Zamboanga Archbishop-elect to ordain priest in Kidapawan

DAVAO CITY—The newly-appointed Archbishop of Zamboanga, Bishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, will ordain for the last time as Bishop of Kidapawan a priest before he will depart for his new assignment.

Rev. Edward Bacus from the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral in Kidapawan City will receive the sacrament of ordination through the laying on of hands of Bishop Dela Cruz during a ceremony at the cathedral set on May 5.

“We are happy that he is already appointed as Archbishop. It shows that our diocese has become a good training ground for future bishops in other dioceses,” Rev. Bacus said during an interview.

He added they feel lonely because it has been many times since the Diocese of Kidapawan has lost a bishop like when their former Bishop, now Archbishop of Davao, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles was transferred to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

“It is a difficult experience. It will be another adjustment on our part and I hope it will not take long that we will have another bishop. God will provide,” Rev. Bacus added.

Bishop Dela Cruz was installed Bishop of Kidapawan on June 18, 2008. During his term as bishop of Kidapawan, he has ordained three priests, with Rev. Bacus as the fourth one.

Bishop Dela Cruz will be installed as new archbishop of Zamboanga on May 14.