NEWLY appointed Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Friday, March 26, 2021, said he was overwhelmed by the new assignment given by Pope Francis.
In a radio interview, Advincula said he was intimidated to take on his new assignment at the oldest diocese in the country’s capital as he comes from a diocese in a rural area.
"When I was told by the Nuncio that the Holy Father has appointed me as Archbishop of Manila, there was fear because this will be my first time to be assigned in a highly urbanized area like Manila, which is the capital of the country," said Advincula.
"I know it is a very challenging assignment and very overwhelming. But because this is the will of God and of the Holy Father, then, by obedience, I have to accept," he added.
He said he sees his appointment as a blessing from God, sent through the Pontiff.
"This blessing is not only mine but also for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Capiz, and, of course, for the entire Philippines," said Advincula.
"Having been chosen by God to be one of his ordained ministers is already a gift for me, a gift not to be kept for myself alone. But this is also a gift that should be used by me for the service of the people of God," he furthered.
The outgoing Capiz archbishop asked the faithful to pray for him.
"I ask the faithful to pray for me as I pray for everyone," said Advincula.
For his part, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo welcomed the appointment of a new Manila archbishop.
"I am happy that we now have a shepherd," said Pabillo, who has been serving as apostolic administrator since February 2020.
On Thursday night, the Vatican announced the appointment of Advincula as the new archbishop of Manila.
The schedule for his installation as the 33rd archbishop of Manila was not announced. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)