Dagupan City, Philippines — Newly ordained Bishop Rafael Cruz began his episcopal ministry on September 7, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, with a heartfelt appeal for prayers as he assumes his role in the Diocese of Baguio.
“Please pray for me, I need your prayers,” he earnestly requested, acknowledging the significant challenges that lie ahead.
In his address to fellow bishops, Bishop Cruz sought their spiritual support and guidance.
“To my brother bishops, please pray for me. You know how challenging a bishop’s life is. Also, please teach me and guide me. You have been here; I am just starting. I need your guidance. Let me learn from your experiences,” he humbly said, emphasizing the value of their wisdom and mentorship.
Bishop Cruz also extended his plea to the priests of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, led by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, his principal consecrator, underscoring the importance of shared wisdom and collaboration.
“To the clergy of Baguio, please help me and counsel me for the care of souls. I promise you this: if you advise me on something, and I follow your advice and make a decision based on it, but the advice doesn’t work out, I will not blame you. I will take full responsibility for my decision,” he pledged, underscoring his commitment to collective leadership and accountability.
His message also resonated with the laity of the Diocese of Baguio. “To the faithful of the Diocese of Baguio, pray for this servant of yours. Let us all be active participants in the synodality of the Catholic Church. Let us work and walk together with others toward Jesus,” he urged, calling for unity and collaboration in the Church’s mission.
Despite sustaining an injury to his left foot from an accident prior to his ordination, Bishop Cruz remains steadfast in his faith.
Reflecting on this challenge, Archbishop Villegas shared in an interview with Radio Veritas Philippines, “Bishop Raffy had an accident before his ordination, but it truly reminds us that we all need God’s help to continue fulfilling our mission.”
Bishop Cruz was appointed by Pope Francis as the third bishop of Baguio on June 20, 2024, succeeding Bishop Victor Bendico, who now serves as the archbishop of Capiz.
His ordination was particularly meaningful, as it took place on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the same day he was ordained a priest in 1985 at the very same church. His deep devotion to the Mother of God was evident as he once again entrusted himself to her service.
The ordination ceremony was attended by approximately 50 bishops, including Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown.
In his address, Archbishop Brown expressed his gratitude for Bishop Cruz’s willingness to serve.
Archbishop Bendico and Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado, who served as Bishop Cruz’s former spiritual director, joined Archbishop Villegas in the consecration.
Though Bishop Cruz is scheduled for ankle surgery, his formal installation as the third bishop of Baguio is set for September 17, 2024, with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Archbishop Brown presiding over the ceremony.
Bishop Cruz’s appeal for prayers highlights his humility and recognition of the spiritual challenges he faces, as he embarks on his episcopal mission with deep faith and reliance on the support of his community.
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.
Latest News
