MANILA, Philippines - Pope Benedict XVI has chosen a 51-year-old chemical engineer-turned-bishop to lead the flock in the Diocese of Malaybalay in Bukidnon.
The CBCPNews, official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the Vatican announced the appointment of Fr. Jose Araneta Cabantan to succeed Bishop Honesto Pacana, who resigned after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.
“I felt humbled by the appointment,” said Cabantan, who was born in Lagonglong, a fifth-class town in Misamis Oriental. – Evelyn Macairan