Pope Francis Appoints Bishop for Butuan

On the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Pope Francis announces the appointment of Rev. Fr. Cosme Damian Almedilla as the new bishop of the Diocese of Butuan. Fr. Almedilla is a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Talibon in Bohol and is currently serving as Parish Priest of the Holy Child Parish in Ubay, Bohol. He was ordained into priesthood in August 4, 1987 after his formation in Saint John XXIII College Seminary in Malaybalay and Loyola School of Theology in the Ateneo de Manila University.

Through the years of his ministry, he had served as Spiritual Director at Saint John XXIII College Seminary, Director of the Holy Child Academy in Bohol, and Chaplain at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City. The newly-appointed bishop is known for promoting the Basic Ecclesial Community movement. A native of San Miguel, Bohol, the Bishop-elect replaces another Boholano Bishop, Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos who died in October 2017. Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD acted as Apostolic Administrator while waiting for the Vatican's nomination for the vacated episcopal see. Grateful for Abp. Ledesma's presence and guidance, the Diocese of Butuan now awaits for the arrival of its new bishop with eagerness and joyful anticipation.

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