The rector of San Pablo seminary in Baguio City has been appointed as diocesan administrator by the Diocese of Baguio pending the appointment of a new bishop, Radio Veritas 846 reported.
Father Roland Buyagan will oversee the diocese while it remains “sede vacante,” or without a bishop, until Pope Francis appoints a successor to Bishop Victor Bendico, the current archbishop of Capiz.
The diocesan administrator is elected by the College of Consultors of the diocese or appointed by the metropolitan archbishop in the case of a vacant diocese, archdiocese, prelature, or vicariate.
Father Buyagan currently serves as Rector of San Pablo Seminary and parish priest of Divine Mercy Parish in Atab, Baguio City.
Among the responsibilities of the diocesan administrator are presiding over Holy Mass, administering sacraments, and other duties typically carried out by a bishop.
He will also manage the diocesan administration, chancery office staff, financial matters, including certain administrative decisions, provide guidance on diocesan decisions, and guide the faithful, especially in prayer, during the process of selecting a new bishop.
Pope Francis appointed the former Bishop of Baguio as the fourth Archbishop of Capiz. On May 3, Archbishop Bendico was formally installed in the cathedral of the archdiocese.
