THE first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur called for collaboration between the church and local government officials in working for the “common good,” CBCP News reported yesterday.
Bishop Ruben Labajo said during a civic reception last Monday before the Mass to officially install him as head of the new diocese that it is imperative for the Church and local officials to closely work together for the welfare of the faithful.
“Let us start to create and shape a harmonious relationship in working together towards common hope and goal, the common good,” Labajo said.
At his installation Mass at the St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral, he declared his readiness to become the shepherd of the local faithful.
‘REPORTING FOR DUTY’
“This is your servant, Ruben Caballero Labajo, reporting for duty,” the 58-year-old prelate was quoted by CBCP News as saying in his first address to his flock.
“This is God’s will for me… and with so much love and willingness I came for this diocese of Prosperidad,” Labajo added.
The 58-year-old bishop was installed by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan at the ceremony also attended by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown, and over 30 other bishops.
In October 2024, Pope Francis announced the establishment of the Diocese of Prosperidad, appointing Labajo as its first shepherd. Labajo previously served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The Diocese of Prosperidad was carved out of the Diocese of Butuan, which now holds jurisdiction over Agusan del Norte.
It is home to an estimated 500,000 Catholics and about 60 priests. The diocese also covers 26 parishes, one quasi-parish, and three mission stations around Agusan del Sur.
