Father Andres Ligot, a seasoned leader within the Catholic Church in California, will soon begin serving as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of San Jose following an appointment by Pope Leo XIV.

According to CNA, Ligot will become the second auxiliary bishop in the diocese and is the sixth Filipino-born clergyman to rise to the episcopacy in the United States.

The Vatican announced on Friday, naming the 59-year-old priest to the new post. Ligot has long served in the Diocese of San Jose, both in key leadership and pastoral roles, most recently as vicar general and parish priest of St. Elizabeth of Portugal.

Veteran Clergyman with International Roots

Ligot’s journey to the episcopate began decades ago in his native Philippines. He was ordained a priest in 1992 by Pope John Paul II in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. At the time, he was part of the clergy of the Diocese of Laoag City, located in northern Luzon, Philippines.

After relocating to the United States, Ligot was incardinated into the Diocese of San Jose on March 30, 2004, officially transferring his ecclesiastical ministry to Northern California. Before that, he had already begun serving communities in the U.S., further embedding himself in the diocese’s pastoral network.

Over the years, Ligot served in several roles across the Bay Area. From 2003 to 2005, he was parish vicar at St. John Vianney Parish. He also held assignments as a chaplain at the Veterans Medical Center in San Francisco and as a visiting priest in Menlo Park’s Church of the Nativity.

Leadership in Canon Law and Parish Life

In 2005, Ligot took on a more prominent pastoral leadership role, becoming parish priest of St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish in Santa Clara, a position he held until 2009. His work there marked the beginning of a growing influence in diocesan affairs.

From 2008 to 2021, Ligot served as judicial vicar, overseeing matters related to Church law and tribunal functions within the Diocese of San Jose. This position reflected his advanced legal expertise within the Catholic hierarchy.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Ilocano, Ligot has been able to minister effectively in the multilingual and multicultural environment of the Bay Area. He brings this communication ability to both parish settings and diocesan leadership.

Response from Diocesan Leadership

In response to the Holy Father’s appointment, Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose released a formal statement on August 29. He praised Ligot’s qualities, calling attention to his years of steady guidance and community service.

“His priestly heart, pastoral experience, and steady leadership will bless our parishes, schools, and ministries,” Cantú said. “I invite the faithful to keep him in prayer as he prepares for episcopal ordination.”

Ligot also released a brief message after the announcement, acknowledging the weight and responsibility of his new post. He expressed deep appreciation for those who supported him throughout his journey.

Clerical Education Across Three Countries

Ligot’s religious formation spans three nations. He began his seminary training at San Pablo College Seminary in Baguio City, Philippines, before completing his priestly studies at Bidasoa International Seminary in Navarra, Spain.

In addition to his training for the priesthood, Ligot holds a master’s degree in theology, which he earned during his time in Spain. He later pursued further academic work, earning a doctorate in canon law from the University of Navarra.

In 2021, he was appointed parish priest of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, where he currently serves. His appointment as vicar general followed, signaling growing trust in his leadership within diocesan administration.

Continued Mission of Service

Upon learning of his appointment, Ligot reaffirmed his commitment to the Church and its people. “I am humbled by the trust and support I have received from Pope Leo and Bishop Cantú,” he said in his statement.

He added, “I renew my promise to serve Christ and his people with joy — especially those most in need.” His message highlighted a focus on service and compassion that characterized much of his priestly ministry.

Ligot’s appointment as auxiliary bishop not only fills a key leadership role in the Diocese of San Jose but also adds to the growing representation of Filipino clergy among bishops in the United States. With this appointment, he becomes the sixth Filipino-born bishop currently serving in the country.