Installation Rites: Moving, simple, solemn

The liturgical reception and canonical installation rites for the 31st Archbishop of Manila, His Excellency Most Rev. Gaudencio B. Rosales were solemn, simple yet moving, embodying all the elements of liturgical celebration and allowing the participation of all in a meaningful and grace-filled manner.

A civic reception preceded the liturgical reception and canonical installation. Archbishop Rosales welcomed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and some other government officials at the steps of the Cathedral. Earlier the archbishop had walked from his residence at the Arzobispado de Manila through Arsobispo street escorted by Msgr. Gerardo Santos, Minister for Catechetics of the Archdiocese of Manila, and some teachers and catechists of the archdiocese.

After the civic reception, he entered the Cathedral flanked by the two auxiliary bishops of Manila, Bishop Teodoro J. Buhain and Bishop Socrates B. Villegas. He was welcomed inside by the Rector of the Cathedral with a big crucifix which the Archbishop kissed. After blessing the crowd with holy water, he proceeded to the Blessed Sacrament chapel where the clergy of Manila awaited him. Here he vested and then prayed for a short while with his priests.

After the prayers he proceeded to the center aisle for the processional to the altar together with the archbishops and bishops of the Philippines led by Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who would deliver the homily and Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Some 200 priests of the Archdiocese of Manila were joined by over 300 priests from other dioceses including Malaybalay in Bukidnon and Lipa in Batangas.

A 100-member choir of different choral groups organized by Fr. Nilo Mangussad, head of the music ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, and accompanied by part of the UST Symphony Orchestra, provided the liturgical music for the rites.