Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9) — Pope Francis on Wednesday appointed Monsignor Anthony Celino as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas in the United States, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced.
Celino will be El Paso’s first auxiliary bishop since its establishment as a diocese in 1914.“He brings a unique experience as a Filipino immigrant serving our border community as a priest for the past 25 years, a steadfast dedication to pastoral ministry, and fidelity to the Gospel,” said the diocese’s Bishop Mark Seitz, as quoted by CBCP’s news arm. Celino, who was born in Anda, Pangasinan, obtained his degree in Philosophy at the Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Dagupan City in 1993. After attending college seminary, he immigrated to the US and pursued his theology studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.Celino was ordained in 1997 and was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso and then at Our Lady of Peace in Alpine, Texas.He also served the Diocese of El Paso as a vicar general, moderator of the curia, and chancellor.Celino’s episcopal ordination will be on March 31 at St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso.
