The Archdiocese of Capiz has again cancelled the much-awaited ceremony for the bestowal of Cardinal Jose Advincula’s insignia due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ceremony was supposed to be held tomorrow, June 8, at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas City. The cancellation was made to ensure the health and safety of everyone, and as recommended by local health authorities amid the prevailing COVID pandemic, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said.
There is no word yet on when the ceremony will push through. Roxas City is under the modified enhanced community quarantine status until June 15 due to a spike in COVID infections.
This is the second time that the “red hat” ceremony has been cancelled. It was originally scheduled for May 28 but was postponed due to the unavailability of the papal nuncio, Archbishop John Brown, who will lead the event.
Advincula, former bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros, was among the 13 new additions to the College of Cardinals during a consistory at the Vatican in November 2020. But he was not able to physically attend the event due to travel restrictions in the country.
The red hat ceremony is Advincula’s last big event in the Capiz archdiocese before he assumes his new post as Manila archbishop on June 24.*
