Bishop-elect Andres ‘Andy’ C. Ligot/Photo from Diocese of San Jose
Saints PH | Pope Leo XIV Appoints Filipino Priest Andres Ligot as Auxiliary Bishop of San José, California
SAN JOSE, California – A new chapter in the Catholic Church’s mission in Silicon Valley begins as Pope Leo XIV has appointed Filipino priest Fr. Andres “Andy” C. Ligot as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San José. The diocese, located in Santa Clara County, serves more than 500,000 Catholics from diverse cultural backgrounds.
At 59 years old, Bishop-elect Ligot currently serves as vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of San José, while also shepherding the faithful as pastor of St. Elizabeth of Portugal Parish in Milpitas. He will now assist Bishop Oscar Cantú in ministering to the growing Catholic community in the heart of Silicon Valley.
“Today we rejoice with gratitude for Bishop-elect Ligot’s ‘yes’ to the Lord and to the Church in Silicon Valley,” Bishop Cantú said. “His priestly heart, pastoral experience, and steady leadership will bless our parishes, schools, and ministries.”
A Filipino Vocation with Global Roots
Born in Laoag City, Philippines, Bishop-elect Ligot’s journey reflects the richness of the Catholic faith shared across cultures. He studied philosophy at San Pablo College Seminary in Baguio City, graduating in 1986, before moving to Spain for further formation at Colegio Eclesiástico Internacional Bidasoa in Pamplona.
His academic and spiritual formation is extensive:
- MA in Philosophy – University of Santo Tomas, Manila (1988)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s in Theology – Universidad de Navarra, Spain
- Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law – Universidad de Navarra
On June 14, 1992, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Laoag, serving in Ilocos Norte parishes and as national coordinator for evangelization in Manila. His ministry later extended to Spain, where he also worked as a chaplain at the University Medical Center of Navarra.
Service in California
In 1999, Fr. Ligot received permission from his bishop to minister in California. He first served as a chaplain at the Veterans Medical Center in San Francisco and as a visiting priest at Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. Since then, he has become a key figure in the Diocese of San José, known for his pastoral care, leadership, and commitment to evangelization.
Fluent in Tagalog, Ilocano, Spanish, and English, Bishop-elect Ligot embodies the multicultural identity of California’s Catholic faithful.
Humility and Mission
Reflecting on his appointment, Bishop-elect Ligot expressed gratitude and humility:
“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.”
A Blessing for Filipino Catholics Worldwide
For Filipino Catholics, especially those in the U.S., Bishop-elect Ligot’s appointment is a source of pride and inspiration. His story echoes the call to serve the Church beyond borders while staying rooted in faith and Filipino values.
As the Diocese of San José enters this new chapter, the faithful look forward with hope that Bishop-elect Ligot’s leadership will strengthen evangelization, deepen parish life, and guide communities to live the Gospel more fully.
