A newly ordained bishop in the Philippines was urged to “persevere to be a blessing of God to His people.”
In his homily, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula told Bishop Cyril Villareal, installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Kalibo, central Philippines, on April 23, to be a living example of his chosen motto “Benedicam,” which means “I will bless.”
“This is a quiet heroism of a shepherd’s life: perseverance in love,” said the cardinal. “We pray that your shepherding of blessing becomes a ministry of committing to the mission, even when the future is uncertain.”
Bishop Villareal, a 52-year-old priest of the Archdiocese of Capiz, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on January 24 to succeed Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, who retired in June 2025. Capiz Archbishop Victor Bendico served as apostolic administrator during the 10-month sede vacante.
Cardinal Advincula reminded Bishop Villareal to fully embrace the ministry of the episcopate to see and proclaim the goodness that is God.
“We pray that your shepherding of blessing becomes a ministry of recognizing and guarding goodness, helping God’s people rediscover goodness, especially those who no longer see goodness in the world or in themselves,” he said.
Furthermore, the cardinal urged Bishop Villareal to always speak “of love and with love.”
“We pray that your shepherding of blessing becomes a ministry of speaking with the voice of the good shepherd, a ministry of speaking the word of the Lord,” said Cardinal Advincula. “Your voice and your words will matter.”
In this thanksgiving message, Bishop Villareal shared that he chose his motto as a sign of gratitude to God and an invitation to himself to become a blessing to others.
“I promise that I will do my best to be a good shepherd to you,” he said. “A shepherd who listens and cares for you. A shepherd who will pray for you. A shepherd who will pray with you.”
Archbishop Bendico served as principal consecrator for Bishop Villareal’s ordination, with Bishops Tala-oc and Narciso Abellana of Romblon participating as co-consecrators.
Bishop Villareal will oversee 24 parishes and two mission stations across the Province of Aklan and shepherd more than 600,000 Catholics.
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