Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown led the recent celebration of the 50th year of the Archdiocese of Lipa.
The Papal envoy called on the faithful to continue to nurture and deepen their spiritual life which has grown over the years since the setting up of the diocese in 1910 until it became an archdiocese in 1972.
“It is my earnest prayer that the vibrancy in faith, constancy in hope, and consistency in charity that has distinguished the Archdiocese of Lipa since its foundation as a diocese in 1910 and recognized its elevation in 1972 may grow always more fervent in the hearts of everyone in this archdiocese,” said Archbishop Brown.
Also in attendance was Kalookan Bishop and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Pablo Virgilio David.
The Church leader said two natives of Pampanga led the transition of the diocese into an archdiocese namely Manila Archbishop Cardinal Rufino Santos who served as administrator of Lipa and the first archbishop of Lipa Archbishop Alejandro Olalia.
“I hope and pray that under the pastoral leadership of the present archbishop Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera this vibrant local church its laity, religious, and clergy will continue to grow together in communion, participation, and mission into a truly synodal church,” said Bishop David.
According to Radio Veritas, the archdiocese opened the Jubilee Doors of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa in line with the celebration.
The opening of the Jubilee Doors was led by Lipa Archbishop Garcera, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula who presided over the mass, Archbishop Brown, bishops and members of the clergy of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila and Lipa, and the lay faithful.
The Vatican, likewise, granted a plenary indulgence to pilgrims to the archdiocese after complying with the required conditions.
The Archdiocese of Lipa became a diocese in 1910 and was named an archdiocese in 1972 by St. Pope Paul VI.
The Archdiocese of Lipa is led by Archbishop Garcera and has more than 200 priests looking after the spiritual needs of 95 percent of its three million population.