The blessing of the Center

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

In his address to the officials of Bacolod City and their guests at the blessing of the new government center last night, Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, called the facility “the symbol of the dedication and care for the common good that the good people in the Bacolod City government render to the inhabitants of the city.”

Earlier, the Papal representative to the Philippines had officiated in the blessing of the new center that was attended by other Church dignitaries led by Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

The Bacolod City government was indeed fortunate to have the privilege of having the Papal Nuncio perform the rites for the structure that is to house the offices of the city as they serve its residents and work for its progress and development. Of course it was also a double blessing for the city to have one of its own members of the clergy elevated to the higher office of bishop whose installation will be held today, to be officiated by the Nuncio in the presence of about five archbishops and 20 other bishops from all over the country. Bacolod is indeed blessed to share in this major event in the Church.

Papal Nuncio Adams also enjoined public servants to “contribute to the tempo of progress of their communities and to building a peaceful and more humane society, something that is beautifully in keeping with the values of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as they work together in extending a friendly hand to their fellow citizens.”

He also relayed the blessings of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to those present at the ceremony. And he further said, “In blessing this center, we have invoked the Lord’s favor on all those who will come here, and especially on those who will work here in order to serve the people and the City of Bacolod.”

What further inspiration could Bacoleños and their officials ask for?”