Excellency to the Nth Power!
Our Catholic parish celebrated its 26th year of existence today. Traditionally, the local
ordinary (or bishop) celebrates a fiesta high mass to commemorate the anniversary. Tonight, I had the privilege of serving as a lector in the mass presided by His Excellency, the Most. Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, DD, the Bishop of Cubao.
I’ve probably attended only 3 masses by Bishop Ongtioco since he assumed office as the first Bishop of Cubao and yet he already strikes me as an able and charismatic shepherd. I’ve met many Catholic prelates in my life but of them all, Bishop Ongtioco is one of the simplest, most unassuming and most pious Filipino bishop I’ve encountered thus far. For someone who, according to Catholic tradition, succeeds one of the Apostles, His Excellency is a very good example of a leader who always wants to be "last." ("Whoever wants to be first shall be last, whoever wants to be last, shall be first.") His simplicity makes the Church closer to the people of God, as Jesus Himself intended the Church to be.
Try attending one of his masses and see how revved up and passionate he gets, especially when he sings the "Papuri" and the "Our Father." Cool siya!
Two thumbs up to you, Your Excellency! Excellent!
