MANILA (CBCP News): Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, Metro Manila, the Philippines, by Jose Cardinal Advincula, the archbishop of Manila, on the morning of December 3 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
He is the second bishop of the diocese and succeeds Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, who retired in 2003 after leading the diocese since its establishment 21 years ago. Bishop Ayuban paid tribute to his predecessor for “leading the way.”
Bishop Ongtioco and Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran were co-consecrators at the event.
The historic installation of the 56-year-old Claretian coincided with the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron of missionaries. Pope Francis appointed him to the office on October 4.
Also participating in the ceremony were Cardinal-elect Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; and Archbishop Charles Brown, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.
Bishop Ayuban, who is a canon lawyer and currently heads the Claretian mission in the Philippines, expressed gratitude to the pope, describing himself as “a lowly servant.”
He said, “The only worthy and adequate response to a mysterious call is to take off one’s shoes and listen.”
The new bishop is also co-chairperson of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines [CMSP].
“These days, I will spend ample time listening to this voice as I undergo my spiritual exercises. For my part, I also promise to keep your intentions in my heart,” he said.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
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Bishop Ongtioco, who is 75-years-old, asked the faithful to support their new shepherd with their prayers and cooperation. “It has been a blessing to journey with you as the first shepherd of this beloved diocese,” the bishop said.
The diocese, which covers the southern part of Quezon City, is one of the largest in the country, with about 1.4 million Catholics across more than 45 parishes.
Given Bishop Ayuban’s experience as a former official at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, his new role is seen as strategic as the Cubao is also home to hundreds of religious congregations.
