The episcopal ordination of Bishop Glenn Corsiga was a deeply symbolic and heartfelt celebration, centered on his motto Amare et Servire, or “To Love and to Serve.”
Reflecting on his vibrant priestly ministry, Corsiga stepped into his new role Tuesday, July 29, as shepherd of the Diocese of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.
During the solemn procession at the Dumaguete Cathedral, Corsiga was accompanied by two significant figures in his journey: his former seminary rector, Msgr. Candelario Catubig, and Fr. Christian Durango, his successor as vicar general.
Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga presided over the ordination, joined by co-consecrators Archbishop John Du of Palo, formerly of Dumaguete, and Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete.
In his homily, Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu offered words of encouragement, reminding Corsiga to anchor his mission in love, guided by the Good Shepherd.
“Amare Et Servire is more than an episcopal motto,” Palma said. “It becomes Bishop Glenn’s very identity. To love and to serve is to bear the yoke, just like the Good Shepherd who tends to His flock.”
“As you love and serve, always be nourished by the Lord. Let God’s love, poured into your heart through the Holy Spirit, be the uniting principle in your community,” he added.
As the new pastor of Ipil, Palma urged Corsiga to be a “visible sign of unity,” saying, “We are not dictators, but pastors who build bridges.”
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila also shared a heartfelt message: “Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has taught us to care for the flock entrusted to us. It is always the way of love. Love the people of God. Serve them with humility and compassion, as Christ has shown us.”
He encouraged the new bishop to remain close to his flock in their joys, pains, successes, frustrations, and achievements.
“Go forth in prayer, in the merciful heart of God. May your episcopal ministry be a joyful demonstration of synodal shepherding. May you be faithful to your call—to love and to serve,” he said.
Corsiga paid tribute to the mentors who shaped his vocation, including the late Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, who ordained him; Du, under whom he served in various capacities; and Cortes, with whom he worked closely as vicar general.
“These experiences I will always cherish and carry as my guide and light,” Corsiga said. “To Bishop Lito (Cortes), I will never forget the great things you have done for this diocese and for me.”
A touching moment came at the end of the ceremony, when Victor Dominga, a person with a disability, presented Corsiga with a bouquet, which he offered to Our Lady of Pilar — his hometown patroness from Pamplona.
“Victor’s life inspires us to hope and persevere,” Corsiga said.
The new bishop also invited former parishioners from Kamangahan in Tanjay City and Kabatuan in Bacong — communities he served with compassion and spiritual guidance, particularly amid high levels of poverty.
“Indeed, we cannot love without serving. We cannot serve without loving,” Corsiga said.
