The EVSU community is swelling with pride today following the Vatican’s announcement that one of its own, Father Nelson Po, has been appointed as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Perth in Australia.
In a bulletin released by the Holy See Press Office on Monday, February 2, Pope Leo XIV formally named Fr. Po to the episcopal order, assigning him the titular see of Agunto. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone not only for the Catholic Church in Australia but also for the EVSU community, as Fr. Po is a proud alumnus of the university.
A Leader Rooted in Leyte
Born on June 5, 1968, in Brgy. Cantuhaon, Palompon, Leyte, Fr. Po’s journey to the episcopacy began in the halls of what was then the Leyte Institute of Technology (LIT), now EVSU.
Before answering the call to the priesthood, he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering on 28 March 1990. His leadership qualities were evident early on during his time at the university. Fr. Po was well-known as a student leader and served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Industrial Wheel, the university’s official student publication.
After completing his engineering degree and working in the profession for several years, he pivoted toward a life of faith. He pursued philosophy at the Ateneo de Davao University and completed his theological studies at the Maryhill School of Theology in Manila.
A New and Dynamic Shepherd for Perth
Fr. Po arrived in Perth in 2003 to complete his formation at St. Charles Seminary in Guildford and was ordained a priest for the archdiocese on 9 December 2005. Over the last two decades, he has served in various capacities, including as parish vicar in Kalgoorlie (2006-2008), chaplain at Royal Perth Hospital (2008-2010), parish priest of Cloverdale (2010-2016) and most recently as the parish priest of St. Benedict’s Church in Applecross since 2016.
Perth Archbishop Timothy John Costelloe SDB welcomed the appointment with enthusiasm, highlighting Fr. Po’s pastoral gifts.
“The laity, religious and clergy of the archdiocese have been gifted with a new and dynamic shepherd who will bring many gifts to the pastoral leadership of the Archdiocese of Perth,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Bishop-elect Po will assist Archbishop Costelloe alongside Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton in serving the growing Catholic community in Western Australia.
A Humble Acceptance
Despite his extensive experience, Bishop-elect Po admitted that the appointment came as a complete shock.
“It was a big surprise to me. It was overwhelming and surreal because I have never dreamed of becoming a bishop,” Fr. Po shared, describing the moment he received the news. “I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through.”
His episcopal ordination is scheduled to take place on a date to be announced following the Easter Triduum.
The EVSU community congratulates Bishop-elect Nelson Po on this historic achievement. His journey from an industrial engineering student and campus journalist in Tacloban to a bishop in Australia serves as an inspiring proof to the diverse and impactful paths EVSU alumni continue to forge globally.
via KB Santos | UMDC
