Archbishop-elect Victor Bendico bid a heartfelt farewell to his flock Friday, offering a humble final Mass as bishop of Baguio at the cathedral.

On May 3, Bendico will become the fourth archbishop of his native archdiocese of Capiz and cease to be bishop of Baguio.

“I am thankful for the lights and shadows, which I encountered as bishop of Baguio. They were learning experiences for me and I treasure them. I bring them to my new assignment,” Bendico said in his homily.

Before the Mass ended, the bishop’s coat of arms was removed from the cathedra.

After his canonical installation as Capiz archbishop, his name will no longer be included in the Eucharistic Prayer in the diocese.

“The people need their pastors and their pastors need their people. And prayer is needed for both. Hence, continue praying for me and for our priests,” Bendico said.

“Also continue praying for the coming of your pastor so that the Lord will provide you with your shepherd,” he added.

The 63-year-old bishop will succeed Cardinal Jose Advincula, who was appointed archbishop of Manila in 2021.

Bendico’s installation will take place at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas. It will be presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.