New auxiliary bishops named for Pangasinan, Pampanga

Benedict XVI has appointed two new bishops in the Philippines. Monsignor Marlo Mendoza Peralta has been appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Alaminos. Monsignor Roberto Calasa Mallari has been appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The news was officially published at 7:00 p.m., our time, on Saturday, January 14, in the Vatican. It was released to Philippine media simultaneously by Archbishop Antonio Franco, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

In the Catholic Church, the title of the Coadjutor carries with it the right to succession. The present bishop of Alaminos is Jesus A. Cabrera, who has been the bishop of Alaminos for the last 25 years. Born on December 12, 1940, he is only 65 years old. On his 75 th birthday he will submit his letter of resignation, according to the rules of the Vatican, and Monsignor Peralta – all things being equal – will take his place as the Bishop of Alaminos.

Monsignor Peralta is 65 years old, born on July 13, 1950, in Pangasinan. He was ordained priest at the age of 25. He studied Philosophy and Theology in the Immaculate Conception Seminary of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. His work has been that of a Parish Priest for the last 30 years. He served as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Urdaneta for 12 years, and has been the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese since the death of Bishop Galang in the year 2004.

Monsignor Mallari is 47 years old. He entered the Minor Seminary of Pampanga at the age if 12. He studied Philosophy and Theology at San Carlos Seminary in Guadalupe, Makati City. Ordained at the age of 24, he earned his Mater’s Degree in Spirituality in 1989 and served as the Spiritual Director of Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in Pampanga for ten years. For the last six years he has been the Executive Secretary of the Philippine Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, the Archbishop of San Fernando Pampanga, to whom Monsignor Mallari has been assigned as Auxiliary Bishop, is the Chairman of the Philippine Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. Archbishop Aniceto is 67 years old, and very active in Pro-Life Movement. Monsignor Mallari will be of great assistance to him in his many projects for the Filipino Family.

No dates have been set for the consecration and installation of the two new Bishops. The mere fact that they have been appointed is striking evidence that Benedict XVI is paying special attention to the Philippines.