A Filipino-born Catholic bishop was installed Thursday to lead Australia’s Diocese of Sandhurst, calling in his first homily for renewed evangelization and “courageous” leadership as the diocese confronts shrinking congregations and weakening ties to younger Catholics.
Bishop Rene Ramirez, a member of the Rogationist order who previously served as an auxiliary bishop in Melbourne, was installed during a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
“Guided by the Spirit, we will give priority to evangelization,” Ramirez said. “This is at the heart of the Church’s mission, helping people rediscover and encounter Jesus Christ.”
The bishop said he wants the diocese’s parishes to become “more invitational,” with emphasis on supporting families, forming young disciples and reaching Catholics who have drifted from the Church.
That mission, he added, requires leadership “grounded in prayer, generous in service, courageous in decision making, and accountable to the people.” He pledged to recognize and form leaders among clergy, religious and laypeople alike.
He acknowledged the shift would not be easy for a diocese with a history dating to 1874.
“I know that change can be unsettling,” he said. “We rightly honor the faith and sacrifices of those who came before us. We also recognize that our circumstances have changed. Some communities are becoming smaller and our connection with younger generations have weakened.”
He asked for patience as the diocese tries new approaches to ministry — some of which, he said, may not succeed.
“I will sometimes make mistakes, and I ask in advance for your patience and forgiveness,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez, who succeeds Archbishop Shane Anthony Mackinlay — transferred to the Archdiocese of Brisbane last year — described his installation as the start of a two-way relationship with the diocese’s Catholics.
“Today, I entrust myself to you as your bishop,” he said. “I come with hopes and dreams, but also ready to listen and learn. I will need your prayers, your honesty, your experience, and your willingness to work with me.”
Ramirez was born March 28, 1969, in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, and entered the Rogationist congregation in 1985. He studied philosophy at Adamson University in Manila and was ordained a priest June 26, 1998.
He later earned a master’s degree in educational management at De La Salle University in Dasmarinas City and pursued graduate studies in spirituality and social communications at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Before moving into parish ministry, Ramirez held administrative and formation posts within his order in the Philippines, including several years directing its social communications office and later leading its Rogate Center.
Ramirez arrived in Australia as one of the Rogationists’ pioneering missionaries there, becoming pastor of Holy Family Parish in Melbourne’s western suburbs in 2015.
He moved to the Diocese of Sandhurst in 2023 to lead parishes in Shepparton South and Nagambie before Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop of Melbourne in November 2024. He was consecrated a bishop Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
Pope Leo XIV appointed him the ninth bishop of Sandhurst on April 11.
