Bishop-elect Elias Ayuban Jr. is set to be ordained as the second bishop of the Diocese of Cubao on Dec. 3, said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The Diocese of Cubao, covering the southern area of Quezon City, is one of the largest in the Philippines, serving around 1.4 million Catholics across over 45 parishes.
The ceremony, which includes Bishop Ayuban’s episcopal ordination and the rite of canonical possession, will take place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The landmark event for the Claretian bishop-designate coincides with the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, recognized as the patron saint of missionaries.
Pope Francis on Oct. 4 appointed Ayuban, who currently oversees the Claretian mission in the Philippines, to this new role, succeeding Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.
Seventy-five-year-old Ongtioco retired after serving the diocese since its establishment in 2003.
Upon hearing of his appointment, the 56-year-old canon lawyer expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis, referring to himself as “a lowly servant.”
Likewise, Ayuban acknowledged Bishop Ongtioco’s contributions, saying he was “leading the way.”
“The only worthy and adequate response to a mysterious call is to take off one’s shoes and listen,” Ayuban, co-chairperson of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, said.
“These days, I will spend ample time listening to this voice as I undergo my spiritual exercises. For my part, I also promise to keep your intentions in my heart,” he said.
Bishop Ongtioco urged the faithful to support Ayuban through prayers and cooperation as he embarks on his pastoral journey.