Philippines’ Diocese of Urdaneta Welcomes Fourth Bishop with Call to ‘Walk Together’

The Diocese of Urdaneta in Pangasinan province, north of the Philippine capital Manila, officially welcomed Bishop Nick Vaquilar as its fourth bishop on July 28, with the new prelate pledging to "walk together" with the clergy and faithful in a spirit of synodality.

The Rite of Canonical Possession and Episcopal Installation was held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish in Urdaneta City, where Bishop Vaquilar began his pastoral ministry in the diocese.

In his thanksgiving message, the 56-year-old bishop emphasized humility and communion as the foundation of his episcopal service.

"I come not as a stranger, but as your brother; not as one above you, but as one who wishes to walk with you," he said.

Formerly rector of the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur province in northern Luzon, Bishop Vaquilar reflected on his mission as a shepherd called to accompany people searching for hope and faith.

"Many today drift upon the vast oceans of indifference, loneliness, woundedness, broken relationships, confusion, and uncertainty," he said. "I pray that God may grant me the wisdom, humility, and courage to help his people find their way safely to Christ."

Referring to his episcopal motto, "Domine, Tuus Sum" ("Lord, I am Yours"), Bishop Vaquilar said he hopes to foster a more synodal Church in which all the faithful participate actively in the Church's life and mission.

"Let us continue building a truly synodal Church where every person feels welcome, valued, and loved, and where Christ always remains at the center of our life and mission," he said.

The installation was attended by bishops from across the Philippines, including Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, metropolitan archbishop of the ecclesiastical province to which Urdaneta belongs, and Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, who had been Bishop Vaquilar's professor during his seminary formation, also attended the celebration and encouraged the new bishop to remain close to his priests.

"Walk with them in their joys and trials," Cardinal Advincula said. "Encourage them in moments of zeal and strengthen them in times of weariness. For together with you, they are indispensable co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord."

Born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Bishop Vaquilar was ordained to the priesthood on May 5, 1997.

He earned a licentiate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2004 and later completed a doctorate in sacred theology, specializing in biblical theology, at the Loyola School of Theology of Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City in 2016.

Bishop Vaquilar succeeds Bishop Jacinto Jose, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Bishop Jose had led the Diocese of Urdaneta since 2005.

Established in 1985, the Diocese of Urdaneta serves thousands of Catholics across eastern Pangasinan and continues to play a vital role in the Church's pastoral and evangelizing mission in northern Luzon.