New Bishop named for Bontoc- Lagawe

John Paul II has appointed Father Cornelio Galleo Wigwigan as the Apostolic Vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe.

Bishop Francisco Claver, S.J. celebrated his 75 th birthday on January 20,2004 . Every Catholic Bishop is required to tender his resignation on his 75 th birthday, but he remains Bishop of the ecclesiastical area until the Holy Father accepts his resignation . Bishop Claver tendered his resignation on January 20, this year. It was accepted by John Paul II, officially, at high noon in the Vatican on Thursday, April 15,2004 . Bishop Claver was born in Bontoc. He was the first Igorot Bishop in history.

Father Cornelio Wigwigan was the Vicar General of Bontoc-Lagawe. He is 61 years old, and will be 62 on May 28. he was ordained in 1966 at Sabangan in the Mountain Province . He has served as Rector of Saint Francis Xavier Seminary in Baguio City , Director of Catechetics and Superintendent of Schools in Baguio , as the Director of Saint Peter Seminary in Bontoc, and as Vicar General of Bontoc-Lagawe for the last seven years.

No date has been set for his installation as Apostolic Vicar.

Read Curriculum Vitae of Rev. Msgr. Cornelio Galleo Wigwigan, click here.