POPE Francis has designated Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara as the caretaker of the Diocese of San Pablo, which has been orphaned by the resignation of Bishop Buenaventura Famadico.
In a statement, the San Pablo diocese said Vergara has been designated as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of San Pablo.
"We warmly welcome Bishop Vergara, who will pastorally govern the Diocese San Pablo until a new bishop is appointed by the Holy Father," said the Diocese of San Pablo.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Holy See announced that the Pontiff has accepted the resignation of Famadico that was prompted by his recent hospitalization due to a serious heart ailment.
The San Pablo diocese thanked the prelate for his service and wished him better health.
"We are deeply grateful to Bishop Famadico for his 10 years of pastoral service to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of San Pablo, and pray for his healing and recovery," it said.
As of 2020, the diocese in Laguna has an estimated 3 million Catholic population.
The Diocese of San Pablo also has over 200 assigned priests in around 90 parishes. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)