Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has appointed Msgr. Rolando de la Cruz as the new rector of the Manila Cathedral, replacing Fr. Reginald Malicdem, who has held the position since 2015.
Malicdem will be the new chaplain of the Our Lady of Hope Landmark Chapel and SM Makati Chapel.
Their new roles were announced on Thursday, Oct. 13, alongside more than 200 appointments made in a major clergy reshuffling of the Archdiocese of Manila.
In his acceptance statement, de la Cruz thanked his parishioners at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila, where he served as parish priest for 12 years, and asked for the prayers of his new community.
“We had been through many tests. Through you, I experienced the loving embrace of God. With you, I faced the challenges of the ministry with faith,” de la Cruz said.
“To the community of the Manila Cathedral, though I am fearful, I am also excited to be with you soon. I ask you to pray for me to be a good shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ,” he added.
Fr. Marion Bayaras, previously parish administrator of the San Fernando de Dilao Parish, will serve as the Manila Cathedral’s administrator and attached priest.
Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio was reappointed vicar general of the archdiocese, the highest position after the archbishop, which he has held since 2015.
Caritas Manila director Fr. Antonio Pascual also retained the position he has been holding since 2005.
The new roles will be transferred during the period Nov. 14 to Nov. 25. Allyssa Mae C. Cruz
