Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 18 March 2006 appointed Vicar Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe Apostolic Vicariate in the Philippines Rev. Rodolfo Fontiveros Beltran until now Vicar general of the archdiocese of Tuguegarao, assigning to him the titular see of Buffada.
The new Vicar Apostolic was born on 13 November 1948 at Gattaran-Cagayan archdiocese of Tuguegarao. Ha studied philosophy at Vigan major seminary at Ilocos Sur and theology at St. Tomas major seminary in Manila. He was ordained a priest on 25 March 1976 for the archdiocese of Tuguegarao. Since his ordination he has been: assistant priest at the cathedral (1977); rector of San Jacinto Seminary in Tuguegarao (1977/79); assistant priest in various parishes (1979/81); rector of San Pablo Seminary in Baglio (1981/85); degree in Philosophy at the Angelicum University in Rome (1985/90); rector of San Pablo Seminary (1990/2001); parish priest at the Cathedral (2001/2005); since2005 parish priest at and Vicar general of the archdiocese of Tuguegarao.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe created in 1992 is situated in central part of the island of Luzon. It has an area of 4,615 sq. km., a population of 307, 348 including 202,754 Catholics gathered in 20 parishes, assisted by 30 priests (23 diocesan and 7 religious) and 23 Sisters, and there are 39 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 18/3/2006; Righe 16; Parole 200)
