New Bishop, a gift to the Church

The announcement last Saturday of Bishop-elect, Msgr. Abel Apigo, Rector of REMASE, as new bishop of Mati brought about mixed emotions – joy and sadness. Joy because he is our pride of Davao, a contribution not only for the diocese of Mati but for the whole Catholic Church, now being one of the successors of the apostles. In communion with the Pope, whose chair as symbol of unity we will celebrate on the 22nd, the new bishop of Mati will soon transfer his residence which causes us the pain of separation from among the clergy of Davao.

However, there is so much reason for us to thank God for the gift of this dignity of service in the Church. “Among those various offices which have been exercised in the Church from the earliest times the chief place, according to the witness of tradition, is held by the function of those who, through their appointment to the dignity and responsibility of bishop, and in virtue consequently of the unbroken succession going back to the beginning, are regarded as transmitters of the apostolic life” (CCC 1555)

Bishop Abel, please remember us in your prayers as we double our prayers for you.