New Bishop of Mati ordained

The sound of trumpets could be heard echoing throughout San Pedro Cathedral on April 24, Tuesday, to herald the ordination of a new bishop, who will be shepherding the local church of Mati.

In the presence of the faithful, 41 bishops, and 257 priests, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles ordained a priest from Calinan, Msgr. Abel Apigo, to the episcopacy.

In his homily, the prelate explained the role of Bp. Apigo when he was still rector of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, saying the first role of the rector is “to feed” the seminarians, to nourish their body but also feed their souls with “sound theology and sound spirituality.”

FEEDING A FLOCK

Abp. Valles explained, however, that the new bishop’s role has now expanded.

“He will no longer be feeding seminarians, now he will be feeding a flock,” he said.

Abp. Valles also explained the role of the bishop as a teacher, a shepherd, and a high priest.

“It is so great a gift that no man can say that he is worthy of the gift of God,” he added.

Bishop of Digos Guillermo V. Afable and Bishop of Ipil Julius S. Tonel, who were both priests from the Archdiocese of Davao prior to their appointment as bishops, also laid hands on the new bishop.

EPISCOPAL SYMBOLS

Bp. Apigo is the third diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Davao who was ordained bishop.

The new bishop also received the different insignia or symbols indicating his office as bishop, namely the episcopal ring, the book of the Gospels, and the pastoral staff. Minutes later, the ordaining prelates followed by the other bishops gave Apigo their kiss of peace.

Bishop Apigo has been a priest of 24 years and served as rector of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary prior to his appointment on February 10. He was installed at the Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Mati City, April 25.

He succeeded Bishop Patricio Alo, who served the diocese for more than 30 years. (Photos by Brenda P. Milan)