SCB RESUMES MEETING UNDER NEW PRESIDENCY

The Supreme Council of Bishops [SCB] of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente [IFI] gathered for the resumption of its regular meeting at the Cathedral of Saint James, the Apostle, in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte from October 20 to 22, 2008. The three day meeting, attended by eighteen bishops, served as the continuation of the regular meeting in May 2008 at Cagayan de Oro City during the Church’s 11th General Assembly.

The Right Reverend Vic Esclamado, the Bishop of Biliran, Leyte and Samar [BILLESA], assumed the Chairmanship of the venerable Council after a brief but meaningful turn-over ceremony. In his opening address, the new SCB Chairperson presented his vision and thrusts for the next three years urging the cooperation and support of his fellow bishops. Bishop Esclamado urged the bishops to responsibly carry out their collective ministry, saying “We have a lot to do as the Council of Bishops in this Church. We need to work together. We have to fast-track our efforts. We have to look into every concern that is part of our responsibilities enshrined in our Constitution and Canons.”

The Obispo Maximo, Most Reverend Godofredo David, updated the Council on the present status of the life and work of the Church. He enjoined the new leadership to proactively assert its role and respond to growing demands and rising expectations of the Church from the bishops.

The bishops eagerly listened to the report of SCB Chairman about the participation of the three bishops that represented the IFI to the Lambeth Conference, and discussed the important issues highlighted during the two-week conference in Canterbury. The delegation of bishops to the Lambeth Conference was composed of the Right Reverend Vic Esclamado, the Most Reverend Tomas Millamena, and the Obispo Maximo.

The Chairpersons of the Regional Episcopal Conferences gave reports of the activities they have undertaken within their respective jurisdictions. The Chairperson of the National Search Committee (NSC) updated the bishops on the status of candidates to the episcopacy and presented the names of nominees for possible election. The special Episcopal Committee tasked to study the possible recognition of Bishop Alberto Ramento as martyr rendered its report. Important matters and referrals from various reports were brought to the attention of the entire episcopal body for appropriate action.

The bishops also participated in the 51st Foundation Anniversary of Padre Burgos Town held in the municipal plaza. The Obispo Maximo gave the prayer and benediction during the occasion.

The SCB ended its meeting with the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the afternoon of October 22, which was also a celebration of the golden anniversary of the priesthood of the Right Reverend Vic Esclamado. The Obispo Maximo presided over the celebration with Most Reverend Abdias de la Cruz and Most Reverend Tomas Millamena as co-celebrants.