ArchbishopVillegas reflects on 15 years of service in pastoral letter

By Daniel Que

DAGUPAN CITY — Lingayen- Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas commemorated the fifteenth anniversary of his installation as shepherd of the local Church, a milestone traditionally referred to as the “crystal anniversary.”

In a heartfelt pastoral letter to the Archdiocese read during all Masses on November 3, Archbishop Villegas emphasized gratitude for the blessings received and reflections on the journey of faith over the years.

He likened the formation of crystals—born from the cooling of volcanic rocks or the evaporation of water—to his own experiences in ministry.

“The past fifteen years have indeed been a pilgrimage of crystallizing visions and purposes and goals and dreams,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced along the way, saying, “The crystallization of my life purpose has not been easy. I have made mistakes and learned from them.”

He expressed his commitment to loving God and neighbors, the core of his vocation, encapsulated in the words, “To love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflecting on the growth of the Archdiocese, the Archbishop highlighted the increase in Catholic faithful, clergy, and educational institutions, attributing these developments to divine favor rather than mere human effort.

“We have one million two hundred thousand Catholic faithful. We have one hundred thirty diocesan and religious priests. We have fifteen communities of men and women in consecrated life. We have one hundred fifty one seminarians in our three seminaries. We have seventeen Catholic schools,” he said.

He said, “These are clearly not just fruits of plain human efforts but miracles of God’s wondrous graces.”

As he looked to the future, Archbishop Villegas called for a renewed commitment to listening within the Church. He emphasized the importance of understanding the struggles of others and fostering a community grounded in love and compassion. “Our first duty is to hear His voice,” he wrote, urging parishioners to embody humility and service.

He added, “What does the Lord expect from us? To love always; and to let love take care of us! To listen and to love! The goal of catechesis and evangelization is to encounter God who is love; not to just to promote and defend doctrine. The purpose of worship is to become a more loving community, not just blind rigid and often bland adherents to rubrics for self-satisfaction. The motivation of almsgiving is not just human development but the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.”

In concluding his letter, he asked for prayers that he may continue to serve with clarity and strength, expressing a desire to be remembered not for his title but as a friend who listened and loved.

“Like crystal, may I serve you with a joyful soul and a serene spirit. When the time comes that my name is dropped from the Eucharistic prayer and I join my parents in the next life, may I just be remembered as the friend who listened to you and loved you like the Lord,” he said.

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