The local flock of the Catholic church is getting a new Bishop for only the ninth time in its history.
Philippine-born René Ramirez will lead the Diocese of Sandhurst after being appointed to the role by Pope Leo XIV.
The pontiff’s decision was made public on Saturday, April 11th and swiftly welcomed by his fellow clergymen in Bendigo and Melbourne.
In a letter to the community, acting Diocesan Administrator Father Brian Boyle said he’ll be working closely with Bishop René over the coming months as he prepares to take up his office.
“Bishop René of course is no stranger to our diocese having served as Parish Priest of St Mel’s Shepparton South between 2023 and 2025,” Fr Boyle said.
“He is looking forward to returning and I am sure all the people of our diocese will give him a warm welcome home.”
Archbishop of Melbourne Peter A Comensoli also expressed his support for the appointment.
“Bishop René has already given generous and dedicated service to the Church in Australia, and most recently to the Archdiocese of Melbourne as Auxiliary Bishop for our northern region,” he said.
“While his time with us as a bishop has been brief, it has been marked by a deep pastoral charity, a missionary spirit, and a gift for fostering renewal in parish and community life.
“He has been an invaluable presence among us.”
The Sandhurst Diocese was founded in 1874, and covers a wide area of central and north-east parts of the state, including Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Bishop René’s installation will take place on July 30th, with further details to be made available closer to the event.
He succeeds Shane Mackinlay who is now the Archbishop of Brisbane.
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