BACOLOD CITY - Nearly 2,000 faithful and approximately 325 priests from the Dioceses of Bacolod, Kabankalan, and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, and as far as Manila, Cebu, and Legazpi welcomed Most Rev. Louie Galbines as he was formally installed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod in a solemn ceremony held at the San Sebastian Cathedral here on Tuesday, August 11.

Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, served as the installing prelate, while Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, delivered the homily during the Eucharistic celebration.

In his message, Galbines reflected on his return to the Diocese of Bacolod, saying that eight years after he was sent to Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental as a “son of Bacolod, now, he returns not merely as a son, but as a father called to journey with the people of the diocese.

Galbines expressed gratitude for the trust and friendship that have accompanied his ministry since 2018, when he was sent to Kabankalan by then Pope Francis.

“Eight years later, Pope Leo XIV returned me to Bacolod—not longer a son, but a father,” he said, describing his return as more than a transfer from one diocese to another.

For Galbines, leaving Kabankalan was difficult because the place had become more than a geographical assignment. “Leaving Kabankalan is never easy. It is not merely about a place which has a mystical landscape and awesome beaches,” he said. “It is about the heart of priests, the heart of religious men and women, and the heart of the people of God.”

He thanked the Diocese of Kabankalan for allowing him to witness the Lord through the lives and hearts of its people.

As he came home to Bacolod, Galbines said he was deeply overwhelmed by the warm welcome he received.

“I am nothing less than overwhelmed by your elegant and kingly welcome,” he said.

He called on the people of Bacolod to transform their smiles into laughter as they begin a new chapter together—not simply as bishop and faithful, but as friends, brothers and sisters, keepers of one another, and one family of God.

“May our smiles turn into laughter as we journey and work together as friends, brothers, sisters, keepers, and as a family of God,” he said.

Looking toward the future, he also acknowledged the work begun by his predecessors. He described his return as an opportunity to receive and build upon the “blueprint of the future” already prepared by those who came before him.

He expressed gratitude to his successor Bishop Patricio Buzon, who have “sown new possibilities,” emphasizing that the fruits of their work will continue to be harvested—not only in Kabankalan, but also in Bacolod.

The historic celebration was also attended by around 40 bishops from different parts of the Philippines, together with clergy, religious, civil officials, and thousands of faithful from the Diocese of Bacolod and neighboring dioceses.

Cardinal Advincula reminded the new bishop that episcopal ministry calls for a deep trust in God's providence, while at the same time recognizing that God entrusts His people and their pastoral care to the bishop.

Meanwhile, Brown described Buzon as a bishop of deep spirituality whose eyes remained focused on Jesus Christ and whose ministry was centered on faithfully serving and overseeing the people of God.

He emphasized that the transition in leadership does not mean a break in the life and mission of the local Church.

“The Church in Bacolod and Negros continues uninterrupted,” Brown said, stressing the importance of continuity in the mission of the Church and in the transmission of faith from one generation to the next.

Brown also urged parents to take an active role in nurturing the faith of their children, particularly by bringing them to Mass and providing them with a strong Catholic education.

He highlighted the need to consciously evangelize young people so that they may grow filled with joy and faith and become witnesses to Christ in the future.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Galbines as the new bishop of the Bacolod Diocese on May 14.

Galbines was born in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, but was raised by his parents in Barrio Ma-ao, Bago City. He was ordained to the priesthood at San Sebastian Cathedral, making his appointment as the new shepherd of the Diocese of Bacolod a homecoming.

This highly-urbanized city has welcomed Galbines to the Bacolod Diocese, expressing full support to his leadership.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the church and the City hall may have different roofs, but they serve and shelter the exact same people.

"The church tends to the spirit, the city government builds the community, but our destination is exactly the same - the dignity and the upliftment of the Bacolodnon," he added.