REMASE pays tribute to Bishop Apigo, former Rector

DAVAO CITY—Prior to his departure for Mati, the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary has given a tribute to their rector who is now a bishop.

After the graduation ceremony last March 19, the seminarians of REMASE has prepared a program recounting the years of Bishop-elect Abel Apigo through a gallery of videos in his honor.

Fr. Reiner Franke, SDV the former procurator of REMASE, said that the appointment of Msgr. Apigo did not come as a surprise. He said the question is not if he will be a bishop but when.

Abp. Capalla said Msgr. Apigo is a very likable person and very humble. He is also generous with his time.

He said he has a very high regard for liturgical worship being a master of ceremony during Abp. Capalla’s term as archbishop of Davao.

Auxiliary Bishop of Davao George Rimando said that Msgr. Apigo has been so generous of himself that he gives his time to join them in important meetings despite his hectic schedule.

“We pray for you as you pray for us also,” said Sem. Ruperto Jamili from the Archdiocese of Davao.

“Stay humble because that’s how we know you. Thank you for sailing with us. May Padre Pio intercede for you,” said Sem. Lloyd Salcedo.

“Very passionate in what he believes in. He is compassionate and a caring friend. Rest assured of my prayers for you,” said Arturo Milan, who handled the Ways and Means Committee of REMASE during their 50th anniversary.

“See you in Mati, Bishop,” said Sem. Donnie Emuy from Mati.

Formators honor former rector

The seminary formators rendered a song entitled The Lord is my Strength, which is similar to the motto of the coat-of-arms of the newly-elect bishop.

“You can take Bishop Abel out of REMASE but you cannot take REMASE out of Bishop Abel,” said Fr. Reynaldo Retardo, now the acting rector, drawing inspiration from a famous line of the former rector. He clarified his words by saying, “You may remove Bp. Abel from REMASE’s vicinity but not from REMASE’s memory.”

Fr. Retardo continued, “This is part of our life as priests. In order for us to follow God’s will, we have to let go of that hold. Though we feel sad of your departure, it is our joy that you will be shepherding a new flock in Mati. Keep us in your heart and in your prayers.”

A tribute to all

A tribute to Msgr. Abel is a tribute to you and all of us,” said Abp. Romulo Valles.

“He has blossomed forth to become a very good priest, worthy to be called by the Holy Father. We are very proud. He is ready. He is gifted. God has worked through us to make what Bishop Abel who he is today,” said Abp. Valles.

“Nobody is ready to become a bishop. The challenge is so big. It is a tribute to the Lord. In His Design to make Msgr Abel bishop of Mati, God will sustain him in the great task of shepherding Mati,” he added.

“The difficult time is to say goodbye. The farewell part is very difficult.

To pack all my things after 22 years of stay here as formator and 5 years as seminarian is never easy and will never be easy,” Bishop Apigo said in response to the tribute which was ended with the queueing of the seminarians and guests present to ask for blessing from the bishop and greet him for the last time as he ends his term as rector of REMASE.