HELP ME TO SERVE YOU WELL IN JESUS’ NAME

(Message delivered by His Excellency Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo during the Solemn Liturgical Reception for him as auxiliary bishop of Manila, on September 12, 2006 at the Manila Cathedral).

This morning I really feel that I am in a family. I have the presence of my family in my brother and his family and other relatives. The presence of my former classmates. The presence of my confreres, the Salesians, and my fellow priests from Palawan. The presence of friends that I have not seen in many years. And the presence of so many people here who I know we share the same spirit. That’s why I really feel that I am in a family. And being in a family I would like to share with you two dominant emotions today.

One is that of gratitude. First gratitude to the Salesian Congregation which has formed me and nurtured me for more than a quarter of a century. I owe so much to the Salesian confreres, gratitude to the Salesian charism that the Lord has made me a part of. Then to gratitude to the local church of Palawan. Although I came out of nowhere the clergy and the faithful have accepted me for seven years as one of them. It is there that I experienced and learned pastoral work in a rural setting. When Jacob worked for Laban for 7 years to get Rachel, 7 years was like a few days for him. Indeed, looking back at my 7 years in Palawan, it seemed so short, even shorter than a few days. Now finally, gratitude to the local Church of the Archdiocese of Manila. I am overwhelmed by your welcome. Once again, I come as a stranger, somebody from outside, but you accept me. I am truly grateful. Thank you to all!

The second emotion is that of fear and anxiety and apprehension. It is the anxiety about the unknown. This is a totally new experience, a new challenge for me. First, it is already a challenge to be bishop. Of course, I am completely you to this, even being less than a month old in this ministry. Then the challenge of working among priests. I have worked among students, among seminarians and among simple people. As a bishop, I know I have to work more among priests. I am new to this, too! Then the challenge of working in the sophistication and complexity of the cosmopolitan cities of Manila, San Juan, Makati, Mandaluyong and Pasay, which make up the archdiocese. It is truly overwhelming.

Dear people of God of the archdiocese, I am opening up my anxieties to you because I beg you for your understanding. Please be patient with me. I have to undergo a learning process. Because I am learning I am not unaware of the fact that I will make mistakes. I pray God that they will not be big ones. So be patient with me, correct me, and help me.

People ask me many times. “Bishop, what will be your program? What will you do in Manila?” Frankly, I don’t know what to do. As of now I will first try to listen and to learn, to learn and to listen. The ecclesia docens can only be so if it is first an ecclesia discens. Translation: I can only teach as a father if at first I listen as a brother.

That is why I like what the Cardinal has said in his homily. That I have come to accompany, to journey with you . The Church here already has a journey that is taking place. Thank you for allowing me to walk along with you.

Fearful though I may be, the communion of saints uphold me. I know I can count on chief shepherd of souls, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Shepherd, THE good Shepherd of the shepherds. The prayers of our Blessed Mother, the Mother of the Church, I am sure, will always be there. St. John Bosco, St. Ezekiel Moreno will surely assist me. Then too I know I can count on the prayers of the Salesians, of the local Church, of Palawan, spiritually I am still one with them. Already I feel the acceptance and support of our beloved Cardinal Rosales, of my brother Bishop Cortes, of the priests, the religious and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Mania. You allay my fears. Help me to serve you well in Jesus’ name.

+BISHOP BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
September 12, 2006.