By Nimfa Estrellado New Gumaca Bishop Euginius Cañete, wearing striking pink vestments, praying with church priest as he urges the faithful ...
 |
| New Gumaca Bishop Euginius Cañete, wearing striking pink vestments, praying with church priest as he urges the faithful to "witness to Jesus" through action and service to the poor and oppressed. (DZRV 846) |
GUMACA, Quezon - The Diocese of Gumaca joyfully celebrated the installation of its fourth bishop, the Most Rev. Euginius Longakit Cañete, MJ, D.D., at the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Bishop Cañete, 58, was appointed by Pope Francis last September, filling the vacancy left after the passing of Bishop Victor de la Cruz Ocampo in March 2023. The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency the Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., presided over the momentous occasion.
In his first address to the diocese, Bishop Cañete called for courage in discipleship and emphasized serving the poor and marginalized. "We go and make disciples. It’s a call for each and every one of us,” he proclaimed. He stressed the importance of action, stating, "If we bear the name of Jesus, we really have to witness to Jesus." Bishop Cañete specifically challenged the diocese, asking, "How can we share Christ with the poor, the oppressed, and the needy?”
This message of active faith and compassion resonated deeply with the attendees, setting the tone for Bishop Cañete's leadership. He further emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, stating, "We are all called to work together, to be a Church that is truly alive and vibrant, a Church that is a beacon of hope and love in our world today." He urged the community to embrace this new chapter with open hearts and a shared commitment to living out the Gospel message.
The installation Mass itself was a testament to the spirit of unity and shared purpose that Bishop Cañete invoked. Fifteen other bishops attended, including Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila, who delivered the homily. This gathering of Church leaders underscored the significance of the event and the hopes for a fruitful ministry ahead for Bishop Cañete. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the continuity of faith and the importance of spiritual guidance within the Catholic community.
A Shepherd with a Diverse Background
Bishop Cañete brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Born in Liloan, Cebu, he holds a degree in psychology from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City and pursued further studies in philosophy and theology at the Maryhill School of Theology in Quezon City. He was ordained a priest for the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) on December 18, 1995.
Bishop Cañete later obtained a licentiate degree in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. A member of the Missionaries of Jesus, he served as a parish priest in Zambia and held various leadership positions within the congregation, including counsellor general, secretary general, and vicar general. He also served as a member of matrimonial tribunals in the dioceses of Novaliches and Antipolo, demonstrating his commitment to both pastoral care and canon law.
The Diocese of Gumaca encompasses the eastern part of Quezon province and serves nearly one million Catholics across 29 parishes and four mission stations. It plays a vital role in the spiritual and social development of the region. During the period when the diocese was without a bishop (known as "sede vacante"), Fr. Ramon Uriarte served as diocesan administrator, diligently overseeing the diocese's affairs and providing spiritual guidance to the community.
No comments