On Saturday, April 20, 2024, I was appointed by His Holiness, Pope Francis, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento.

It fills me with great honor and utmost humility to be considered and recognized by His Holiness and His Excellency, Bishop Jaime Soto.

My priestly journey started as a boy. I was brought up by my parents as God-fearing. My family attended Sunday Mass services, as well as Holy Days of Obligation religiously.

I could not be happier that Father Rey Bersabal has been named our Auxiliary Bishop by Pope Francis. It is a a special joy that one of our own priests has been named, which has not happened since Father Thomas Grace was named the 2nd Diocesan Bishop of Sacramento in 1896. Bishop-elect Bersabal is an ideal choice - well known, well accepted, well loved. With 33 years of experience and leadership as a priest, Bishop-elect Rey is mature, well proven, effective and happy in his priestly ministry. He relates easily with people, is friendly, humble, loving and affirming - yet firm and decisive when appropriate. In diverse parishes, Bishop-elect Rey has demonstrated effective pastoral and spiritual leadership, also good administrative abilities.

The Vatican Press Office today announced that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Rey Bersabal, a priest from the Diocese of Sacramento, as auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Sacramento. He will take up his appointment on May 31, following his ordination as bishop in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

 “I am grateful to His Holiness for giving me a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus as an able co-worker in this favored part of His vineyard,” said the Most Rev. Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento.

“Bishop-elect Rey came as an immigrant priest bringing the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people.  He became part of a presbyterate and people that is a global Catholic kaleidoscope of faith and charity radiating the historic credal customs from Portugal, Italy, Ireland, China, Poland, Africa and more.”