Tagum celebrates Bp. Willy’s 50th presbyteral anniversary

At early dawn of December6, 2014, all roads led to the Clergy Development Centerin Tagum City as organizations, schoolsand parishes outpacedeach other that they may be the first to sing their songs of greeting for the Most Rev. Wilfredo Dasco Manlapaz, D.D., who celebrated on that day his 50thpresbyteral anniversary.

The special day, dotingly dubbed by the Tagum Clergy as YOCO (You Only Celebrate Once) was indeed filled with activities. After the mañanita, the time spent with well wishers, and a simple breakfast, the bishop and his guests proceeded to Purok Capagngan, Visayan Village, Tagum City for the blessing of the newly constructed Retirement Home for the Bishop/s and the Clergy. At 9:30 a.m., the celebrant offered the Thanksgiving Mass at Christ the King Cathedral. In the Mass, the message of the Pope to the Bishop was read by Rev. Fr. Tomas P. Avila, Diocesan Chancellor and Diocesan Catholic Schools Superintendent.

The Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao and son of the Diocese of Tagum, gave his homily. Lunch and more fellowship capped the morning affair. It was not long after that everyone had to prepare for dinner at the Retirement Home at 6:30 in the evening.
The day was the peak of the year-long preparation highlighted by the launching of the coffee table book for Bishop Willy during the diocesan founding anniversary on October 11, 2014, the Parilympics also in October, as well as thephoto exhibit of Bishop Manlapaz’ memorabilia and the social gathering of priests, religious, seminarians and Bishop Willy’s family at the Big 8 Hotel on December 5.

It is also worth mentioning that immediately prior to the anniversary celebration, Tagum served as the host of the DADITAMA Clergy Gathering on December 4 – 5, 2014.