Mallari Appointed New Bishop of Tarlac Diocese

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Roberto Mallari, formerly head of the Diocese of San Jose in Nueva Ecija, as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac, entrusting him with pastoral leadership of one of Central Luzon’s largest Catholic communities. The announcement was made on a Sunday that coincided with the Feast of the Holy Family, underscoring the symbolic weight of the transition.

A Seasoned Pastor Takes on a Growing Diocese

At 66 years old, Bishop Mallari assumes responsibility for a diocese that spans the entire province of Tarlac and serves more than 1.2 million Catholics across approximately 60 parishes. His appointment follows the death of Bishop Enrique Macaraeg in October 2023, which left the diocese under interim administration for several months.

The Diocese of Tarlac, established on February 16, 1963, is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Pampanga and reflects the demographic and cultural diversity of Central Luzon. The majority of the faithful are Kapampangans and Ilocanos, with Tagalog widely spoken and understood.

From Pampanga Roots to Central Luzon Leadership

Bishop Mallari was born in Masantol, Pampanga, and ordained a priest in November 1982 for the Archdiocese of San Fernando. His rise within the Church has been steady: appointed auxiliary bishop of San Fernando in March 2006 and installed as bishop of San Jose in May 2012.

Over more than a decade in San Jose, he became known for a pastoral style grounded in education and social communications, qualities that Church observers say will bring continuity to Tarlac as it navigates both traditional parish life and modern evangelisation.

Mixed Emotions in San Jose

The transfer leaves the Diocese of San Jose vacant, a development met with both gratitude and regret among clergy and parishioners. In a statement, the diocese said: “With hearts filled with both joy and a sense of loss, the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija, announces that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed our beloved Bishop, His Excellency Most Rev. Robert Callara Mallari, DD, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac.”

The vacancy was later addressed through the appointment of Fr. Samuel Agcaracar as bishop of San Jose for the 2025–2026 period, ensuring an orderly succession in line with canon law.

What the Change Means for the Faithful

For Catholics in Tarlac, the appointment signals stability after a period of loss. Daily parish life—Masses, feast day celebrations, catechesis, and social outreach—is expected to continue without disruption. The diocese’s faithful, drawn from Kapampangans, Ilocanos, Pangasinenses, Tagalogs, and Aeta communities, form what Church leaders often describe as a living mosaic of cultures and languages.

There are no political or legal implications tied to the appointment. As with all episcopal assignments, the decision rests solely with the Vatican and the norms of Canon Law, beyond the scope of civil authorities.

A Broader Pattern of Church Realignment

Bishop Mallari’s move reflects a broader pattern of leadership realignments within the Philippine Catholic Church, particularly in Central Luzon. As dioceses grow and pastoral needs evolve, the Church continues to reshuffle experienced leaders to where they are most needed.

For Tarlac, the arrival of a bishop with decades of service offers a sense of continuity—much like a seasoned navigator taking the helm after a storm—guiding a vast and varied flock into its next chapter.