Philippine Claretians get new superior

Fr. Amador Tumbaga, the newly appointed provincial superior of the Claretian Missionaries – Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province.

The Claretian missionaries in the Philippines have a new leader to succeed their former provincial superior whom Pope Francis earlier appointed bishop of Cubao.

In announcement on its website on Thursday, the Claretian province in the Philippines, officially known as the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, said Fr. Amador Tumbaga has assumed the new role of provincial supervisor. The previous superior, Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr., was named Cubao bishop on Oct. 4 and will assume the episcopate on Dec. 3.

Tumbaga, 44, was the Claretian provincial vicar prior to his elevation as superior.

Known as “Father Ama,” he is the vice postulator or promoter for the cause of sainthood of the martyred Claretian priest Gallardo, who was killed by the bandit groups Abu Sayyaf in Basilan in 2000.

“We are confident in his (Tumbaga’s) ability to lead our community during this time of transition. Please join us in offering our prayers and support as he assumes his new role,” the province said.

Born in March 1980 in Tiaong, Quezon, Tumbaga was ordained priest in December 2007.

He was assigned to formation centers as formator, prefect of students and novice master. He later served as local “econome,” prefect of formation and provincial secretary.

In 2019, he was elected prefect of spirituality and appointed provincial vicar of the missionary order.