NO less than the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Most Reverend Charles John Brown, D.D. installed Most Reverend Monsignor Victor Bendico who called for unity and inclusivity among fellow Capiceños.
Bendico, a 63-yearold Roxas City-born bishop was installed as the 4th Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Capiz in a solemn rite here at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral (ICMC), May 3.
The newly-installed Archbishop said he prayed the need for the community to always stick together to ensure that no one is left behind.
“I will be your shepherd after the heart of Jesus. I will never fail to trust Him everyday. Sumugod subong magaupdanay kita (starting today, we will be together), we will walk together. We will strive that no one will be left behind, no one will feel alone, and no one will be forgotten in our community,” Bishop Bendico said in his homily.
Meanwhile, Governor Fredenil Castro and Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas welcomed the new Capiceño Archbishop during the Civic and Ecclesiastical reception.
“Karon nga adlaw, luyag ipaabot sang probinsyal nga pag dumalahan, nga ipaabot sa imo nga bug-os kag ginakalipay namon ang amon nga pagbaton diri sa imo nga tinubu-an nga probinsya. Karon nagakalipay kami kag gina hangkat ko ang tanan, upod ang Mayor sang Roxas City nga aton iga kunyag ang pagbalik ni Msgr. “Vicvic” Bendico diri sa probinsya sang Capiz (Today, whole provincial government
would like to extend our wholehearted welcome to your land of birth. We are elated and I challenge everyone, including
the Mayor of Roxas City that we should celebrate the homecoming of Msgr. “Vicvic” Bendico, here in the province of
Capiz.),” Castro said.
The religious undertaking was also graced by about 300 priests and religious led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. (predecessor of Bendico), and Cotabato Archbishop Emeritus Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, among others. (PIA Capiz)
