peralta as the coadjutor of the Diocese of Alaminos.

In the Catholic Church, the title of coadjutor carries with it the right to succession. This means that Peralta will automatically take over the diocese once incumbent Alaminos Bishop Jesus Cabrera reaches the retirement age of 75 or dies.

On the other hand, Msgr. Roberto Calaria Mallari was promoted auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga to assist Archbishop Paciano Aniceto.

Mallari is said to become the ninth auxiliary bishop in the country.

"Both appointments mean that Pope Benedict XVI is studying the Philippines very closely," said Fr. James Reuter, SJ, NOMM spokesman.

No dates have been set for the consecration and installation of Peralta and Mallari.

The 65-year-old Cabrera has headed the Diocese of Alaminos for the past 25 years.

In a statement, the NOMM said that after 10 years, the bishop has to "submit his letter of resignation, according to the rules of the Vatican, and Msgr. Peralta — all things being equal — will take his place as the Bishop of Alaminos."

Peralta, vicar general and parish priest of the Sto. Niño Parish in Binalonan, Pangasinan, is only 56 years old and has been a priest for 31 years.

He will assist Cabrera, who has chaired the Philippine Episcopal Commission for Social Communications and Media for the last 10 years.

Reuter said, "He is very active and could use an auxiliary bishop."

On the other hand, Mallari, 47, parish priest of the Lord’s Ascension Parish in Lourdes Heights, San Fernando, Pampanga, would help the 67-year-old Aniceto, who is an advocate of the pro-life movement and chairman of the Philippine Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.