Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad (center) (Photo courtesy of CBCP News)
MANILA – Pope Francis has named Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Pagadian.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported on Thursday that the appointment was made on Jan. 3, a day after the death of Bishop Ronald Lunas who served the diocese for nearly five years.
The appointment has provided him the authority to be the caretaker of the diocese.
He will be addressing the pastoral needs of the faithful and keeping things in an orderly way until the new bishop is appointed.
Lunas passed away on Tuesday due to complications at a public hospital in Davao City, where he underwent a heart bypass operation.
The Pagadian diocese has set the funeral Mass for Lunas on Jan. 11 at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City, where he will be buried beside the church.
Meanwhile, Jumoad has asked for prayers for his expanded responsibilities.
“I hope you truly pray for me. Please include me in your daily prayers,” he said. (PNA)
