Diocese of Baguio Bishop Victor Bendico celebrated his farewell mass at the Our Lady of the Atonement in Baguio City on Friday, April 28, his last Eucharistic celebration as bishop of Baguio.
The newly appointed archbishop of Capiz will become the fourth archbishop of his native archdiocese on May 3, the date of his installation, said a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines News post.
“I am thankful for the lights and shadows, which I encountered as bishop of Baguio. They were learning experiences for me and I treasure them. I bring them to my new assignment,” Bishop Benedict said in his homily.
Before the mass ended, the bishop’s coat of arms was removed from the cathedra.
After his canonical installation as Capiz archbishop, his name will no longer be included in the Eucharistic Prayer in the diocese.
The prelate requested the faithful to continue to pray for him and for al the members of the clergy.
“The people need their pastors and their pastors need their people. And prayer is needed for both. Hence, continue praying for me and for our priests. Also continue praying for the coming of your pastor so that the Lord will provide you with your shepherd,” he said.
The 63-year-old Church leader succeeds Cardinal Jose Advincula, who was appointed archbishop of Manila in 2021.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown will lead Bendico’s installation on May 3 at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas.
RELATED TAGS: #BISHOP VICTOR BENDICO. #NEW CAPIZ ARCHBISHOP
RELATED TAGS: #BISHOP VICTOR BENDICO. #NEW CAPIZ ARCHBISHOP