Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra challenged the six lay persons of the Diocese who were conferred Papal honors at the solemn investiture of the Knighthood of Pope St. Sylvester and the Official Conferment of the Holy Cross Pro Eclessia et Pontifice at the San Sebastian Cathedral yesterday, to remain faithful.

Navarra bestowed the swords and badges to Nestor Gabalda, Benjamin Lopue Jr., and Modesto Sa-onoy as new Sir Knight Commanders and the Holy Crosses to Maria Teresa Causing, Erlinda Ledesma and Amparo Ferraris, during rites witnessed by their families and the Catholic laity.

In his homily just before the conferment rites, the bishop said that the six awardees are not asked to be successful as they continue their service to the church, but they are asked to remain faithful.

Navarra said he knew that the six never expected, even in their wildest dreams, that their charities and service to the church will get them the Papal awards.

He reminded the awardees that there is still a long road ahead and encouraged the Catholic laity to emulate them.

Responding to the challenge, Sa-onoy, who read a written response in behalf of the other honorees, vowed that while there are no specific obligations attached to their new roles, they will continue to defend the faith and wear their regalia and badges, always reminded of this vow.

The awardees said that they were humbled by the honors given them because these were never expected nor solicited, and just came from the Lord because of His will.*PP

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