Bishop celebrates last Mass in the cathedral

KIDAPAWAN CITY—Before he left for the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, the then archbishop-elect and now Archbishop of Zamboanga Romulo Dela Cruz bid goodbye to his flock through the Eucharistic celebration he officiated, May 5.

“It’s not goodbye but until we meet again,” said Archbishop Dela Cruz to the people present during the mass at the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral here, adding that he’s willing to fly from Zamboanga City to Kidapawan City should he will be invited to celebrate the Eucharist in the diocese where he served for six years.

Wearing the same set of vestments he used when he was installed Bishop of Kidapawan June 18, six years ago, Archbishop Dela Cruz said this is his way of expressing his gratitude to the flock that he served for quite a time. The vestments were entrusted to the Carmelite Sisters in Kidapawan to add to the items on display in their museum.

The mass that Archbishop Dela Cruz celebrated is also the time where he ordained two priests for the last time in Kidapawan namely Fr. Mervin Tahad and Fr. Edward Bacus. In his six years as Bishop of Kidapawan, he has ordained four priests including the two.

“I’m sorry for the upcoming deacon, I will not be the one ordaining him,” the archbishop said in jest. The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Giuseppe Pinto has allowed him to ordain for the last time after he was appointed Archbishop of Zamboanga.

The archbishop thanked the parents of the two new priests for their generosity to the Church.

He also thanked the people for their support to the Diocese of Kidapawan all these years. He cited the Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary as their manifestation of support for priestly vocations.

“Love your priests the way I loved them. Though they are not perfect, let’s keep a special place in our hearts for our dear priests. Let us love them as Christ loves them,” the archbishop said. (Photo by Brenda Melan)