Philippines’ Diocese of Prosperidad receives its first bishop

The newly erected Diocese of Prosperidad in the southern Philippines received its first Bishop Ruben Labajo.

He was formally installed on January 28 at the Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral in the province of Agusan del Sur.

Bishop Labajo, formerly auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, now leads the 87th Roman Catholic diocese in the country, composed of 26 parishes, one quasi-parish, and three mission stations.

Pope Francis announced the diocese’s establishment in October 2024, carving out a new territory from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Diocese of Butuan.

Due to the split, the Diocese of Butuan now covers parishes in the province of Agusan del Norte.

During his solemn installation, Bishop Labajo expressed joy in finding his home in the Diocese of Prosperidad.

“This is my home. Wherever we will fulfill the will of God, that is our home… Because it is at home that you have to fulfill God's Will for you. I am at home to this Diocese,” said the prelate.

Cagayan Archbishop Jose Cabantan served as the installing prelate for the 58-year-old bishop, and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown delivered the homily.

The nuncio pointed out how Bishop Labajo embodies God’s prosperity in the diocese.

“Earthly prosperity now joins to the heavenly prosperity as we nurture our faith through the gifts of sacraments and a life of prayer," he said. "Now, the will of God came by means of Pope Francis as Bishop Ruben said yes to the call of serving the new Diocese of Prosperidad."

Also present during Bishop Labajo’s installation is his fellow prelates from his previous post, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula also graced the event, together with some 40 other bishops.