New Capiz archbishop assumes office

a priest read Pope Francis’ mandate appointing Bendico as archbishop of his native archdiocese.

Afterwards, papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown presented Bendico with crosier and escorted him to his cathedra — the symbols of his authority. The faithful who packed the cathedral applauded as he officially assumed his post.

In his homily, Bendico expressed his eagerness to work and journey with the people “and all of you who make our local

The question of Thomas in this Sunday’s gospel is a question that has been asked for centuries by philosophers and spiritual seekers, “How can we know the Way?” Jesus’ answer is an oft-quoted statement, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn. 14:6). What comes to people’s mind by the Way? It may mean the way to happiness, the way to a meaningful life, the way to ultimate fulfillment. For Jesus and the apostles it means the way to Eternal life or the way to the Father and God’s promised Kingdom. It is the way of living life in such a way that it brings meaning and happiness in this life and eternal joy in the life to come as Jesus promised, “where I am you also may be” (Jn. 14:3).

Church alive and growing.”

“We will walk together in the local Church of Capiz with our parishes, mission stations, Basic Ecclessial Communities, the religious, church organizations and ministries,” Bendico said.

“With our trust in God and our humble efforts, we will strive that no one will be left behind, no one will feel alone, and no one will be forgotten in our communities,” he assured.

Prior to his new assignment, the 63-year-old served for six years in the Diocese of Baguio,

The way implies a journey, a people on a journey, and a destination. People on a journey are people on a pilgrimage. When people undertake a pilgrimage they have a destination in mind. They also have a starting point which they are leaving behind, facing the risks of travelling to a desired holy place. Most often, people on a pilgrimage travel with others or meet others along the way with the same goal in mind.

When we accept Jesus as the Way and appropriate this truth in faith, we embark on a pilgrim journey. Jesus becomes our companion on the journey as guide, inspiration, and nourishment, just as He did while accompanying the disciples who walked to Emmaus. Our destination is our eternal home but along the way, we meet, live with, and share our life with others. We also invite others to join us in this journey of faith, such that like the fellowship of the early disciples in the first reading, “The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly” (Acts 6:7). As co-pilgrims we spread the good news and do some good along the way.

Aside from Dean, also elected as vicar-provincial was Fr. Neil Badillo. Also elected as “definitors” or counselors to the minister provincial were Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Arturo Daquilanea, Fr. Crisologo Dragon, and Br. Christopher Villianueva.

The Province of San Antonio de Padua currently has around 70 friars in 19 friaries across Visayas and Mindanao regions. The friars are engaged in pastoral service in at least seven parishes, in education with five schools and a center for dialogue with Islam. CBCP News which is now “sede vacante” until a new bishop is appointed and installed.

Bendico’s canonical installation came two months after Pope Francis appointed him to Capiz, which has been without an archbishop for nearly two years.

During that period, the archdiocese was overseen by Monsignor Cyril Villareal as administrator.

In his message, Advincula described Bendico’s appointment as “God’s gift” to the archdiocese.

This journey of faith describes the Synodal Church. The church is on its way towards its perfection in the Kingdom. The members of the pilgrim church are united by their bonds of baptism and faith, fellowship in the Eucharist, and charity for one another. They are a church of communion sharing in the life of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and striving to be communities united in faith. The expression of communion is by participation in the church’s life of worship, faith formation, and service. There are so many ministries in the church that one can participate in whether one is young, elderly, `man or woman. We are glad to find this development among our lay people who act as lectors, lecturers, community leaders, ministers of communion, finance advisers, counselors, and others.

Of course, the church is not just living for itself. It is a missionary church, sharing and giving testimony about Jesus as the Way. The church is called to evangelize, to make Jesus known. To introduce Jesus to others means to know Him better, what He lived for, what He taught, what He did, and the ultimate sacrifice He made on then Cross to gain us eternal life. By introducing Jesus we also introduce the Father, “If you know me, then you will also know the Father” (Jn. 14:6). We also introduce the Spirit, who is according to Jesus, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name – he will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you” (Jn. 14:26).

Jesus as the way is our companion on the journey guided by His Spirit and our destination as the “Omega” with the Father. Our ultimate goal as a synodal church is to be in communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a blessed journey.

“God gave us not only an archbishop but someone who is our own, someone who knows us, and someone we know,” the cardinal said.

“Trust that God has reasons why he called you here. And trust that God will also give you all the graces you need as you faithfully do his will,” he said.

Also present during the Mass were more than 20 bishops from different dioceses including Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the archbishop emeritus of Cotabato. Roy Lagarde

Readings: no. 285, p. 557

1st Reading: Acts 14.5-18

Gospel: John 14.21-26

Readings: no. 286, p. 559

1st Reading: Acts 14.19-28

Gospel: John 14.27-31a

Readings: no. 287, p. 562

1st Reading: Acts 15.1-6

Gospel: John 15.1-8

Readings: no. 288, p. 564

1st Reading: Acts 15.7-21

Gospel: John 15.9-11

Readings: no. 289, p. 566

1st Reading: Acts 15.22-31

Gospel: John 15.12-17

Readings: no. 290, p. 568

1st Reading: Acts 16.1-10

Gospel: John 15.18-21