By Christina Hermoso
The fifth bishop of the Diocese of Pagadian in southern Philippines has been installed during rites held at the Santo Niño Cathedral.
(CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Bishop Ronald I. Lunas, 52, was installed during a holy mass that was led by his predecessor Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, who retired November of last year, and Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad.
The three-hour ceremony was attended by Church leaders, including Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, bishops from different parts of the country, priests and nuns from various dioceses, as well as government officials and lay leaders. Representatives of the Interfaith Forum composed of Muslims, Christians, and the indigenous Subanen tribe were also in attendance.
“Home at last,” Lunas said in a CBCP News post. “This is how I feel today in my first meeting with you dear people of God.”
The Diocese of Pagadian has about a million Catholics and its hierarchy have traditionally played a major role in interreligious dialogue.
The Holy Father Pope Francis named Lunas as the fifth bishop of Pagadian on Nov. 22, 2018. He was ordained to the episcopate last Feb.
22, making him the first homegrown bishop from the Diocese of Digos in its 40 years of existence.