An encounter with the first Pope!

The first day (June 3) of the AD LIMINA VISIT 2019 of the Bishops from Mindanao and the Bishops from the Ecclesiastical Province of Lipa started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist right at the tomb of St. Peter – the first Pope. There were twenty-nine bishops from Mindanao and the Ecclesiastical Province of Lipa. The mass was presided by the Archbishop of Davao and CBCP President Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD. It was a momentous occasion wherein before they encounter the successor of St. Peter (Pope Francis) the Bishops prayed first at the tomb of St. Peter.

In his homily he cited three important points as we begin the official Ad Limina Visit in Rome. He opened his homily with these words, “what a privilege given to us despite our unworthiness to be chosen as successors of the Apostles. Here we are at the tomb of the great apostle Peter to pray to God through St. Peter’s intercession to grant us the grace to fulfill our responsibilities with total dedication.”

Archbishop Valles further added three important points to remind the bishops of their ministry as successors of the Apostles; first, the bishops should continue the Memory of the Lord! Through the bishops’ ministry the people should always remember the Lord Jesus in their loves.

Second, to continue to go into the deep (Duc in Altum). In the uncertain high seas with rough waters bishops must continue to cast the nets for more haul of fish. They are to continue to catch people for the kingdom of God.

Thirdly, to feed God’s lambs, God’s sheep! The flock of God has to be fed with His words and with His precious body and blood. This is an important role of the Bishops so that the people will constantly be nourished with the food that lasts to eternity.

At the tomb of St. Peter the Bishops recited the Apostles’ Creed as a form of renewal of their faith. It was indeed a solemn and wonderful beginning as the Mindanao and Lipa Bishops begin their encounter with the successor of Peter – Pope Francis.

Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D.
Bishop of Mati