Giving himself everyday for the Church

MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL—For 50 years, this bishop has given himself everyday for the Church.

This is how the Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles described Bishop of Mati Patricio Alo on the occasion of the latter’s 50th anniversary to the priesthood, March 14, at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral Parish here.

“Bishop Pat will still continue to give himself everyday for the people of Mati,” Abp. Valles, who is the homilist during the Holy Mass officiated by Bp. Alo said.

He added that when Bishop Alo was ordained, he became the ‘other Christ’, the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, quoting Pope Francis who said the Shepherd must smell like the sheep.

The celebration was concelebrated by eight bishops from Mindanao and Luzon, together with the clergy of Mati and neighboring dioceses. The archbishop noted that their presence, along with the laity and the religious men and women shows that “We are Church”.

Archbishop Valles, who was once the parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino when it was still under the Diocese of Tagum said Bishop Alo was sent as the first bishop of Mati to keep the people intact, hoping, trusting that they are sons and daughters of God.

For Archbishop Valles, Bishop Alo is not only a father to his flock in Mati but also a brother to his fellow bishops saying, “we love him”.

He also said the 50 years in the priesthood of Bishop Alo is due to God’s grace and not only because of Bishop Alo’s skills and talent.

“It is by grace that Bishop Alo became who he is. Our prayers are with you,” Abp. Valles ended.