OUR NEW BISHOP NELSON PO
On Thursday evening of the 16th April 2026 I was privileged to be invited by Dr Martin Drum, Senior Dean at the University of Notre Dame to attend the Episcopal Ordination of the Most Reverend Nelson Po as the seventh Auxiliary Bishop of Perth.
Firstly, a little about Nelson Po. He was born in the small village of Cantuhaon, Palompon, Leyte, in the Philippines on 5 June 1968, the third of 6 children to parents, Lope Po, Father and Norma Abordo, Mother. At the completion of his secondary education, Nelson entered tertiary studies and obtained a Degree in Industrial Engineering. He then worked in a local copper processing company.
Nelson’s faith was fostered and nurtured by his beloved grandmother who took him to church, taught him prayers and about the lives of saints. He grew up active in the Parish community, and he realised his vocation when he led a group of young pilgrims to attend the World Youth Day 1995 in Manila.
He was captivated by the presence of Pope John Paul 11.
Following theology studies including obtaining a master’s degree at the Maryhill school of Theology in Manila, during 2003 he was invited by Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey to reside at St Charles Seminary as a seminarian. After two more years study, Nelson was ordinated a Priest in 2005. His career involved being an assistant Priest in Kalgoorlie, Chaplain at RPH, Parish Priest at Cloverdale and in 2016, Parish Priest at St Benedict’s Parish in Applecross.
On the 2nd February 2026, Pope Leo X1V announced the appointment of Bishop Nelson Po as the Titular Bishop of Agunto and Auxiliary Bishop of Perth.
Now for the evening of the 16th of April when the Archbishop Timothy Coselloe led the ordination as the principal consecrator. He was assisted by Bishop Sproxton, Bishop Ramirez being the new Sandhurst Bishop, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo, 19 bishops from across Australia and many Priests. St Mary’s Cathedral was crowded with more than 1200 people, others sat in chairs on the lawns watching proceeding on large screens and approximately another 3000 people watched the historic occasions via livestream, including the new Bishop’s mother in the Philippines.
The service was a very moving experience and extended more than two hours. Bishop Po’s ordination is a first for the Perth Archdiocese since Bishop Sproxton was ordained in 2002.Bishop Po’s message of thanks highlighted that the plan of God never ceases to amaze him, “always with love, care and mercy”. In addition, he stated that “You don’t have to be perfect to be a bishop. You just have to be someone who is determined to keep trying, day after day.”
Thank you Bishop Nelson Po, it was a great experience and a pleasure to attend your ordination.
Lou Daily
