A Filipino priest is bringing pride and inspiration to the nation after being appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Jose in California by Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop-elect Andres Ligot, a native of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, will now serve alongside Bishop Oscar Cantú in leading and caring for the faithful in the diocese.
The University of Santo Tomas’ publication The Varsitarian celebrated the milestone, calling him the “New Thomasian Bishop.”
Ligot’s journey of faith began decades ago. He was ordained as a priest on June 14, 1992, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by none other than Pope John Paul II. Before that, he studied philosophy at San Pablo College Seminary in Baguio and earned his master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas in 1988.
His dedication to learning didn’t stop there. He pursued further studies in Spain, where he earned a master’s degree and later a doctorate in canon law at the University of Navarra.
In the Diocese of San Jose, Ligot has already spent years serving the community. He was parochial vicar at St. John Vianney Parish (2003–2005), pastor at St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish (2005–2009), and later judicial vicar from 2008 to 2021.
With humility, Bishop-elect Ligot accepted his new mission:
“I am humbled by the Holy Father’s trust and by Bishop Cantú’s support. I renew my promise to serve Christ and His people with joy—especially those most in need. Please pray for me, that I may be a faithful servant and a good shepherd in our beautifully diverse Church.”
His appointment is not only a blessing for the faithful in San Jose but also a moment of pride for Filipinos around the world, showing once again how the nation’s sons and daughters continue to shine on the global stage of faith and service.
