Philadelphia's first Filipino bishop reflects on faith, heritage and service

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month continues, Bishop Efren Esmilla, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's first Filipino bishop, is sharing how his journey from the Philippines to the pulpit has shaped his ministry and inspired parishioners across the region.

Esmilla, appointed in 2023 by Pope Francis as an auxiliary bishop and ordained in March 2024, often reminds parishioners of his approachable style.

"I always tell them that you have got a friend, Efren," he said.

He is the first Filipino bishop, not only in the archdiocese, but also on the East Coast.

Asked what it means to hold those distinctions, he described the moment he received the call.

"Well, it's a very humbling experience. But as I said, when the cardinal up here, Christopher, called me, I said in the Fiat, let God's will be done," he said.

Esmilla grew up just south of Manila and felt called to the priesthood as a young boy.

He recalled the political unrest of the late 1980s and his family's encouragement to join them in the United States.

"My family, most of my family members are already here. And they said that they will be feel more comfortable if I would join them here in Philadelphia. But I applied still in the Philippines. They also said seminary, but I was not accepted there," he said.

When asked whether the delay in his path was a setback or something more meaningful, he replied, "And also God wants me to be here in Philadelphia."

Today, Esmilla oversees 72 parishes and conducts outreach in neighborhoods including Kensington.

His presence draws many Filipino Catholics, a connection he says is rooted in years of shared community.

"I've been serving the Filipino community for many years. And so we know each other. We always pray together. And laugh together," he said.

During a recent Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the pews were filled with people eager to see him.

"I go what's happening? And they're like we're here for Bishop Efren," a parishioner said.

Esmilla hopes his story encourages others to deepen their faith.

"I always challenge the people to really be closer to God, despite of the many struggles that we encounter," he said. In that journey, he added, "there is always a possible joy."