BRING the love and mercy of God. Save souls. Be instruments of God’s salvation.
These were spoken by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma during his homily on Sunday morning, Aug. 11, 2019, to encourage priests who were transferred to other parishes.
During the installation of seven new priests at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday, parishioners welcomed Msgr. Camilo Alia, team moderator; and members Msgr. Raul Go, judicial vicar; and Reverend Fathers Glenn Therese Guanzon, Joseph Stephen Anore, Ulysses Desales, Japheth Geonzon and Earl Sevilla.
Alia came from the St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Argao. He replaced Msgr. Ruben Labajo, who was transferred to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Balamban.
Last June 14, the new assignments were announced for more than 320 priests from 150 parishes in the Archdiocese’s seven districts. The priests started their new duties last Aug. 6.
In his homily, Palma said the reassignments of the priests were part of their journey with the faithful and God.
“The journey is inspired by God. The journey is directed by God. This is a journey in faith. In our faith, not all that could be given are given to us. But just enough that even in moments of darkness, there is the light that guides us...the light of faith,” he said.
The prelate is hopeful that the priests will lead the faithful to heaven.
He further said that there were priests in some dioceses who were difficult to deal with, as they had several requests before they assumed their new assignments.
In implementing the reassignments, Palma believes he is following God’s will.
“We infuse new blood, new dynamism and a new sense of purpose,” Palma said, discussing the advantages of the reshuffling.
Palma reminded the priests that they were servants of God.
“You have no right to treat others as if they are your servants. All of us—including me, the bishops; priests—are all caretakers. We are all stewards. We only have one master and that is God,” he said.
Hearing the words of encouragement from the prelate, Alia said he will continue the pastoral program of the Cathedral.
“We are hopeful, just like what our archbishop said during his homily, that we will become the instruments in inspiring the parishioners, guiding them in their journey in their faith and bringing them closer to the Church,” he said.
Meanwhile, Palma said he has no idea as to when Fr. Midyphil Billones will assume his post as the new auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese. Billones, he said, is currently in Rome, Italy for a seminar. (From SCG of Superbalita Cebu/KAL)