5th ABBA Honors Bishop Abel’s 58 Years of Life and Ministry

MATI CITY — Distinguished guests, religious and diocesan clergy, parish representatives, and members of the faithful gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy on May 21 for the 5th Annual Bishop’s Birthday Appeal (ABBA) in honor of the 58th birthday of Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D.

Marked by a spirit of thanksgiving and communion, the annual gathering brought together familiar faces from the diocesan community in celebration of the bishop’s life, ministry, and enduring service to the Church.

At the heart of the gathering was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where everyone offered thanksgiving to God for the life, vocation, and ministry of Bishop Abel C. Apigo. During his homily, the bishop reflected on the significance of the human face and voice as expressions of identity and relationships. He emphasized that the gathering united people whose shared faith and service have formed meaningful relationships within the Church.

Drawing from his years of ministry in the diocese, Bishop Abel highlighted how encounters with parishioners, Church workers, and communities have strengthened bonds of friendship and mission. He also emphasized the importance of working together for common causes, particularly initiatives that support the Church and its ministers.

The second part of the celebration featured the Bishop’s Birthday Appeal, a momentous segment of the event with the theme, “Timeless Tunes for the Tireless Servants of God.” It was a concert-for-a-cause dedicated to supporting the construction of the St. John Vianney Wellness Center, a retirement home for diocesan priests who have tirelessly dedicated their lives to serving God and His people.

The celebration commenced with a heartfelt musical performance by Bishop Abel entitled “Parang Kailan Lang,” during which he reminisced about his journey in the vocation alongside the diocesan priests whom he warmly described as his “anak.” Filled with gratitude and emotion, Bishop Abel also expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration. (April Joy Toloy and Rouswhell Kaparaz | Photos: Diocese of Mati)