Message

Archbishop Antonio Franco
Apostolic Nuncio

As each has received a gift, employ it for one another,
as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1Pt 4:10).

In deep ecclesial communion and with heartfelt gratitude, I share the hoy of the whole Diocese of Balanga and the whole Church in the Philippines—on the occasion of the Canonical Installation of His Excellency Most Reverend Socrates B. Villegas on the 3 rd of July 2004.

Dear brothers and sisters, the episcopacy is the ministry of the community. The Episcopal ministry of your pastor, and all other ecclesial ministries as well, are complementary services to the Church. In the Church as Communion everyone works for the same end, namely, to glorify God by building up of the Body of Christ. This we know, demands a variety of functions and charisms (cf. 1 Cor 12:4-12). The challenge and task of ecclesial communion require everyone’s commitment and collaboration.

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to closely collaborate with the mission of your local Church. The clergy, the religious and every baptized person are called to always seek and nourish communion solidarity with and docility to your new bishop. I exhort everyone not only to support your pastor and each other but also to constantly pray that the Diocese of Balanga may truly become a genuine communion, one big Christian family, living a radiant ecclesial witness in this third millennium.

In the hope that all your pastoral initiatives and activities will further strengthen your ecclesial solidarity, I entrust you all to the loving embrace of Mother Mary and the zealous custody of your patron, St. Joseph. May God bless you all abundantly.

Congratulations! Mabuhay!

ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO FRANCO
Apostolic Nuncio