In a significant move for both the Catholic community and the Filipino diaspora, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Romeo Duetao Convocar as the new bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the island of Saipan, part of the Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific.
The announcement made on Nov. 25 coincided with the feast day of Dumaguete City’s patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria, adding a spiritual touch to this milestone.
Bishop Convocar, born on April 13, 1970, in Iloilo, brings with him decades of service in the Catholic Church. He attended high school and obtained a Philosophy degree at Saint Joseph Seminary in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. He completed his theological studies at Saint Joseph Regional Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City, and was ordained on Sept. 17, 1996.
Initially serving within the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, he ministered to military personnel, gaining experience as a chaplain with the rank of captain in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His military service took him to various bases, including the AFP Central Command and Fort Bonifacio.
In 2012, Bishop Convocar transitioned to the Archdiocese of Agaña in Guam where he played several pivotal roles, including Vicar General, and later, Apostolic Administrator, following the resignation of Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes in 2023.
When Archbishop Byrnes was succeeded by Ryan Pagente Jimenez, Convocar was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, a position he now holds as bishop.
As one of many Filipinos being appointed to key positions within the Catholic Church worldwide, Bishop Convocar’s new role comes at a time when the center of Catholicism is increasingly shifting from Europe to the global south.
The growing influence of Filipino priests and bishops reflects the remarkable contributions of Filipino Catholics who have carried the faith to distant corners of the world. Pope Francis has even challenged Filipino migrants to be “smugglers of the faith,” spreading the gospel wherever they go.
This appointment also serves as an inspiration for Filipinos especially in Dumaguete where both Bishop Convocar and Archbishop Ryan Jimenez were educated.
Their rise to high positions within the Church has spurred a renewed commitment to supporting seminarians in their spiritual journeys.
At the Dumaguete Cathedral Parish, under the leadership of Rev. Msgr. Robert Bongoyan, a new initiative—the Dumaguete Cathedral Friends of Seminarians Scholarship Program—has been launched to provide financial assistance to deserving seminarians, enabling them to complete their education and pursue their vocations.
The program has gained significant traction, with parishioners and local organizations stepping forward to contribute.
Recognizing the financial challenges that many aspiring priests face, the Dumaguete Cathedral has committed to ensuring that financial constraints will not stand in the way of those called to the priesthood.
This initiative has seen an outpouring of support from a diverse range of donors. In October 2024, 21 parishioners pledged to contribute regularly to the scholarship fund. By November 2024, this number had grown to 54 pledgers, highlighting the generosity and commitment of the Dumaguete community.
Among the pledgers is Rene Boy, a parking attendant with a disability, whose humble contributions are proof of the power of heartfelt giving. His example echoes the story of the poor widow in the Gospel of Mark 12:38-44, who gave all she had, showing that it’s not the amount that matters but the sincerity of the gift.
As the program gains momentum, the Cathedral Parish invites all parishioners to participate in this noble cause. Monthly pledges, no matter how modest, can make a lasting impact on the future of the Church, ensuring that seminarians have the financial support they need to fulfill their calling.
Today, the program has garnered the attention of individuals who, regardless of their economic situation, have chosen to support this vital mission.
With continued generosity of the community, the Dumaguete Cathedral Friends of Seminarians Scholarship Program will help nurture the next generation of priests who will spread the faith across the world.
The Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative has also been implementing a scholarship program for seminarians which was started during my stewardship as chairperson of the Board of Directors. Until now DCCCO has maintained its annual support to at least four seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary College.
As Bishop Convocar embarks on his new mission in Saipan, his appointment is a reminder of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving God and His people. Through collective efforts, the mission to build God’s Kingdom remains alive and strong, here and abroad.
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