New bishop installed in Bacolod diocese

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Thousands of Catholics witnessed the canonical installation of Bishop Patricio Buzon as the new bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod at the San Sebastian Cathedral on Tuesday, August 9. 

Buzon, 66, was appointed by Pope Francis to succeed Bishop Vicente Navarra, 77, following his retirement.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), led the installation rites of Buzon. Buzon is the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod.

Villegas asked the faithful to accept Buzon in faith, as he carries the mission of the Lord.

Villegas added the mission of the bishop, his dignity, his role, and his love of the Lord could not be understood if one lacked faith.

After his installation, Buzon then officiated his first mass at the cathedral. 

There, Buzon thanked the Negrenses for the warm welcome, and asked for support and prayers as he undertook this new journey. 

Prior to his transfer here, Buzon served as the bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan for 13 years.

Buzon, who hails from Cebu, began his religious journey as spiritual moderator of the Don Bosco Missionary Seminary in Talisay, Cebu in 1977.

August 9 was declared an official church holiday for all Catholic institutions and schools within the circumscription of the Diocese of Bacolod. – Rappler.com