Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes exhorted the faithful to continue to hope despite the harsh times prevailing today, not only in the Philippines but elsewhere in the world, in his message on his 34th anniversary in the priesthood Friday.

Cortes focused on hopes as the center of the lives of Christians, relying on God’s immeasurable generosity and faithfulness.

“Despair is not in our vocabulary as Christians,” the 58-year old prelate from Siquijor said. “We are a people of hope and we just have to continue obeying God’s will, believing that we are not alone,” he added.

Cortes, who was appointed by Pope Francis late last year as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete, celebrated his anniversary with a concelebrated mass at the chapel of the Bishop’s Residence in Dumaguete, and was joined by priests, family and friends in a breakfast fellowship later.

In an interview, Cortes shared his prevailing feeling of gratitude, having reached this point despite the odds and challenges in his priestly life and ministry.

He said he does not have a secret in making it this far, but what pushes him to carry on is simply doing what he can to serve God. Priests have different gifts and talents and he does not have to compete with the others, he said.

He advised priests to be strong in the face of many temptations, to be courageous and do what they have to do despite possible backlash, for the sake of Christ.

He said there is a challenge for the priests to remain faithful to their vows and commitment in the priesthood. Describing it as “our martyrdom”, Cortes urged them to continue despite the weariness, and to exercise their prophetic task despite the dangers to life and reputation.

Cortes was ordained priest on October 24, 1980, and had served in various capacities in the Diocese of Dumaguete. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Cebu Oct. 24, 2001, and was installed bishop of Dumaguete Dec. 5, 2013, after his appointment on September 28.*JFP

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