Retired Bishop Tobias stays as Novaliches Diocese administrator

By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency

MANILA — Pope Francis has named retired Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias as the apostolic administrator of the diocese.

The former head of the Diocese of Novaliches was appointed to his new post on June 7, a day after the Vatican accepted his resignation.

According to an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website posted Wednesday, Tobias will serve the post until Bishop-elect Roberto Gaa formally takes over as the new bishop of Novaliches.

For his part, the retired bishop hinted that he will serve his new post for three months only, though the dates of Gaa’s episcopal ordination and installation are yet to be set.

The 77-year old bishop has been serving the diocese since 2003.

Tobias said he would be able to deliver whatever his prior commitments demanded of him.

“It’s good this happened… I can continue what I need to do under the capacity given me by Rome as apostolic administrator,” he added.

On June 6, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Tobias from the pastoral care of Novaliches, and at the same time appointed Gaa as his successor.

Prior to his appointment, Gaa of the Archdiocese of Manila, has been serving as rector of the Holy Apostle Seminary in Makati City.

For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website

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