Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula officially installed Msgr. Rolando Ramos Dela Cruz as the new rector of the Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) in Intramuros, Manila on Friday, April 14.
Msgr. Dela Cruz, 64, was previously assigned to San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila for 12 years, his longest assignment.
The new Manila Cathedral rector thanked his relatives and all the people who showed him support.
"Thank you for your prayers and financial support, for your presence and encouragement. I feel so loved especially today," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the community of San Fernando de Dilao Parish.
"Thank you for the many days that we laughed and cried together, prayed and shared food together, for our shared successes and failures, for journeying with me to the road of Holiness. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much," he stated.
Advincula also welcomed the new administrator of the parish, Fr. Bong Bayaras, during the installation rites.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto also attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the parish thanked Fr. Reginald R. Malicdem for his seven years of serving as its rector since 2015.
Fr. Malicdem will be the new chaplain of Our Lady of Hope Landmark Chapel and SM Makati Chapel, which are both located in Makati City.