Written by Harold Deane Piog and Adrian Luiz Cariño
After a year of vacancy, Pope Francis of the Vatican City appointed the new Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio, Fr. Rafael T. Cruz. On September 17, 2024, Fr. Cruz was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio during the celebration of the Eucharist and his solemn canonical installation. In this historical episcopal ordination, the University of Baguio Voices Chorale was invited to take the lead in this moment of transition and a new chapter in the Diocese of Baguio.
Furthermore, Ms. Ganica Nisperos, one of the members of the University of Baguio Voices Chorale was particularly asked to lead the singing of the Responsorial Psalm. During the occasion, the group was led by the conductor, Mr. John Glenn Gaerlan.
Accordingly, as in the words of Father Benedict Jason, the choir was intentionally chosen as the Diocese of Baguio saw the group fitting in the momentous occasion. While the University is a non-sectarian, this recognition from the Catholic church provides a harmonious bridge between secular and religious communities to come together in pursuit of faith and belongingness.
Above all, it is a blessing for the UBVC to be invited as it reflects an encouragement for the group to continue the manifestation of values aligned with the objective of the Catholic church for the community. Finally, the invitation presents an opportunity to practice the spirit of love and care within the soul of every choral member and the community while singing. This further aligns itself with the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 16 or the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions as it helps in the development of sincerity and promotion of peace within one self, toward others, and for the community.
