Bishop Ambo: The first Filipino cardinal chosen from a diocese

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David kneels before Pope Francis as he is officially inducted to the Sacred College of Cardinals. Screenshot from Vatican News livestream

MANILA — The Diocese of Kalookan celebrated Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David’s appointment as the 10th Filipino cardinal on Saturday, December 7, through a vigil held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the San Roque Cathedral.

“Masayang-masaya ang buong Diocese of Kalookan dahil sa isang napakalaking regalo na ito, hindi lang para kay Bishop Ambo kundi para sa buong Simbahan dito sa Pilipinas,” said Father Jesus Wenceslao, Parochial Vicar of San Roque Cathedral.

(The Diocese of Kalookan is very happy because of this gift, not just for Bishop Ambo but for the Church in the Philippines)

Wenceslao said David’s appointment is rare, as cardinals are typically selected from major archdioceses.

In the Catholic Church, parishes make up a diocese and archdioceses are made up of several dioceses.

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“Ngayon lang nangyari na may isang obispo mula sa isang diocese, at yun ang Diocese of Kalookan, na pinili ng Santo Papa para maging isang kardinal,” said Wenceslao.

(This is the first time that a bishop from a diocese — and that is the Diocese of Kalookan — was chosen by the Pope to be a cardinal)

Cardinals are formally inducted through the consistory, where they receive the symbolic red hat from the Pope to signify their new role in the Church.

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According to the Parochial Vicar, cardinals serve as advisors to the Pope and hold the responsibility of voting in papal elections when the need arises.

They are also entrusted with guiding the global direction of the Catholic faith and assisting in the administration of key Church matters.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC BISHOP

When asked about the newly-appointed cardinal’s character, Wenceslao described David as enthusiastic in performing his duties as president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

“Kada may nangyayari dito sa ating diocese, talagang lagi siyang merong pastoral response sa lahat ng mga bagay na iyon,” Wenceslao said.

(Whenever anything happens in the diocese, he always has a pastoral response to it)

For example, he said, David initiated parish activities to help communities during the pandemic.

Lay minister Nick Dalaida, 74, recalled David’s inspiring homilies and approachable demeanor.

“Masarap po siyang kausap eh kaya marami ka pong mapupulot na kabutihan sa kanya. Kahit ordinary days lang, parang bitin na bitin yung isang oras pag siya ang nagho-homily.”

(It is a pleasure to talk to him because you pick up a lot of goodness from him. Even on ordinary days, an hour can go quickly when he gives his homilies)

He said that that based on David's administration and activities at the diocese, he is confident that the new cardinal will do a good job.

Devotees are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass on December 14 to offer prayers of gratitude and support for Cardinal David as he takes on his new responsibilities. The venue of the Mass is yet to be announced.

The recent appointment of a Filipino cardinal was in November 2020, when Jose Fuerto Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, was elevated to the College of Cardinals.

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