Archbishop Victor Bendico, the new prelate of the Archdiocese of Capiz, called for collaboration between the Church and state “for the sake of truth, justice, and peace for the common good of our people.”
The archbishop made the call in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas 846 following his installation as the fourth archbishop of Capiz and leader of an archdiocese of about 820,000 Catholics.
“Pray for me that I may be able to carry out my duties and responsibilities entrusted to me in shepherding the archdiocese,” he said in the radio interview.
Addressing the local civil and political leaders in his archdiocese, the prelate called for “close collaboration,” as he urged everyone to “work together as Church and state.”
Archbishop Bendico celebrated his first Mass on Wednesday, May 3, as the new shepherd of Capiz at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
In his homily, Bishop Bendico expressed his eagerness to work and journey with the people “and all of you who make our local Church alive and growing.”
“We will walk together in the local Church of Capiz with our parishes, mission stations, Basic Ecclessial Communities, the religious, church organizations and ministries,” he said.
“With our trust in God and our humble efforts, we will strive that no one will be left behind, no one will feel alone, and no one will be forgotten in our communities,” he assured.
Prior to his new assignment, the 63-year-old served for six years in the Diocese of Baguio, which is now “sede vacante” until a new bishop is appointed and installed.
Bishop Bendico’s canonical installation came two months after Pope Francis appointed him to Capiz, which has been without an archbishop for nearly two years.
During that period, the archdiocese was overseen by Monsignor Cyril Villareal as administrator.
In his message, Cardinal Advincula described Bishop Bendico’s appointment as “God’s gift” to the archdiocese.
“God gave us not only an archbishop but someone who is our own, someone who knows us, and someone we know,” the cardinal said.
“Trust that God has reasons why he called you here. And trust that God will also give you all the graces you need as you faithfully do his will,” he said.
Also present during the Mass were more than 20 bishops from different dioceses including Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the archbishop emeritus of Cotabato.
