Updated @ 7:08 p.m., Feb. 13, 2019, to include video
ISABELA PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Ilagan City, Isabela — Collaboration between the Catholic Church and local governments can do a lot of good for the people, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines has said.
During a recent visit to Isabela, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia said the unity of the Catholic Church and local governments is important as both institutions care for the public’s welfare.
“That is always good, when the different competencies, capacities, and responsibilities of the state and the Church work together because they are both at the service of the citizens and the faithful,” Caccia said.
“They are both at the service of the people. And when there is collaboration, like two hands, they can do a lot for the good of the people who are, at the same time, citizens but also faithful,” he added.
Isabela Gov. Faustino “Bojie” Dy and Vice Gov. Tonypet Albano welcomed the Pope’s representative, who signed the city’s guestbook.
The Papal Nuncio’s visit to Isabela was concurrent with the canonical installation of Bishop David William Antonio of the Diocese of Ilagan.
Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy kisses the ring of Papal Nuncio Gabriele Giordano Caccia.
Papal Nuncio Caccia led Antonio’s installation at the St. Michael Archangel Cathedral.
READ: Bishop David William Antonio is new Ilagan, Isabela Bishop
During his visit to the province, the Papal Nuncio said he received a red carpet welcome from the local officials of Isabela, led by Dy. Students from Cabanatuan town rendered a live musical performance.
Papal Nuncio Caccia said that he did not expect such a “warm welcome” as it is his first visit to Isabela.
“I didn’t expect such a warm welcome, and I consider that it’s a sign, as the governor just said, of your deep faith and respect for the Holy Father,” the Papal Nuncio said.
“God is always guiding us and there are so many coincidences today because apart from today being the day of our Lady of Lord, she will protect this beautiful province,” he added.
Caccia also met with the local government employees and officials, including Rep. Rodito Albano, when he was escorted to the office of the Isabela Governor with Archbishop Emeritus Orlando Quevedo.
He was presented with a specially-crafted chair from the province of Isabela and in return, the Papal Nuncio gave a greeting card to Dy as a symbol of the good relationship between the Vatican and Isabela.
A special dinner was prepared by the government of Isabela for the Pope’s representative. It was also attended by local government officials and staff, and members of the Church.
In a toast, Dy called for a “deeper and more meaningful collaboration” between the province of Isabela and Diocese of Ilagan, as well as an “ever-resolute desire to bring Christ’s message of peace and love to all parts of the province and the country.”
“We remember, with sincere gratitude, the selfless service of our former shepherds, most especially the reverend Bishop Joseph Amangi Nacua, to welcome, embrace, and extend our filial love and support to our new Bishop, most reverend David William Valencia Antonio, to a deeper and more meaningful collaboration between the province of Isabela and Diocese of Ilagan, and to an ever-resolute desire to bring Christ’s message of peace and love to all parts of the province and the country,” Dy said.
He also said that he is prioritizing the unity between the government of Isabela and the Catholic Church.
“We, the people of Isabela, are eager to bring the light of Christ to where it is needed the most. And commit to work with due fidelity to the See of Peter. We welcome you with open arms to the province of Isabela, a bastion of faith in Cagayan Valley, a faithful daughter of the Church,” Dy said.
The Papal Nuncio said he hoped that the citizens of Isabela would continue following Jesus Christ.
“To be first also in providing this example of being good Christians and good citizens so that also you can inspire other people,” he said. /atm