By Edwin Fernandez/PNA
COTABATO CITY – The former prelate of Jolo, who assumed as new head of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, said on Wednesday that he was leaving his flock with a heavy heart following the twin blasts that ripped through the Jolo cathedral that killed 22 people and injured 97 others.
While his installation and canonical possession to the archdiocese calls for a celebration, Archbishop Angelito Lampon of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), said he has mixed feelings.
He told reporters he was battling a turmoil after the Jolo cathedral was desecrated by the twin bombings and littered with human blood.
“My heart is bleeding for my people. They are my family. We have been together the past 21 years,” Lampon said.
In a tightly-guarded ceremony Wednesday afternoon, Lampon was installed by Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, as archbishop of Cotabato.
He replaces Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, who has retired as head of the Cotabato archdiocese.
While he appreciated the efforts and presence of those in attendance, Lampon specifically mentioned and recognized those coming from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, who traveled three days to reach Cotabato City, including the Jolo cathedral bombing survivors.
About 30 bishops and archbishops joined the celebration at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral here aside from about 50 priests and other religious leaders.
The Army and police imposed strict security during the event, blocking portions of the roads leading to the cathedral and deploying armored personnel carriers along major city streets.
