Archbishop Peter Comensoli of Melbourne led the consecration, with co-consecrators Bishop Gregory Bennet of Sale and Bishop Shane Mackinlay of Sandhurst. The ceremony was concelebrated by Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia Archbishop Charles Balvo, three other archbishops, and 29 bishops. Over 200 priests from Australia, Rome, the Philippines, the United States, and Vietnam also participated.
In his homily, Archbishop Comensoli emphasized the profound responsibility of episcopal ministry, describing it as “first and foremost a gift from God, to be fanned into a flame.” He urged the new bishops to be “willing heralds, faithful apostles, and sound teachers,” highlighting their role as witnesses to the Lord’s death and resurrection.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Ramirez acknowledged his apprehensions about his new role, stating, “We are fully aware of our limitations and shortcomings.” He added that their courage to accept this calling stems from “complete reliance on God’s love and our trust in His plan, which may still be unfolding for us.” He expressed a commitment to embodying compassion, understanding, and dedication in serving their communities with humility and grace.
Pope Francis appointed Ramirez and Nguyen as auxiliary bishops of Melbourne on November 8, 2024. The Archdiocese of Melbourne, the largest in Oceania, now has four auxiliary bishops, including Martin Ashe and Tony Ireland, who will share leadership duties across the four regions of the ecclesiastical territories.
Bishop Ramirez was ordained as a priest for the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus in 1985. He served in various roles within his congregation in the Philippines before moving to Rome in 2003 to complete his Licentiate studies in Spirituality and earn a Diploma in Social Communications from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Upon returning to the Philippines in 2006, he held key positions, including spiritual director at Rogationist Seminary College in Parañaque City and superior of St. Hannibal Rogate Center in Parañaque, until his assignment in Australia in 2015.
In Australia, Ramirez became the pastor of Holy Family Parish in October 2015, overseeing Catholic communities in West Footscray, Maidstone, and Braybrook within the Melbourne archdiocese. In November 2023, he was assigned by his congregation 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. In January 2024, he was tasked by the Bishop of Sandhurst to be the supervising priest in Rushworth, which includes four Mass centers.
The ordination of Bishop Ramirez marks a significant milestone for the Filipino Catholic community in Australia, reflecting the growing multicultural representation within the Church’s leadership.
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Society of Jesus' social apostolate 