The Diocese of Kabankalan in the central Philippines inaugurated its new cathedral last week.
The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral opened its doors on Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to mark its consecration.
Hundreds of people, including government leaders, attended the Mass officiated by Bishop Louie Galbines of Kabankalan, along with bishops Patricio Buzon of Bacolod and Julito Cortez of Dumaguete.
Bishop Galbines said the new church is a “landmark,” especially to the diocese.
“The massive structure, everything that is put in there, reminds us that as long as we are attached to the Lord and to one another we can always build big, dream big, and accomplish big in our life,” he said.
Located in the city’s Talubang village, the new edifice took about eight years to build.
“The construction of this cathedral is a big miracle for us brother priests. It’s not easy but we know it is possible,” the prelate added.
The construction of the church started in 2013 when Buzon was still bishop of Kabankalan.
The diocese was erected in 1987. Galbines replaced Buzon, who was appointed the bishop of Bacolod in 2016.
