MALOLOS CITY ,Philippines – Pope Benedict XVI congratulated the diocese of Malolos yesterday as it celebrated its 50th founding anniversary, while leading Filipino cardinals delivered their wishes for the church.
The papal message was read by Archbishop Giussepe Pinto, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, who also led the canonical coronation of the image of Virgen Inmaculada Conception de Malolos.
Pinto said the Pope wished the diocese to use the celebration for the renewal of faith and commitment while invoking the intervention of Mary Immaculate, the patron saint of the diocese.
Retired Cardinal Ricardo Vidal said “may your faith lead to the renewal of lives, be constant and pure, be active and generous.” A former adjutor bishop of the diocese, Vidal recounted happy memories of his two years’ stay in Bulacan.
For his part, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, the bishop emeritus of Manila, warned members of the diocese of Malolos that God “will overwhelm you with blessings.”
Rosales, along with Bishop Luis Tagle of Manila, said the diocese properly chose the theme for the celebration: “Transforming grace and unwavering faith.”
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said when the diocese was created in 1962, it only has 50 priests and about the same number of parishes. Today, the diocese has over 100 parishes served by at least 216 priests, he said.
Oliveros also noted that the diocese operates homes for the aged, battered women and children, street children, mentally impaired and rehabilitation for dependents on illegal drugs.
“When we look back, we are filled with gratitude, and when we look forward, we are filled with hope because of God’s grace and the faith of the people,” he said.