Let me share with you the text of the messages read during the Centennial Thanksgiving Mass which was held last April 10, 2010 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. These are the messages of Pope Benedict XVI, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
THE MOST REVEREND ISABELO C. ABARQUEZ
BISHOP OF CALBAYOG
THE HOLY FATHER WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE DIOCESE OF CALBAYOG IS CELEBRATING ITS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, AND HE HAS ASKED ME TO ASSURE YOU AND THE PEOPLE OF THE DIOCESE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS, HIS HOLINESS IS CONFIDENT THAT THIS CELEBRATION, TOGETHER WITH THE SECOND DIOCESAN SYNOD, WILL BE AN OCCASION FOR THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE TO RENEW THEIR CHRISTIAN MISSION AS BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, ALL ARE CALLED TO SPREAD THE KINGDOM OF GOD. THE HOLY FATHER PRAYS THAT YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE WILL FIND FRESH JOY AND STRENGTH IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST, “WHICH GIVES NEW IMPULSE TO OUR LIVES AND COMMITS US TO BECOMING WITNESSES OF CHRIST’S LOVE” (SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS, 85). WITH THESE SENTIMENTS AND WITH AFFECTION IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS HOLINESS IMPARTS HIS APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF JOY AND PEACE.
CARDINAL TARCISO BERTONE
SECRETARY OF STATE
THE MOST REVEREND ISABELO C. ABARQUEZ
BISHOP OF CALBAYOG
THE HOLY FATHER WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE DIOCESE OF CALBAYOG IS CELEBRATING ITS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, AND HE HAS ASKED ME TO ASSURE YOU AND THE PEOPLE OF THE DIOCESE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS, HIS HOLINESS IS CONFIDENT THAT THIS CELEBRATION, TOGETHER WITH THE SECOND DIOCESAN SYNOD, WILL BE AN OCCASION FOR THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE TO RENEW THEIR CHRISTIAN MISSION AS BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, ALL ARE CALLED TO SPREAD THE KINGDOM OF GOD. THE HOLY FATHER PRAYS THAT YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE WILL FIND FRESH JOY AND STRENGTH IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST, “WHICH GIVES NEW IMPULSE TO OUR LIVES AND COMMITS US TO BECOMING WITNESSES OF CHRIST’S LOVE” (SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS, 85). WITH THESE SENTIMENTS AND WITH AFFECTION IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS HOLINESS IMPARTS HIS APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF JOY AND PEACE.
CARDINAL TARCISO BERTONE
SECRETARY OF STATE
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Your Excellency, Most Rev. Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines
Your Excellency, Most Rev. Isabelo Abarquez, Bishop of Calbayog
Your Excellencies, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Philippines
My Brother Priests,
My dear Religious Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The milestone you are celebrating today recalls the grace and mercy of the Lord who made you a distinct and autonomous part of his Church a hundred years ago. It is truly a momentous occasion when we consider the distance of the years --- what was Calbayog a hundred years ago may be difficult to imagine, but today, the vibrant community that celebrities this event ago bears testimony to the perseverance in the faith of those who have nurtured and guided the Lord’s flock in Calbayog as well as the fidelity of the Calbayognons themselves.
It is not possible to go all the way back in history within this short message, but I would like to mention a few persons whose connection to Calbayog have made an impression of me either because I knew them personally or because they have been instruments in making Calbayog what is today. I recall Bishop Godofredo Pedernal who was my mentor in Sariaya, who became an administrator of their diocese after his retirement from the Diocese of Borongan. I also recall Bishop Sincero Lucero, a Cebuano who labored mightily in this part of the Lord’s vineyard. And who can fail to mention Bishop Max Cruz, under whose caring hands the Diocese of Calbayog came to blossom and flower and bear much fruit?
I congratulate in a special way Bishop Isabelo Abarquez who used to be my fellow worker in Cebu. Bishop Abarquez has carried on the work of this distinguished line of pastors, finally bringing the people of Calbayog to this historic event. I congratulate too the priests of Calbayog, who have emerged from the difficulties of the past, renewed in their commitment to serve the Lord and his people according to the mind of the Church. I congratulate the People of Calbayog, the ever-faithful community who stood by the church in the most trying of time. I pray to the Lord will reward your fidelity with all the graces you need to attain fullness of life in Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you in the next hundred years with more labourers in your vineyard, and an abundant harvest in the form authentic and integral human development.
RICARDO J. CARDINAL VIDAL
Archbishop of Cebu
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Warmest felicitations to the Diocese of Calbayog as you celebrate your 100th Anniversary.
For a century, the Diocese of Calbayog has weathered numerous trials and challenges that have strengthened the faith of its members. This milestone in your history is a testament that God is truly working for the good of your community.
As you celebrate your Centennial Anniversary, I hope that your will continue to show your faithfulness and commitment in serving God. And may you be one with us in our prayers for the peace and prosperity our country.
Happy Centennial Anniversary and Mabuhay kayong lahat!
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Warmest felicitations to the Diocese of Calbayog as you celebrate your 100th Anniversary.
For a century, the Diocese of Calbayog has weathered numerous trials and challenges that have strengthened the faith of its members. This milestone in your history is a testament that God is truly working for the good of your community.
As you celebrate your Centennial Anniversary, I hope that your will continue to show your faithfulness and commitment in serving God. And may you be one with us in our prayers for the peace and prosperity our country.
Happy Centennial Anniversary and Mabuhay kayong lahat!
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
President of the Philippines
