Bishop Ramirez will succeed Shane Mackinlay, who was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane in September last year.
Originally from Gapan in the Philippines, Bishop Ramirez was ordained a priest in 1998 and became an auxiliary bishop in Melbourne in February 2025.
Having studied in the Philippines and Rome, he became the pastor of Holy Family Parish in October 2015.
He has strong ties to the region, having previously served as parish priest in Shepparton South and Nagambie, and as supervising priest in Rushworth.
Diocesan administrator Brian Boyle described Bishop Ramirez as an “excellent shepherd” in a letter to clergy and parishioners across the diocese.
“He is looking forward to returning and I am sure all the people of our Diocese will give him a warm welcome home,” he said.
Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said Bishop Ramirez had served the Melbourne archdiocese with “humility, faith and generosity of spirit”.
“His warm and welcoming approach … will serve him well in his new ministry of service in the Diocese of Sandhurst,” he said.
Bishop Ramirez said he felt humbled by the appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
“I come to the faithful of Sandhurst as a servant, prepared to listen, walk with you, and share in the journey of faith,” he said.
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