Clergy react with ‘hope, gratitude’ to Cotabato archbishop’s appointment

Archbishop-elect Lampon will have his canonical installation as archbishop of Cotabato on Jan. 31, 2019

With the recent appointment of Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo as the successor of Orlando Cardinal Quevedo whose resignation has been accepted by the Vatican, Nov. 6., the clergy of the archdiocese react with gratitude and hope.

“I look forward to be working with Bishop Lito, especially in ministering [to] the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cotabato,” said Fr. Simeon Samson told CBCP News during the retreat of the Cotabato clergy in this city on Nov. 6

The priest said he is sad that Orlando Cardinal Quevedo has already retired from duties in the archdiocese.

“You know how good he is as our father in the archdiocese. However, I am also happy because we have a new shepherd,” added Samson.

Meanwhile Fr. Louie Pelingon, assistant parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in this city, sees only good in the change.

“Cardinal Quevedo has taught us many things about ministering and shepherding. Having Bishop Lampon as our new bishop will allow us to learn new things in the ministry and shepherding. Thank you Cardinal!” he said.

Fr. Anton Tejero, who was ordained by the cardinal, only has the highest praise for the retired prelate.

“I am grateful to Cardinal Orly who has truly been a great jewel in and to the Church. For me, his resignation in a way is good news since he has long been looking up to it. Now that he is granted, he is unloaded with the responsibility of a local Ordinary. It is not so much a regret because though he is already resigned, I know he will continue doing more for the good of the Church,” he said.

“I will always pray for him,” said Tejero.

It can be remembered that Quevedo has reached the mandatory age of retirement for bishops when he turned 75 on Mar. 11, 2014.

At the age of 79, Cardinal Quevedo’s resignation was accepted by Pope Francis Nov. 6, minutes before he named his successor.

Archbishop-elect Lampon will have his canonical installation on Jan. 31, 2019.

Born in M’lang, Cotabato on March 1, 1950, Lampon is a missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) who finished his Philosophical studies at University of Manila in Quezon City and theology at Loyola School of Theology.

He was ordained to the priesthood March 26, 1977 and has been assigned to different areas like Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and the Cotabato Cathedral in this city as parochial vicar. He also served as seminary staff member in Cotabato City from 1979 to 1981.

Lampon also studied at the South Asian Interdisciplinary Institute in Intramuros, Manila from 1981 to 1982. After that, he became director of the Postulants and Scholastics of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate from 1982 to 1988.

Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of OMI from 1988 to 1992, he also served as General Councillor of OMI at their General Administration in Rome from 1992 to 1997 before he was named Bishop of Jolo on Nov. 21, 1997.

He was consecrated bishop on Jan. 6, 1998.