A new bishop will be installed as Antipolo Bishop on July 22

By Lily Gut Incoming Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos. (Photo from Antipolensis - Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo) ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal...

By Lily Gut

Incoming Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos. (Photo from Antipolensis - Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo)

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal - The Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, who has been named the 5th Bishop of Antipolo, will be installed on July 22, Feast of St. Mary Magdalene at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

Bishop Santos, 65, took over for Bishop Francis de Leon on May 24 following his resignation from the pastoral office. He has reached the age of 75, after which bishops must resign to the Pope.



Santos will oversee one of the Church’s fastest-growing dioceses in the country, covering not just the city of Antipolo but also Marikina City and the entire province of Rizal.

During his tenure, Bishop Santos plans to prioritize the spiritual needs of the community, particularly in these challenging times of the pandemic, and to continue the diocese's efforts in promoting social justice and environmental protection.

Bishop Santos has served as the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. He is well-known for his advocacy on behalf of the rights and well-being of overseas Filipino workers.

“Please help me with your prayers. Remember me always at the altar of our Lord. Intercede for me to our Blessed Mother Mary that my episcopal ministry be like her: peace, good, and full of grace,” Santos said in a statement.

Since July 2010, Santos had been serving the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan province prior to being appointed to his current position as bishop. He has also been actively involved in various social and pastoral programs, including those that aim to uplift the lives of marginalized communities and promote interfaith dialogue.

He will serve as the apostolic administrator of the Antipolo diocese until the day of canonical possession by the new bishop.

During his time in the Diocese of Balanga, Santos was known for his dedication to promoting education and healthcare in impoverished areas. He has also been a strong advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.