Pope names new Lucena bishop

Pope Francis has named Fr. Mel Rey Uy, a priest of the Diocese of Romblon, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Lucena.

Uy, currently the diocesan economus of Romblon, succeeds Bishop Emilio Marquez, who has reached the canonical retirement age of 75 last year.

Marquez, former chair of the bishops’ office on women, retired after serving the diocese for almost 14 years.

Uy was born in San Agustin, Romblon, on Jan. 6, 1968. He completed philosophical studies at  San Pius X Seminary in Roxas City, and theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila where he later  obtained a master’s degree in philosophy.

He was ordained a priest on May 24, 1994.

Uy is currenly director of both the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and  Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat. —Tina G. Santos