The new bishop of the Diocese of Alaminos in the western part of the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines asked for prayers for the upcoming mission of shepherding over half a million flocks.
Bishop Napoleon Sipalay, Jr., OP, knows that being the head pastor of the diocese comes with a great deal of duty. He thinks that fervent prayers are crucial to maintaining the sense of mission and service in the charity that the church has entrusted to his care.
"This is a blessing from God, and I willingly accept it. Although I am not worthy, God called me to this mission. Please pray for me that in this calling I can give myself, " Bishop Sipalay said to the local Radio Veritas in the Philippines.
He also seeks the "maternal care of Our Blessed Mother" to help sustain him in his new mission.
On March 18, 2024, Bishop Sipalay received his ordination at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manaoag, Pangasinan. The officiating prelate was Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Archdiocese of Lingayen, while Diocese of Urdaneta Bishop Jacinto Jose and Archdiocese of Lingayen Auxiliary Bishop Fidelis Layog served as co-consecrators.
The Bishop Emeritus of Alaminos, Bishop Jesus Cabrera, warmly welcomes the arrival of Bishop Sipalay in their diocese, which has been vacant or "sede vacante," for four years.
He emphasized the need for the new bishop to oversee the diocese and serve each community, especially the remote areas.
Bishop Cabrera assured continued support and prayers for the fourth bishop of Alaminos in all his pastoral works.
"I wish Bishop Jun that the Good Shepherd would shower him with all the blessings. I know he is a very good bishop and priest who can lead his flock. We will continue to pray for him," Bishop Cabrera said.
On January 28, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed Bishop Sipalay to succeed Bishop Ricardo Baccay, who was appointed archbishop in Tuguegarao in October 2019.
Bishop Fidelis Layog, who filled the role of Apostolic Administrator in the diocese for a few years while the bishop's seat was vacant, also received gratitude.
About 30 bishops of the Philippines attended the episcopal ordination, including the Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Manila, His Eminence Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, and the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, who also delivered a message.
Bishop Sipalay was formally installed as the fourth bishop of Alaminos at Saint Joseph the Patriarch Cathedral on March 19, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Based on the reports, Bishop Sipalay is the third Filipino Dominican to be appointed bishop in the Philippines.- Leahna Villajos
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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