By Eva C. Visperas

 

AFTER nearly a decade, I found myself once again witnessing an episcopal ordination at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City. It was September 7, and while waiting for my online tutorial class, my newsfeed lit up with the live stream of Father Rafael Cruz’s ordination as the new bishop of Baguio.

I met Father Raffy once before, during a retreat in the Immaculate Conception School of Theology at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. He was invited as a speaker, and I was struck by his intelligence and the way he held the room. His eloquence and engaging presence left a lasting impression, and since then, his name has been etched in my memory.

So, when I saw that he was being ordained as Bishop of Baguio, I was intrigued to see him in his new role—though I was surprised to see him in a wheelchair. My curiosity compelled me to watch the entire ceremony.

It turned out that a recent freak accident had injured his left leg. Despite the pain, Father Raffy embodied the old adage, “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” and with the help of a few good men, he was able to participate in the ordination.

What I cherish most about these ceremonies is their solemnity. The sight of so many priests, nuns and the community gathered in unity, their collective holiness seemingly radiating through the church, is deeply moving. Their presence, despite coming from far and wide, showed their support and solidarity with Bishop Raffy.

Having attended numerous ordinations in person, I thought watching this one online might spare me from tears. I was wrong. The ceremony brought back memories of the past, stirring emotions that touched the core of my being. Yet, it also offered a sense of spiritual upliftment and community joy.

The traditional rites—the laying on of hands, the anointing with chrism, and the symbolic gifts of the mitre, crosier, and ring—never fail to inspire awe. These rituals are profound reminders of the bishop’s spiritual leadership and commitment, akin to the vows exchanged in a wedding ceremony.

Each ordination renews my faith and serves as a reminder of dedication and service. It’s an inspiration to the faithful, and I always leave feeling spiritually rejuvenated. That’s why I love attending it, and then I stopped for a while for a personal reason, and now, I’m back again.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, along with Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz and Bishop Jesse Mercado of Parañaque, served as co-consecrators for Bishop Raffy. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ website notes that Bishop Cruz will be officially installed as the third bishop of Baguio on September 17 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement.

He succeeds Archbishop Bendico, who served the diocese from 2017 until his transfer to Capiz in 2023. Archbishop Villegas underscored that a bishop’s most vital duty is to lead by example, embodying humility and devotion.

In his message, Bishop Rafael Cruz humbly remarked, “I still don’t know why I was made a bishop. Only Jesus knows. Aware of my weaknesses and insufficiencies, I realize I need prayers. Please pray for me.”

That was another moment of profound grace and joy.

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