Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, (28 March 2003) appointed Vicar Apostolic of Tabuk (Philippines) Reverend Father Prudencio Padilla Andaya CICM, novice master and provincial councillor, assigning to him the titular see of Fuerteventura.
The Bishop elect was born at Lubuagan, in the Vicariate Apostolic of Tabuk, 2 January 1959. He studied in the Philippines and was ordained a priest on 8 December 1986. He has since been: missionary in Zambia, Provincial Superior, Socius of the Novitiate, Master of Novices and Provincial Councillor.
The Vicariate Apostolic of Tabuk, created on 6 July 1992, is situated in the central northern area of the Island of Luzon, northern Philippines. It includes two civil provinces, Kalinga and Apayao and has an area of 6,471 sq. km., and a population of 271,152. There are 177,749 Catholics, gathered in 17 parishes, and 18 mission stations, looked after by 27 priests (9 diocesan and 18 religious) assisted by 22 women religious and 93 catechists (18 full time). There are 42 major seminarians, 11 minors.
The Vicariate is entrusted to the care of the CICM (Scheut Missionaries), Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Fides Service 24/4/2003 EM lines 17 Words: 199)