DAGUPAN CITY -- Most Reverend Socrates Villegas was formally installed Wednesday as head of the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese.

He succeeded Archbishop Oscar Cruz as Archbishop.

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Two years ago, Cruz manifested his intention to resign early before he reaches the retirement age of 75.

On September 8, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI finally accepted his resignation. On the same day, the Pope announced the appointed of Villegas.

Villegas, 49, is the youngest archbishop in the Philippines. He is the fifth Archbishop of the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese, which covers 16 towns and two cities (Dagupan and San Carlos).

The liturgical reception and canonical installation of Villegas was held at the St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Cathedral.

Around 3,500 people attended the occasion. Those who were not accommodated inside the church witnessed and listened to the proceedings at the tents installed at the church compound.

Among those who came to witness the installation were his mother Nora and his followers from Balanga, Bataan and Metro Manila.

Also present were Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales and Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

As explained earlier by Fr. Oliver Mendoza of the San Fabian Church, the proceedings started with the reception rite at the main door of the St. John church where Villegas was received by Bishop Renato Mayugba, cathedral rector.

Papal Nuncio Joseph Adams led the mass, followed by the reading of Villegas's "appointment letter" by Monsignor Rafael Magno.

Villegas was later guided to the chair of the archbishop called "cathedra".

"When he finally sits there, that is the final act where he takes canonical possession of the Archdiocese, taking all the rights and responsibilities thereat," Mendoza said.

In an interview before the proceedings, Mendoza narrated that they had a Holy hour last Tuesday with Archbishop Villegas.

"We prayed. After which, he told us that he would like to be remembered as a Bishop who loves his priests. He asked us to give him a chance to love the whole archdiocese. And here with us now is a Bishop who loves his people, his flock and a shepherd who will take care of the people," he remarked.

Mendoza also thanked Cruz who served the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese for 18 years.

"He (Cruz) demonstrated and showed his integrity in his fight for social justice," he stated.

Meanwhile, in an interview at a local television Wednesday morning, Cruz said the appointment of Villegas is a victory, so to speak, and a great blessing for the Archdiocese.

"Mabuti siyang Obispo, marunong at matatag ang kanyang kalooban. Ang maganda sa kanya, bata pa siya, madami siyang vision at malakas siya at masipag, mabait, humble. For me those are very endearing qualies," Cruz said.

Among the national figures who attended Villegas's canonical installation were Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (who was with his sisters), Franklin Drilon and Manny Villar.

Some of the Pangasinense congressmen present were Victor Agbayani of the second district, Rachel Arenas of the third district, and Jose de Venecia Jr. of the fourth district who was with wife Gina.

Senator Aquino said Villegas is a family friend and spiritual adviser, the main reason why his family came to witness the installation.

"Bishop Soc is an old friend. I'm very happy that a very young age of 49, he has assumed a very important position," said Drilon.

"I am very proud of him. All my children are very good," said Villegas's mother Norma. She further said she hopes that her son will be an inspiration to the people of Pangasinan.