A few people probably know this but Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, the Archbishop-elect of Manila, was also mentored by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin.
"I have learned from Cardinal Sin. He was the priest who admitted me to the seminary in 1964 in Capiz and my teacher in Latin in third year high school. Cardinal Sin is my mentor," said Advincula in a sit down interview with Father Emilio Arbatin of the Archdiocese of Capiz.
When asked if he would be as vocal as Cardinal Sin when he assumes his post, the cardinal humbly replied:"Cardinal Sin is Cardinal Sin. I am afraid I could not be as vocal as Cardinal Sin."
The Capiz prelate was appointed by Pope Francis on March 25 as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila, succeeding Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who became the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican last February 2020.
During the interview, he was also asked how he foresees his would be relationship with Malacanang. To this he replied:"I foresee to maintain an open line of communication with Malacañang."
In the nearly half an hour interview, the cardinal also revealed his plans for the archdiocese and one of them is to visit the different parishes.
"I'll try to concentrate on the pastoral life of the people in Manila. I plan to visit the parishes and the other places in Manila, although I am sad because this can only be done in a restricted way because of the pandemic. I want to look first at the situation in the entire archdiocese although in a limited way," said Advincula.
"A shepherd I believe can be more effective in addressing the needs of the people if he knows the real situation or condition of his flock," he added.
Advincula said he also plans to continue the work of evangelization, try to engage in projects that can really help the poor, and also continue the initiatives of his predecessors.
He admitted that he became afraid when he was appointed to Manila which is a very big diocese.
"My first assignments as bishop of a diocese were all in rural dioceses like San Carlos and even Capiz," said Advincula.
"However, I also know that I'm just a worker in the Lord's vineyard. The real owner of the vineyard is the Lord. He will take care of me," he added.
There is no date yet as to when Advincula will be formally installed as Archbishop of Manila.