A banner featuring Fr Rene Ramirez.
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A parish priest from St Mel’s Parish has made waves by becoming Australia’s first Filipino Bishop.
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Rene Ramirez was born on March 28, 1969, hailing from Gapan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
His journey started when he was ordained a priest in June 1998 after completing 13 years of seminary formation and joining the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus in May 1985.
He held several positions in education and parish leadership, including administrator, treasurer and vice rector at Rogationist College in Cavite City.
In Australia, Bishop Ramirez became the pastor of Holy Family Parish in October 2015, overseeing the Catholic communities of West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook within the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
In November 2023, he was assigned to establish a new presence in the Diocese of Sandhurst as the Parish Priest of St Mel’s Parish in Shepparton South and St Malachy’s Parish in Nagambie.
“The parishioners here are straightforward, sincere and genuinely lovely,” Bishop Ramirez said.
“I have fallen in love with the simplicity of life in Shepparton. The serene mornings and the slower pace of life are truly refreshing.”
On Saturday, February 1, he was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne alongside Fr Thinh Nguyen during a ceremony held in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
“With so many things to think about — the liturgy, what’s coming next and organising refreshments in Maidstone for guests from overseas and Shepparton, etc — I was just going through the motions,” Bishop Ramirez said.
“However, during the litany of the saints, as I prostrated on the floor, I truly began to pray and surrendered myself to whatever the Lord had in store for me.
“The laying on of hands by all the bishops present was also a special moment.
“It was silent yet transformative as I presented myself to the Lord, offering all that I am so that He may shape me into the bishop He wishes me to become.”
As the Episcopal Consecration unfolded in Melbourne, Shepparton threw a celebration party of its own.
Bishop Ramirez with local priests.
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A thanksgiving mass was held at St Mel’s Parish on Sunday, February 9, with a gathering afterwards to honour and thank Bishop Ramirez for his service as Parish Priest.
The thanksgiving mass was attended by Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay, along with more than 20 visiting priests.
Priests from Rome and the Philippines joined Bishop Ramirez at his ordination at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, and many attended the thanksgiving mass in Shepparton.
Fr Joe Taylor, Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Bishop Rene Ramirez.
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The event included the rich culture of the local community with hymns sung in Filipino and Samoan language.
A Samoan cultural dance was also performed.
Samoan cultural dance.
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Following the event, a gathering took place on the church lawns to allow parishioners, friends and members of the community to personally thank Bishop Ramirez and celebrate alongside him.
“Change, while often daunting, is a natural part of life, and we should not view it with trepidation,” Bishop Ramirez said.
“In these times of uncertainty, it is crucial that we remember to ground our decisions in faith rather than in fear.
“Together, we can navigate the unknown with hope and confidence, knowing that we are never alone in our journey.
“Let us not be afraid, for with faith, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead.“
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