• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental formally opened its doors to the public on Dec. 2.
The solemn dedication rites was led by Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, and attended by 10 archbishops and bishops across the country, as well as clergy from different dioceses in Negros Island.
In his homily, Advincula stressed three key points for reflection — belonging, believing, and becoming in the temple of God.
He emphasized that the new Cathedral should stand as a symbol of unity and faith for the whole diocese.
Advincula expressed his hope that the Cathedral will become “a locus of belonging, where no one is left behind,” underscoring the Church’s mission to welcome, accompany, and embrace all.
Bishop Louie Galbines described the Cathedral as a “landmark” to the Diocese of Kabankalan.
“The massive structure, everything that is put in there, reminds us that as long as we are attached to the Lord and to one another we can always build big, dream big, and accomplish big in our life,” Galbines said.
The Kabankalan bishop thanked all the faithful for making the dream of the new Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier a reality.
In his speech during the thanksgiving luncheon for Papal awardees at the Kabankalan Catholic College, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said “may the new Cathedral inspire us to live, lives of service and compassion.”
“May it remind us that faith is not only a personal but a shared journey, and a commitment to uplift and care for one another, especially those most affected by hardship,” Lacson said.
The construction of the Cathedral, which took eight years, was started during the stint of Bishop Patricio Buzon as head of the Diocese of Kabankalan.
“It is not easy, but we know it is possible,” Galbines said.
Hundreds of faithful in the Diocese of Kabankalan and clergy from neighboring dioceses attended the three-hour mass, with some braving the intense heat outside. | GB
