Apu Ceto in veneration of the Virgen de los Remedios and Sto. Cristo del Perdon.
PHOTO BY BONG LACSON
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – It was a fond farewell as Archbishop Paciano “Apu Ceto” B. Aniceto appeared for the last time in public as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of San Fernando (Pampanga) during Monday’s 58th canonical coronation of Pampanga’s patroness – Virgen De Los Remedios.
In a fading voice and with tears welling in his eyes, Apu Ceto bade goodbye to his flock gathered in the thousands at the Villa Del Sol here just before the final blessings at the Holy Mass in honor of the Virgin for whom he dedicated his 25 years as archbishop.
“Ing kekatamung pamagmasusian metung yang abe-abe pamagmalasakit. Pasalamatan keng lubus, maragul a maragul a kasopan king archdiocese, ing saup… (Our endeavor is one of unity through hardships. I express my utmost gratitude, a truly big help to the archdiocese, the help…),” Apu Ceto said as his voice faded.
“Mengapakyak yata y Archbishop (The Archbishop just cried),” observed a devotee as the slight drizzled started pouring. At this point, Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Apung Ambo” David took the microphone and continued with Apu Ceto’s list of whom he wished to thank.
“Basan kuno pu deng eganaganag buri nang pasalamatan ning kekatamung Archbishop…,” said David. And then finally, David urged some devotees to unfurl the tarpaulin which they brought expressing thanks to Apu Ceto. “Ladlad yune pu itang banner (Please unfurl the banner)!” David exclaimed.
“Dakal pung salamat Apu Ceto, we love you!” urging the thousands as they joined in the chant. Taking the microphone once again Apu Ceto said: “Tiyaga, 25 years menatili ku. Pasensya kayu pibatan naku ning Apung Ginu 25 years, mikyapus kayu (Perseverance, 25 years I remained. I beg your indulgence the Lord has been patient with me for 25 years, you imitated Him).”
Apu Ceto also took the opportunity to introduce his replacement, newly-appointed San Fernando Archbishop Florentino “Dong” Galang Lavarias, as he urged the faithful to welcome him with love and commitment just as he himself was well-loved by the Kapampangans.
“Tangapan yepu ing bayung arsobispu. Makanyan mu naman ing pakit yu kaya. Palakpakan taya pu ing bayung arsobispu (Please accept the new Archbishop. Show him the same love that you showed me. Let us put our hands together for the new Archbishop),” Apu Ceto said.
He also invited the devotees to attend Lavarias’ installation as the new Archbishop of San Fernando on October 27 at 9:30 am at the Mteropolitan Cathedral here. The internationally acclaimed choral group ArtiSta.Rita led by famous musical director Andy Alviz sang “Apu Ceto” from the musical about the prelate’s life Ciniong as a fitting goodbye to the shepherd who will now retire from leading his flock.
Scores of priests concelebrated the Holy Mass with this year’s theme: “Ing Indung Virgen: Modelo Ring Laico King Cabanalan at Casalpantayanan” (The Virgin Mother: A Model of Holiness and Faith for the Laity).”
