NEWLY appointed Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo on Saturday, June 25, 2022, said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the appointment of Pope Francis, while asking the faithful to pray for him and his new calling.
In a radio interview, Labajo said he was not expecting the appointment of the Pontiff considering his "weaknesses, inadequacies, limitations."
"I know it is challenging, how to be a bishop, considering my weaknesses, inadequacies, limitations and the likes," said Labajo.
"I am humbly accepting the appointment of the Holy Father to me as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu. I am completely overwhelmed by the news," he added.
And because he knows he has inadequacies, the bishop-elect asked the faithful to offer prayers for him and support his mission.
"Please pray for me. Include me in your daily prayers. It is only in Him that I can survive. Give me all your support and prayers," said Labajo.
In turn, he said he vows to share his new mission with everyone in the archdiocese.
“Since it is a gift, it is meant to be shared," said Labajo.
Pope Francis earlier appointed Labajo as the newest auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
Prior to his appointment, Labajo has been serving as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu since 2020.
Similarly, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma welcomed the appointment of Labajo, who now joins Bishop Midyphil Billones as Auxiliary Bishops of Cebu.
“The appointment of the new auxiliary bishop is certainly a moment of grace," said Palma. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)