THIS CONCLUDES my conversation with the new archbishop of Cebu, Abet Uy. I asked how he transitioned from being a priest to becoming a bishop and what challenges he faced. “When one is ordained a bishop, he remains a priest of Christ and continues to perform the usual duties of a priest,” Uy said. He clarified, however, that a bishop’s responsibilities expand significantly, addressing not just the needs of a single parish or community but also the larger concerns of the entire diocese. “He takes on the role of a spiritual father to both priests and laypeople, while also serving as administrator, judge, chief liturgist, and dispenser of all the sacraments.” Therefore, he explained, “Moving from priesthood to the episcopacy requires a significant adjustment, and only through God’s grace and the support of good priests and friends did I overcome,” Uy emphasized.
Bishop Abet Uy served the Diocese of Tagbilaran for over eight years. He described those years as a privilege, meaningful, challenging, and grace-filled. “Whether or not my service was fruitful or successful is not for me to say. Only God—and the people I served—can truly answer that.” It would be interesting to hear how the community will respond.
But Uy can say with confidence that he gave his best. “Yet I am also aware that my best was limited, imperfect, and sometimes fell short of what was hoped for or needed. That is the reality of human effort. But in faith, I entrust everything to the Lord. What we could not finish, He will bring to completion. For it is His Church, His mission, and His people.”
Probing deeper, I asked what areas had tried him. What were the easiest? “The priesthood—and even more so, the episcopacy—is a deeply demanding and all-encompassing vocation. It goes far beyond celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments. As priests and bishops, we are called to be prophets who speak God’s truth, and shepherds who guide, protect, and nourish the flock entrusted to our care.”
As a writer, I can relate to this: “One of the most challenging aspects of this calling is the task of inspiring others.” So, true. Inspiring others is a huge responsibility. “We are called to encourage our brother priests to remain faithful to their mission, to persevere in holiness, and to serve with joy and integrity while inspiring the faithful to stay rooted in Christ and to live out His teachings in a world that often pulls them in the opposite direction.” That is quite the paradox.
“Evangelization is never easy. It involves not just words, but witness. And no matter how hard we try, we can never accomplish it alone. We rely entirely on the grace and power of God. Without Him, our efforts would be in vain. But with Him, even the smallest seeds we plant can bear fruit that lasts for eternity.”
What will you miss most in Bohol? “My co-workers, priests, and lay faithful, my family and close friends. The religiosity and hospitality of Boholanos can hardly be surpassed.” There you go! A Boholano will always revert to his first love, haha!
What are the responsibilities of an archbishop? Will you be able to continue your advocacy for the environment? “As an archbishop, I have been given the responsibility to shepherd not just one parish, but an entire archdiocese, which includes many parishes, priests, religious, and lay faithful. My task is to guide them in faith, promote unity in the Church, and ensure that the mission of Jesus continues to be lived out in every corner of the archdiocese. Advocating for care of the environment remains at the heart of my ministerial role.” We expect the Boholano tree-growing trademark to be rolled out in Cebu soon.
Uy expressed that while it is a significant honor, it also entails a greater set of responsibilities. He seeks prayers that he will have the wisdom to lead with compassion, the strength to serve with humility, and the courage to remain faithful to God’s will. “I cannot do this alone. Your support and your prayers mean so much to me.”
What is your message to every Boholano? “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow Boholanos for welcoming me with such warmth as your bishop. It has been a profound honor and privilege to serve you, and for that, I give thanks to the Almighty.” Uy further said that he will carry with him not only the pleasant memories but also the difficult moments shared, particularly throughout the trying days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Odette. He remarked, “To serve as your spiritual shepherd during such times was not an easy task—but it was deeply fulfilling. In hardship, we saw the strength of our faith and the beauty of our unity.” Uy highlighted, “Out of those trials, we gave birth to the ABAG (Atong Buligan Ang Gakinahanglan) programs.”
The diocese, through its pool of talents, was able to raise millions of pesos by mounting creative activities to support those who suffered the most, proving that when the community works together in love and compassion, “we shine brightest as true followers of Jesus.”
With his new mission, he exhorted, “As I now move forward to a new mission, I leave you with this encouragement: Never be afraid of trials. God never abandons His people. If you carry your cross with Jesus, you will surely find your way to heaven.” And always remember this: “You are safer in the middle of a storm with God than anywhere else without Him.”
We will end this conversation with Abet Uy’s favorite quote: “Aspire to Inspire before you Expire.” Why? “Jesus calls each one of us to be ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world.’ We are created to inspire others and to make a difference in the world.”
Born on October 18, 1966, in Ubay, Bohol, Abet Uy is fifty-eight years old. He completed his elementary education at Ubay Central Elementary School. He graduated from high school and college at IHMS and pursued theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. He earned his Licenciate in Theology at Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City and obtained his doctorate at Gregorian University in Rome, Italy.
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Woman Talk with Belinda Sales is taking a wellness break. You may send your email to belindabelsales@gmail.com. Follow us on X at @ShilohRuthie./PN
