Over a thousand delegates from the Diocese of Dumaguete witnessed the installation of Rev. John Du as Archbishop of Palo, Leyte, at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral Wednesday.

The Catholic community, local officials from Dumaguete and the provinces of Leyte and Samar, crowded the church to witness the installation rite. Most Reverend Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, handed the pastoral staff to Du after the archdiocesan chancellor read the official decree of the Holy Father on Du's appointment.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, in his homily, described Du as one who has the character and real commitment to serve with zeal and devotion.

He acknowledged the changes and development that Du initiated in his previous assignments as auxiliary bishop of Sto. Rosario in Cebu, and at the Diocese of Dumaguete, for 11 years.

Du, meanwhile, said he thanked the people of Dumaguete for showing their love and support to him through many ways. He said the Diocese of Dumaguete is his first love, as he was on hand to lead development projects for the parishes and benefits of the clergy.

He said he hopes to replicate the success story of the development in Dumaguete in the six dioceses of Palo.

Meanwhile, 12 members of the Board of Consulters of the Diocese of Dumaguete will meet at the Diocesan Pastoral Center today to elect the administrator, who will manage the Diocese while waiting for the new bishop to be appointed by the Holy See.*MA

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