Msgr. Abel Apigo is bishop-elect of Mati

DAVAO CITY—The second bishop of Mati has been named.

Msgr. Abel Apigo, rector of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) is the new bishop-elect of Mati.

The announcement was made after the Holy Mass celebration of the 8th year of the annual gathering of Friends of REMASE, a group of people formed to support the seminarians here in Mindanao.

The communique signed by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Gabriele Caccia, was read by the vice rector of REMASE, Fr. Reynaldo Retardo.

“It’s really a grace of God to be chosen as the shepherd of the local church of Mati,” said Msgr. Apigo in an interview with DCHerald moments after the announcement was made publicly.

Bishop-elect Apigo will be the second prelate of Mati since former Bishop of Mati Patricio Alo has retired due to health reasons.

Apigo is also on his 24th year in the priestly ministry and on his 12th year as rector of REMASE.

ONE OF US TO SERVE THE CHURCH AS BISHOP

“Indeed this is a cause of rejoicing, thanking god for this gift. It is also our source of pride and honor for he comes from the Archdiocese of Davao,” said Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles in his circular letter dated February 11.

“His appointment is also a cause of honor, encouragement and inspiration to us in Davao, that is, having one of us being called to serve the Church as a bishop. We pray fervently then for the new Bishop-Elect Abel Apigo in this difficult new ministry,” the archbishop added.

No announcement as of the date of episcopal consecration and installation in the Diocese of Mati has been made yet and he also called the faithful to participate in the preparations.