Bishop Patricio H. Alo: A Rare Media Bug

Two of several meanings of ‘bug’ in the Webster Dictionary are ‘enthusiast’ and ‘prominent person’. These two colloquial descriptive expressions seem to apply quite appropriately to the first bishop of the Diocese of Mati, His Excellency Bishop Patricio H. Alo. He turns 75 on December 2,2014 .

Since Bishop Pat tendered his resignation due to ill-health before he reached the age of 75 which Canon Law provides as the proper,time for resigning, Pope Francis appointed an Apostolic Administrator in the person of Fr. Ed Bano. An apostolic administrator, unlike the diocesan administrator who is chosen by the board of consultors, has almost all the powers of a diocesan bishop except the power to ordain. Father Bano will shepherd the flock left by Bishop Alo.

To form, educate, unite, and serve the needs of his priests and people Bishop Pat used the media of social communications, that radio, tv, and press. He has a radio station whose studio is located in the compound of the bishop’s house. He also has a short circuit television. And he writes a column in the Davao Catholic Herald and the nationally circulated CBCP Monitor.

The Church teachings, liturgies, religious devotions, and pastoral activities, and Bishop Pat’s words and person are audible, visible, readable, and appreciated through these wonders of high tech media throughout Mati and Davao Oriental and beyond. He is assisted by competent priests, religious and lay people.

Bishop Pat is also a bible bug. He can quote scripture left and right. His bible quotes are everywhere in the bishop’s house and even along the winding roads on the mountain ranges of Davao Oriental. One stop-over site carries the name from a scripture verse,

For Bishop Pat the Church is essentially communication. Being the only tri-media communication bug among Filipino bishops, and his bible bugs widely ubiquitous, Bishop Pat goes into retirement not to rest from communication. He goes into a deeper level of communication which is truly restful: prayer and contemplation. He responds to the call of Jesus who said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble In spirit; and you will find rest.. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”( Matt.11:28-30).