The newly appointed shepherd of the Diocese of Gumaca, Philippines, Bishop Eugenius Cañete, Missionaries of Jesus (MJ), DD, has pledged to journey closely with the nearly one million faithful under his care, emphasizing his commitment to fostering a synodal Church and amplifying the voice of the marginalized.
In an interview with Radio Veritas 846 Philippines, Cañete shared his gratitude for the warm reception he received from the faithful in the diocese, which spans the southern part of Quezon province.
"Based on their messages upon my arrival here, the Church is already very organized. My goal is to elevate the people's journey toward becoming a synodal Church. My anxiety disappeared when I experienced their warm reception," he said.
The bishop highlighted his mission to be a voice for the poor and disadvantaged, especially in a region often affected by natural calamities.
"We will strive to amplify the voice of the Church so that the government hears the needs of the poor and the oppressed," he added, signaling his commitment to advocating for social justice.
Cañete emphasized the importance of listening—both to the 79 priests working alongside him and to the faithful they serve. He affirmed his dedication to embodying the spirit of synodality, as envisioned by Pope Francis, by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity in the diocese.
In a gesture of pastoral care, the bishop expressed his intent to visit the 29 parishes, especially those in remote areas, to personally assess the needs of the faithful.
"I want to personally visit those in remote areas to ensure we are truly a Church that reaches out, addressing their spiritual and basic needs," he said.
Cañete also reflected on the significance of his appointment, which coincided with the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican.
He expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for entrusting him with this mission and extended thanks to Fr. Ramon Uriarte, who served as diocesan administrator following the passing of Bishop Victor Ocampo in March 2023.
Cañete received his episcopal ordination on December 28, 2024, at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral).
The ceremony was led by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, with Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu and Bishop Ruperto Santosof Antipolo as co-consecrators.
His formal installation as bishop of the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral in Gumaca took place on January 4, 2025, in a rite led by Archbishop Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines.
During the ceremony, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula delivered a reflection, further inspiring the faithful.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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