Bishop Broderick Pabillo has been installed as vicar apostolic of Taytay in Palawan on Thursday, August 19.
The prelate was formally installed by Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Taytay.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown were unable to attend the occasion due to travel restrictions.
Metro Manila is under the enhanced community quarantine until August 20.
In his homily, Pabillo said he considers his installation in Palawan as a "miracle."
"This installation happening is a miracle of God, because of his love. It was a miracle of God that I was able to return to Palawan. I really want to be able to come back and serve here in Palawan, but it is a great miracle that this desire has been fulfilled. Thank God!" he said.
"It is also a miracle that even during a pandemic we have an installation," added Pabillo.
The prelate served as a missionary in the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa for seven years until he became bishop.
Bishop Pabillo, in his homily, also vowed to serve God's people wholeheartedly.
"I am for you now. I will try to pour myself out on you. I will not refrain from speaking and acting to save you from danger and from deceptions," he said.
Among those who sent a message for the occasion was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
"I pray for you and the Vicariate of Taytay in a special way on this day of your installation. God will show His faithfulness to His people through you, and you will see God's grandeur through them," Tagle said in his message read by a priest.
Vicariates and prelatures are regarded by the Vatican as mission territories, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Pope Francis appointed Pabillo as the second vicar apostolic of Taytay on June 29.
He replaced Bishop Edgardo Juanich, who resigned in 2018 due to health reasons.
Pabillo had been auxiliary bishop of Manila since 2006.