A sacred banquet
Nomen Do-mini Invocabo.” “I will call on the name of the Lord.” This is the motto of a noble man of the cloth, His Excellency the Most Reverend Emilio Z. Marquez, D.D. Lauded for his pastoral ministry as bishop of the diocese of Lucena, he was recently honored by the Catholic Faith on his Silver Jubilee of Episcopal Ordination last Jan. 29, held at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena City. It was truly a momentous occasion, a joyous and holy day indeed. I was glad to be part of the celebration, humbled by the shower of blessings from over 50 bishops from around the country who flocked to Lucena in honor of this man made extraordinary by his service to the Catholic Faith. No less than the Papal Nuncio of the country, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, was present to relay his Holiness’ Pope Benedict’s special message to the celebrant. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also graced the occasion.
I was just glad to bake a cake, to commemorate the event, its design taken from the beautiful lacework pattern embroidered on the stole that the Bishop wears to celebrate Mass. I personally have broken bread with the Bishop. The first time I met him was through my sister-in-law, a very devout Catholic based in the United States. She recently came home to the Philippines bringing documents for the Bishop from a Filipino parish priest who hails from Lucena. She asked me to join her to deliver the documents. On meeting his Excellency, I found him to be warm and very entertaining. Notwithstanding his stature in the Catholic hierarchy, he was very down to earth and casual. I was so glad we had a common ground… and it was food! He fed us well, and our conversation centered on Lucena’s food finds. He eagerly gave me a list of places to try out, to sample the best of Lucena, as I told him I was going to feature Guagua on my TV show, Heny’s Kitchen.
During the occasion marking his 25th year as Bishop, I was delighted to see Father Joey Faller, famous healing priest of Lukban Quezon. He was but one among the 200 priests under Bishop Marquez’s diocese.
The sacred ceremonies were led by Cardinal Vidal who delivered a powerful homily focusing on the life and accomplishments of Bishop Marquez. But the event took a dramatic turn when the Bishop took his place at the rostrum to speak. He felt overwhelmed and humbled by the presence of all his colleagues and for a moment he stopped and choked, as he held back tears. After which, he shared with us that the entire time he promised himself he wouldn’t cry because he described himself as “isang taong mababaw ang luha.” He said someone dared him earlier not to cry, but he failed; he chuckled that he had lost his bet. And we all laughed with him. He was only human, after all. Although his record is nothing to sneer at — as a matter of fact, it would be the opposite. He merited the recognition of the highest honors. Earlier on, he was summa cum laude of his batch (1962) at the University of Santo Tomas Central seminary, with a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology. In 1964, he received commendations from the same seminary that has awarded him with the title Magna Cum Laude as he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
He pursued his education further in Rome, Italy and once again has shown that the Lord righteously awards those who persevere and wait on His word. At the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) he was awarded Magna Cum Laude upon receiving his Doctorate in Sacred theology. And in 1979, he finished Summa Cum Laude and received his Licentiate Degree from the Pontifical Lateran University.
A bishop’s role is daunting. He is leader and servant at the same time. Nurturing a special relationship, developing a listening ear and a generous heart with his priests and the laity as well. Having the skill of a good administrator or manager is a must; but above all, he should be a living example of Christ by living out what He preached. Like the ever-vigilant shepherd looking out for his sheep, he guards his flock and looks for their spiritual welfare. Indeed his Excellency Bishop Vidal is only human, but he has fully exerted himself to his best of efforts to be Christ-like in every way. And in his 25th year he vows to be a humble servant of God for 25 years more. Congratulations, your Excellency. Your service inspires me to strive for excellence in mine, as God would want me to!
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Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.
