Bishop Michael Appoints new Vicar General
On the 31st of May, 2021 Bishop Michael announced that he had appointed Fr Gerard Totañes as the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Geraldton. The Appointment will come into effect on the 6th of June. 
in his statement Bishop Michael expressed his gratitude to the retiring Vicar General, Fr Brian Ahearn, for his support and wisdom over the past 4 years. Fr Brian had requested permission some months previous to resign from all leadership roles and retire to the Bishop's House, which the Bishop granted. Fr Brian will retire from the Dongara Parish at the end of June and relocate to the Bishop's House in Geraldton.
Fr Gerard Totañes was born in 1969 in Sorsogon, 600kms south of Manila, of of three sons to Emmanuel and Esperanza Totañes. His family live in Paranaque City, Metro Manilla.
Fr Gerard entered the Rogationist Seminary in 1986 and finished philosophy four years later at the Vincentian Fathers' Adamson University in Manila. He then entered the Jesuit run San Jose Seminary in Quezon City in 1990 to pursue Theology. From 1991-98 he undertook parish work as a parish school teacher and community organiser. he recommenced his training for the priesthood in 1998 as a Seminarian for the Geraldton Diocese. He completed degrees in Sacred Theology and Pastoral Ministry at the Loyola School of Theology, Anteneo de Manilia University in March 2000.
On the 24th of October 1999 parishioners and friends, together with twenty two priests of the Diocese, joined with Bishop Justin Bianchini to welcome him to the Ministry of Deacon in St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton.
On St Patricks Feast Day, 17th March 2001, Bishop Justin Bianchini Ordained Fr Gerard in his home Parish of Paranaque in the Philippines.
Over the years Fr Gerard has served mainly in the Cathedral Parish, with many years as Chaplain to Nagle Catholic College. He is the Diocesan Vocations Director and Coordinator of RCIA and in 2014 Bishop Justin Bianchini appointed him as Director of Parish Life and Mission where, among many other things, organises and facilitates Diocesan Conferences, Gatherings, Information Evenings and Faith Education groups.
In 2017 he was appointed to the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Geraldton and has served as Chair and Secretary on the Council of Priests over the years.
In 2018 he was appointed Parish Priest to St Lawrence's Parish in Bluff Point.
Congratulations Fr Gerard from everyone around the Diocese. May the Lord bless you and guide you in all matters in your new Appointment.