Auxiliary Bishop-elect Ruben Labajo of Cebu has asked the faithful to pray for his new mission, which he described as a “gift” that “is meant to be shared."
“Please pray for me. Include me in your daily prayers. It is only in Him that I can survive. Give me all your support and prayers,” CBCP News quoted Labajo's interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Pope Francis named Labajo as auxiliary bishop of Cebu on June 23.
During the said interview, Labajo said, he was “overwhelmed and humbled” to be appointed to the episcopate by the pontiff.
He said his appointment was unexpected considering his “weaknesses, inadequacies, and limitations."
“I am completely overwhelmed by the news,” Labajo said, admitting that it is “challenging” to be a bishop.
Labajo has been serving as Vicar General of the archdiocese since 2020 before his appointment.
He will join Bishop Midyphil Billones, the archdiocese’s other auxiliary bishop, in assisting Archbishop Jose Palma in the episcopal shepherding of the archdiocese.