With a heavy heart, Jolo bishop assumes Cotabato archbishopric

Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon has been installed as the Archbishop of Cotabato succeeding Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, who retired last year. PHOTO CREDIT: FERDINANDH CABRERA

COTABATO CITY – Archbishop Angelito Lampon, the new head of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, has mixed feelings as he assumed office while leaving a bleeding vicariate following last Sunday’s twin bombings that claimed the lives of 22 persons and hurt more than 100 others.

Archbishop Lampon, a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), was installed by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, as the archbishop of Cotabato in ceremonies held at the tightly guarded Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral here Wednesday afternoon.

Archbishop Lampon expressed sadness for the people in Jolo, the vicariate he had to leave last week after Pope Francis appointed him to succeed Orlando Cardinal Quevedo OMI, whose resignation was accepted by the Vatican.

“My heart is bleeding for my people, we have known them for 21 years, they become my family, so I cannot help… mabigat…,” Archbishop Lampon said in a brief interview.

“Inspite of that, kasi tao lang naman ako, it's a big emotional upheaval inside and yet my faith tells me, help to continue extending a hand of friendship, sa inter-religious dialogue, so long (padayon) continue to go on…sometimes its difficult to say,” he said, adding that it took him some time to understand all these violent acts committed at the Jolo Cathedral, which more known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.

He became emotional during the interview.

Lampon added that the recent violent act in Jolo will not stop the Oblates and other Catholic leaders to continue serving the people of Jolo.  — BAP, GMA News