On 1 February 2025, before the eyes of about 3,000 joy-filled faithful Catholics and other guests, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was transformed like never before into a majestic space, radiating divine grandeur. The high altar glowed with the soft light of candles, while rays of sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows. Sacred hymns of praise filled the air, echoing through the cathedral’s soaring arches and creating an atmosphere of profound reverence and celebration.
It was a solemn yet deeply significant moment. At the centre of the sanctuary, the Most Reverend Rene Ramirez, RCJ, DD, knelt in prayerful humility as he received his episcopal ordination from the Most Reverend Peter A. Comensoli, DD, Archbishop of Melbourne. He was joined by Australia’s new cardinal, His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, along with archbishops and bishops from Australia and the Philippines, the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, His Excellency Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, the Vicar General of Melbourne, Very Reverend Fr. Anthony Kerin, and the Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Very Reverend Monsignor Stuart Hall. Co-consecrators were the Most Reverend Gregory Bennet, DD, and the Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay, DD. In this milestone event, Bishop Rene became the first Filipino-born priest to be ordained as a bishop in Australia.
The Most Reverend Thin Nguyen, DD, was also consecrated during the episcopal ordination Mass alongside Bishop Rene, marking a historic moment as the two auxiliary bishops were welcomed together.
In his remarks near the end of the Mass, Bishop Rene made a heartfelt request for prayers: “As we embark on this journey, your support, friendship, and love are vital in helping us navigate this new chapter together.”
The journey of Bishop Rene from a young priest in the Philippines to a bishop in Australia is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the universality of the Church.
Rooted in the vibrant spirituality and rich traditions of the Philippines, his vocation has been shaped by a deep sense of community, compassion, and dedication to serving others. Now, as an ordained bishop, he carries with him not only the wisdom and experiences from his ministry but also the richness of his cultural heritage, which adds to the diversity and strength of the local Church. His calling to lead and shepherd a broader flock reflects a shared journey of faith that transcends borders.
A day before his ordination, Bishop Rene, in a rare moment of reflection, shared his experiences as a young boy growing up in the Philippines, his faith journey, and his vision for the future as he embraces his new role.
The Philippine Times (Philtimes): How was it like growing up as a young boy in the Philippines?
Bishop Rene: I was a typical country boy from Gapan, Nueva Ecija, born to teenage parents. My late paternal grandmother, Lola Feliciana, had a significant influence on my faith formation; she made sure our family attended Sunday Mass and would invite everyone over for breakfast afterward. As a child, I served as an altar boy and later played the organ for the parish in high school. I attended public schools and spent much of my time at the church, which was just nearby, forming lasting friendships within the parish community.
Philtimes: What inspired you to pursue the path of becoming a servant of God and transitioning from service to shepherding His flock?
Bishop Rene: My path to the priesthood began out of curiosity. In my third year of high school, a seminarian invited us to spend a week at the seminary. The experience brought young boys from across the country together, where we formed new friendships and enjoyed the routine of seminary life – prayers, Mass, lectures, good meals, and recreational activities. This sparked the thought, “Why not give it a try?”
What started as a simple experience turned into something deeper. Entering the seminary and considering a vocation felt daunting, but we remained open to God’s call. Before we knew it, three years had passed, and with each step, we found the courage to continue – one year at a time – until we reached the priesthood.
Philtimes: How do you see your personal journey shaping your leadership?
Bishop Rene: My journey has shaped my leadership by blending diverse experiences. In high school, I honed research, public speaking, and teamwork skills through science fairs and school organisations. At the seminary, I stepped up as musical director and developed a passion for technology, later applying these skills when I was assigned in Australia as a parish priest to enhance parish organisation and outreach.
Recognising the value of education, I pursued a master’s in educational management alongside theology studies, equipping me with essential leadership tools. My openness to guidance and new ideas, continuously integrating knowledge and experience, has allowed me to serve our community more effectively. My dynamism is not innate but a product of dedication and growth.
Philtimes: What is the central priority you hope to focus on during your time as bishop?
Bishop Rene: A key priority is fostering strong, trusting relationships with the priests of the archdiocese. I envision a community where openness, support, and genuine friendship thrive, allowing us to share our struggles and joys without fear of judgment.
Through regular meetings, retreats, and gatherings, we can strengthen these bonds, creating a collaborative and supportive environment. By investing in these relationships, we enhance our ability to serve the wider community and grow spiritually together, knowing that we are stronger as one.
Philtimes: How do you plan to strengthen the relationship between the church and the bigger community, now that your role has expanded and your reach widened?
Bishop Rene: To bridge the gap between the Church and the broader community, we must see the Church as more than its institutions – the Church begins with us. By fostering a spirit of unity and shared responsibility, we can build stronger connections. Like the shepherd seeking the lost sheep, we must recognise the value of every individual, working together to create a more engaged and supportive faith community.
Philtimes: Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave as the first Filipino bishop in Australia?
Bishop Rene: As the first Filipino bishop in Australia, my legacy is not just for Filipinos but for all communities. I aim to foster unity and collaboration, moving beyond divisions to build a stronger, more connected Church.
Within the Filipino community, I recognise the need for greater cohesion rather than each organisation working in isolation from others. Like a broom made from coconut leaves bound together for strength, we can achieve more when united. My hope is to inspire a spirit of belonging and cooperation, ensuring a legacy of solidarity for future generations.
Photo coverage of Bishop Rene Ramirez’s episcopal ordination
Following their episcopal consecrations as auxiliary bishops, Bishop Rene Ramirez will serve as Bishop for the Northern Region of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and Bishop Thinh Nguyen will serve as Bishop for the Eastern Region.
