CATHOLIC priest Jubanie Baller from Talisay City in Cebu is headed to the Vatican for his new work assignment in the Papal Sacristy.

The Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) announced that Prior General Alejandro Moral Anton has tasked Baller to work in Rome starting September 19.

"Fr. Baller will join the Augustinian community at the Papal Sacristy together with three other Augustinian friars from Italy, India, and Congo," said OSA.

At the Papal Sacristy, they are set to prepare the liturgical vestments and vessels of the Masses of the Pope at the Vatican and in the Diocese of Rome.

Since the 14th century, work at the Papal Sacristy has been assigned to the Augustinians under the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

Baller follows the footsteps of fellow Filipino Augustinian priest Nestor Bandalan Jr., who was assigned in the Papal Sacristy from July 2014 to December 2019.

Baller was born in Talisay City, Cebu.

He joined the Augustinians in 2008 and was ordained priest on June 12, 2019.

Prior to his appointment, Baller has been serving as the Parochial Vicar of the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in Gubat, Sorsogon. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)