In stark contrast to scenes of death and devastation brought by super typhoon Yolanda, the town of Palo in Leyte today turned festive as one of their own was elevated to the Order of Bishop.
Most Rev. Oscar Florencio was ordained to the episcopate during a three-hour liturgy that was participated by over 200 bishops and priests at the packed Palo Metropolitan Cathedral of the Lord’s Transfiguration.
A message from Pope Francis, who appointed Florencio as bishop, was read during the Mass.
Palo Archbishop John Du presided over the liturgy and ordination rites, while Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto were the co-consecrators.
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Florencio, 49, will be formally installed as auxiliary bishop of Cebu on Monday. He and Bishop Dennis Villarojo will assist Archbishop Palma in shepherding God’s flock in the what has been the biggest diocese in the Philippines with over four million Catholics.
In his homily, Archbishop Palma recalled how mighty typhoon Yolanda wrecked havoc Leyte region on Nov. 8, 2013, leaving more than 6,000 dead,
“That time was the worst of times. We could see death and destruction descended in Palo. We know we were tested. But now we see the best of times,” he told congregation.
“The Palo Cathedral rose majestic. We survive because we have faith and we believe in the goodness of the Lord,” he added.