Retreat and Surrender

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato recently.

After four years of waiting, that the then Abp. Quevedo was appointed as Cardinal by Pope Francis January 12, 2014 when he has barely less than two months before he will reach the mandatory age of retirement of 75, March 11, 2014.

The Cathedral that before he celebrated his birthday, he wrote his resignation letter addressed to the Vatican as mandated by Canon law. Out of obedience to the Holy Father, he performed his duties as the first cardinal from Mindanao when he was supposed to enjoy his retirement.

With the appointment of Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI as new archbishop of Cotabato, another Oblates of Mary Immaculate missionary will be leading Cotabato in her journey as a Church. Both men have surrendered their lives as missionaries in this part of Mindanao, an island scarred by decades-old armed conflict.

The new archbishop, who is currently the Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo and the clergy, will be together in their mission of building God’s kingdom on earth.

Meanwhile, the Davao Clergy who are having their annual retreat this week will take a step back and look at how their priesthood helped in the salvation of souls.

This will be an opportune time for them to surrender and reflect on the Gospel as they continue their work in serving the people.