Please join is on warmly welcoming Bishop René Ramirez, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Australia, to St. Raymond Church. Bishop René will preside at the 5:00PM Vigil Mass on July 18th.

Background

Born in Gapan City, Philippines, Bishop Rene was ordained a priest for the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (RC)) in 1998. After serving in the Philippines for 17 years, he was assigned to Australia in 2015, where he has ministered in both the Diocese of Sandhurst and the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

In November 2024, Pope Francis appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, making him the first Filipino – born bishop in Australia. He was ordained to the episcopacy on 1 February 2025 and currently serves the faithful of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop René as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst. He will be installed at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo on 30 July 2026, when he will begin his ministry as the diocesan bishop.

Bishop René is no stranger to the people of Sandhurst, having previously served in the parishes of Shepparton South, Nagambie, and Rushworth, where he
became known for his warm pastoral care, joyful spirit, and missionary zeal.

His episcopal motto, Zelus et Misericordia (“Zeal and Mercy”), reflects the heart of his ministry. Inspired by Jesus’ compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:35-38, Bishop René seeks to combine a passionate love for the Gospel with a merciful heart for all, especially those who feel forgotten, burdened, or searching for hope. As a Rogationist priest, he also has a special devotion to promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, following the charism of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia

We are honored to have Bishop René with us and pray that his visit will be a source of grace and encouragement for our parish community. Please join us in warmly welcoming him.