CBCP News
June 19, 2023
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the episcopate, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said the blessings bestowed on him are because of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Standing before a packed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, June 18, he gave thanks for the occasion as he reflected on the graces he’s shared with the faithful.
“I pray in gratitude for the love and mercy of God, which allowed me to survive and continue serving him,” Ongtioco said in an emotional homily.
“And it is this love and mercy that endures forever which I invited you all to celebrate with me today,” he said.
Twenty five years ago, Ongtioco was ordained bishop for the Diocese of Balanga in the northern province of Bataan.
On August 28, 2003, St. John Paul II appointed him as the first bishop of the Diocese of Cubao.
Among those celebrating with the bishop were many who have known him for a long time, including his family and friends.
In one part of his homily, he also paid tribute to the clergy, the religious, and the laity— “the three solid legs on which our diocese stands”.
“There have been so many wonderful things that happened because of the engagement and collaboration of these three pillars of the diocese,” the bishop added.
Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Ongtioco celebrated his 50th priesthood anniversary on December 8, 2022.
Also joining him in the celebration were about 10 bishops, including Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila and Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan and Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, current president and vice president, respectively, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, also graced the occasion.
Ongtioco will turn 75 on October 17 this year, which is the age when bishops must offer their resignation to the pope.
