Two Shepherds, One Mission: Mindanao Welcomes New Bishops

Mindanao’s Catholic faithful are celebrating a rare and grace-filled moment this August as two dioceses welcome new shepherds to lead them in faith. In a span of just two days, the Diocese of Pagadian and the Diocese of Ipil embraced a new bishop, a sign of God’s providence and renewed hope for the Church in the region.

Last August 13 at 9:30 am, the people of Pagadian gathered at Sto. Niño Cathedral for the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Ronald Anthony Timoner as the diocese’s sixth bishop. The event is being hailed by the local Church as a “blessed moment of grace,” a culmination of months of anticipation since Pope Francis appointed Timoner last April 2. He is a priest of the Diocese of Daet in Camarines Norte, and has been serving as diocesan administrator there since May 2024, shepherding the faithful with dedication and pastoral care.

His appointment comes after the passing of Bishop Ronald Lunas in January 2024, during which the diocese of Pagadian was under the care of Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz as apostolic administrator. As the ordination day draws near, the people are being called to prayer and celebration, trusting in what they describe as “God’s beautiful unfolding plan” for their community.

Just a day after Pagadian’s celebration, another diocese in Mindanao held its own moment of joy. Bishop Glenn Corsiga of Ipil, ordained last July 29 in Dumaguete City, was formally installed as the diocese’s fourth bishop last August 14 at 9:00 am. His ordination was a deeply symbolic celebration, anchored on his episcopal motto Amare et Servire — “To Love and to Serve.” Messages from Church leaders urged him to lead like the Good Shepherd, staying close to his flock in their joys and struggles, and building bridges in unity. He succeeded Archbishop Julius S. Tonel, D.D., now prelate of Zamboanga. The people of Ipil, who have been without a bishop since August 2023, now look forward to a new chapter under his guidance.

In these back-to-back celebrations, the Church in Mindanao is reminded that new shepherds are a gift and became signs of God’s enduring love for His people. As Pagadian and Ipil welcomed their new bishops this August, they will not only mark the start of new ministries but also echo a shared prayer: that both bishops may lead with hearts that love, hands that serve, and faith that inspires.