Abel Apigo
| The Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo D.D. | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Mati | |
| Province | Davao |
| See | Mati |
| Appointed | February 10, 2018 |
| Installed | April 25, 2018 |
| Predecessor | Patricio Hacbang Alo |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | April 18, 1994 |
| Consecration | April 24, 2018 by Archbishop Romulo Valles |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Abel Cahiles Apigo May 21, 1968 Calinan, Davao City, Philippines |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Motto | "Fortitudo Mea Dominus" |
Abel Cahiles Apigo (born May 21, 1968) is a Filipino bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who currently serves as the Bishop of Mati in Davao Oriental, Philippines since 2018.[1][2]
Early life and education
Apigo was born in Calinan, Davao City, Philippines, on May 21, 1968.[1][3] He pursued his philosophical and theological studies at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary in Davao City.[1][4]
Priesthood
Apigo was ordained a priest on April 18, 1994, for the Archdiocese of Davao.[2][4] He began his ministry as a parochial vicar at San Pedro Cathedral from 1994 to 1996, assisting in pastoral care and liturgical functions. In 1996, he was appointed pastoral director, a role he held until 1997, focusing on strengthening parish communities. After completing further studies, he served as a professor at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary from 2000 to 2001 and was later designated as coordinator for academic affairs from 2001 to 2002. His leadership in seminary formation continued as he took on the role of vice-rector and dean from 2002 to 2006. He then became the rector of the seminary, leading its formation programs from 2006 to 2018.[1][3]
Episcopal ministry
On February 10, 2018, Pope Francis appointed Apigo as the Bishop of the Diocese of Mati.[1] His episcopal ordination took place on April 24, 2018, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pedro in Davao City, and he was installed as the Bishop of Mati on April 25, 2018, at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Mati, Davao Oriental.[2][4]
Since his appointment, Bishop Apigo has focused on the pastoral renewal of the diocese, advocating for the formation of lay leaders and increased youth involvement in the Church.[5] He has also been active in strengthening the social action programs of the diocese, particularly those addressing poverty, education, and indigenous peoples' rights in Mindanao.[5]
References
- Back to citation occurrence 1.0 Back to citation occurrence 1.1 Back to citation occurrence 1.2 Back to citation occurrence 1.3 Back to citation occurrence 1.4 "Resignations and Appointments, 10.02.2018". Vatican Press. February 10, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- Back to citation occurrence 2.0 Back to citation occurrence 2.1 Back to citation occurrence 2.2 "New Bishop of Mati ordained". CBCP News. April 25, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- Back to citation occurrence 3.0 Back to citation occurrence 3.1 "18th Boholano bishop named". Bohol Chronicle. February 19, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- Back to citation occurrence 4.0 Back to citation occurrence 4.1 Back to citation occurrence 4.2 "Pope Francis appoints 2 new bishops in Mindanao". Inquirer.net. April 14, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- Back to citation occurrence 5.0 Back to citation occurrence 5.1 "Diocese of Mati's 38th Founding Anniversary: Revitalizing the Faith Towards Maximum Evangelization". Davao Catholic Herald. February 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
Bibliography
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Patricio Hacbang Alo |
Bishop of Mati 2018–present |
Incumbent |