On December 8, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr., formerly leading the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan in the Philippines.
Bishop Prudencio Padilla Andaya Jr., CICM, DD, has been appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan, succeeding Bishop Sofronio Bancud, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on December 8, 2024—coinciding with Bishop Bancud’s 76th birthday.
Bishop Bancud, who has shepherded the diocese since January 2005, leaves behind a legacy of nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Bishop Andaya, 65, will become the sixth bishop of the diocese, with the announcement coinciding with the 38th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Born on January 2, 1959, in Lubuagan, Kalinga—a town celebrated for its rich Indigenous culture—Bishop Andaya joined the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) and was ordained a priest on December 8, 1986.
Following his ordination, he served in Zambia for 11 years, holding various roles, including District Superior of CICM Zambia.
In 1998, he returned to the Philippines to serve as Socius and Novice Master at the CICM Novitiate in Taytay, Rizal.
He was later appointed by Pope John Paul II as the second Apostolic Vicar of Tabuk on April 16, 2003, and was ordained and installed as bishop on July 16, 2003.
Bishop Andaya has also served the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples and vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Culture, reflecting his commitment to cultural and Indigenous advocacy.
As the new bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan, he will oversee a larger territory that includes over 1.2 million Catholics in 30 parishes spanning 15 towns and the cities of Palayan and Gapan.
This new role presents Bishop Andaya with an opportunity to bring his rich experience and pastoral dedication to a diocese deeply rooted in faith.
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