Auxiliary Bishop-elect Ruben Labajo of Cebu said he was “overwhelmed and humbled” to be appointed to the episcopate by Pope Francis.
Speaking over Radio Veritas 846 on Saturday, the bishop-elect said his appointment was unexpected considering his “weaknesses, inadequacies, and limitations.”
“I am completely overwhelmed by the news,” he said, admitting that it is “challenging” to be a bishop.
He then asked the faithful to continue praying for his new mission, which he described as a “gift” that “is meant to be shared.”
“Please pray for me. Include me in your daily prayers. It is only in Him that I can survive. Give me all your support and prayers,” he added.
“The appointment of the new auxiliary bishop is certainly a moment of grace,” said Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.
Pope Francis on Thursday, June 23, appointed Msgr. Labajo as auxiliary bishop of Cebu.
The Vatican announced that Msgr. Labajo, until now the Vicar General of the same archdiocese, will be ordained as bishop.
Like current Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, his task is to assist Archbishop Palma as the chief shepherd of the archdiocese.
Born September 24, 1966, in Talisay City, Bishop-elect Labajo completed his philosophy and theology studies at the San Carlos Seminary College in Cebu.
He was ordained priest for the Cebu archdiocese on June 10, 1994.
Among his previous positions was parish vicar in Mandaue City from 1995 to 1997; pastor of Santa Fe Parish in Bantayan Island; and moderator at the parish of St. Joseph in Talisay’s Tabunok village.
He also served as moderator of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and vicar forane of the Vicariate of the Most Holy Rosary from 2014 to 2019.
In 2017, he became a member of the archdiocese’s Council of Consultors, Episcopal Vicar of the archdiocese’s 1st District, and member of the Presbyteral Council.
In 2020, the bishop-elect was appointed vicar general and moderator of the St. Francis Assisi Parish in Balamban town.
The date for Msgr. Labajo’s episcopal ordination has yet to be announced.
