Manila, Jan. 5 -- The Diocese of Masbate has a temporary caretaker.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News reported that Monsignor Claro Caluya III was elected diocesan administrator by the College of Consultors on Dec. 19, days after the death of Bishop Jose Bantolo.

"We pray that the Lord, in His goodness, will send someone again to shepherd us - hopefully not for long," the senior Catholic priest said.

The diocese announced Caluya's election during Bantolo's funeral Mass on Dec. 30 at Masbate Cathedral.

As a diocesan administrator, he will serve in a caretaker role, ensuring the basic administration of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Under canon law, the College of Consultors - a group of prie...