THE former head of the Cagayan de Oro archdiocese’s Social Action Center is now the archbishop of this predominantly Roman Catholic city.
The Catholic Bishops Conference in the Philippines announced that Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Jose Cabantan, bishop of Malaybalay, to replace Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.
The Pope’s announcement was made in Rome on June 23.
Ledesma retired last year after reaching the mandatory age for bishops at 75 years old.
He has been serving as archbishop in temporary capacity while waiting for Vatican’s decision on who will replace him.
Cabantan, 63, was born in Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental, and was ordained priest at the age of 32 on April 30, 1990 at St. John the Baptist Parish, also in Lagonglong town.
He is the first to be appointed as archbishop from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro where he earned a degree in Pastoral Ministry.
Cabantan also holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Manila.
As a priest, Cabantan headed Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese Social Action Center and was the parish priest of the church of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Barangay Lumbia, this city.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Malaybalay on Feb. 17, 2010. He was ordained bishop on April 30, 2010 at St. Agustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City and was installed at San Isidro Cathedral, Malaybalay on May 15, 2010.
On the other hand, Myrna Siose of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese said Ledesma will be active in his environmental advocacies after his retirement.
Siose said Ledesma will retire in Cagayan de Oro where he will concentrate in working with non-government organizations. (Froilan Gallardo)
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