Pope names new Tuguegarao archbishop

Pope Benedict XVI has named Fr. Ricardo Baccay, 45, as the new auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said Saturday Baccay is the rector of the minor seminary of San Jacinto in Tuguegarao. The archdiocese of Tuguegarao headed by Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan serves the dioceses of Batanes, Bayombong and Ilagan. Baccay, who was born in Tuguegarao, studied philosophy and theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Baccay will assist Talamayan, who will reach the retirement age of 75 on October 19. He also received his Masters of Arts in Education at the Lyceum of Aparri, and a Doctorate in Educational Management. Baccay was ordained a priest at the age of 26, and served as secretary to the Archbishop from 1987 to 1993. He also served as a pastor of Saint Dominic Parish in Gataggamman and Santo Niño Shrine in San Gabriel. Baccay’s appointment was published in Rome Friday at 12 noon (7 PM Manila time). -GMANews.TV