Bishop Cortes is "an answered prayer"

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — "It is a pleasure to share in your (the faithful) joy as you welcome home His Excellency, Most. Rev. Julito Cortes, the 4th bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete," said Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

Pinto, during the liturgical reception and canonical installation of Bishop Cortes at the St. Catherine Alexandria Cathedral in this city Thursday, told the crowd: "He (Cortes) is an answer to your prayers. I am well aware that you have been asking the Lord to give you a shepherd after his own heart. He responds by sending to you one of the sons of the church of Dumaguete."

Representing Pope Francis, Pinto said he was bringing to the Dumaguete people the "paternal solidarity of the the Pope," who showed how much love he has for Filipinos.

Pinto conveyed the Pope's message, prayers and donations sent to the victims of recent calamities. "Pope Francis truly keeps you close to his heart," he said.

Pinto also underscored the role of the bishop (Cortes) in showing the way to life in the model of the first Christian communities, at times taking his place in the midst of his people in his humble and merciful presence. "Yet, at other times he must work behind the people of God, giving them the freedom to open up new horizons for the mission of the Church," he said.

"Pope Francis conveys to you his trust and closeness as well as his best wishes for a fruitful apostolic ministry in the Diocese of Dumaguete," Pinto told Cortes.

At least 49 archbishops and bishops from across the country and some 300 local and visiting clergy attended the canonical installation of Cortes.

Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, currently the CBCP president, and Cortes' predecessor, now Palo (Leyte) Archbishop John Du were among those present.

Also in attendance were LGU officials of Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces, the bishop's family and relatives, members of the religious orders and thousands of the lay faithful who filled the Cathedral to the brim. — (FREEMAN)