by Margaux Salcedo, Clyde Ericson Nolasco
Bishop Socrates Mesiona returns as member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP, Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, as one of the members of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
The appointment was relayed via a letter by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation, dated November 20, 2020. Based on the appoinment letter, the prelate’s 5-year membership to the congregation in fact started last October 13.
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples is the congregation of the Roman Curia of the Catholic Church in Rome responsible for missionary work and related activities.
Bishop Mesiona had already been a member of the Congregation in the past: from July 14, 2014 until July 14, 2019. “I am humbled and honored to be appointed for a second term as member of the Congregation,” said Bishop Soc Mesiona.
Bishop Mesiona is also currently the Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mission which is in charge of this year’s celebrations for the Year of Missio Ad Gentes. He is also former National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Philippines and former parish priest of the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Hulo, Mandaluyong City.