Bishop Vicente Navarra of the Diocese of Bacolod marked his 74th birthday yesterday with a simple celebration of the holy mass attended by a select group of well-wishers composed of priests, nuns, seminarians, diocesan offices staff, relatives and close friends.

Main celebrant during the birthday mass for Navarra was newly-installed Vicar General Louie Galbines, who said the bishop should count the years not by his age but by the number of friends that he has.

Thanking those who attended his simple celebration at the St. John Mariae Vianney Hall at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Bishop Navarra said that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he will continue his mission in serving God.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who attended the mass together with his wife, said “My wife Elsa and I are truly humbled by the privilege of joining our beloved Bishop Vicente Navarra in his 74th birthday celebration. We wish our dear Bishop more fruitful and joyful years of service to the Lord as shepherd of His flock.”

The Mayor and his wife presented the wine and cruets during the Offertory.

The celebration started with a thanksgiving mass concelebrated by Galbines, with Rev. Frs. Felix Pasquin and Narciso de la Cruz.

Galbines said the clergy are united with the bishop in his crusade against the Reproductive Health law and praised his leadership and love for his clergy.

Navarra is set to retire from his duties as bishop next year when he turns 75 years old, the retirement age for bishops.

Meanwhile, Modesto Sa-onoy, vice chairman of the Citizens Alliance for the Protection of Human Life, said they will ask people not to vote for senatorial candidates, Negros legislators and partylist groups who voted for the passage of the RH bill.

Bacolod congressional candidates, Mayor Evelio Leonardia, re-electionist Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. and Lyndon Caña are all against the RH law.

CAPH chairman Fr. Ernie Larida, in an interview over ABS-CBN, said it does not necessarily follow that they will support all candidates who are against the RH law.

Leonardia said he has always been open in his stand against the RH bill and confident about the loyalty of their supporters that he said is beyond question.

Golez said “I was the last man standing. I started the debates against the RH Bill. I was the second congressman who debated against the bill amidst political and party pressure. I was the one who did not allow myself to be affected.”

Caña said he is humbled by the privilege to explain to the Catholic faithful the manifesto of the CAPH Life regarding the RH law.

Meanwhile, the pastors of the Bacolod Evangelical Church said they are open to a dialog with the Catholic Church on a common stand on the RH law.

But BEC associate pastor Noel Zulueta said they will listen to suggestions from their church members before coming up with a common stand.*CGS

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