(First of two parts)
WHAT ARE the chances in the world that we were born in the same year? But I wasn’t surprised. When we first spoke in February this year, I knew instinctively that we shared the same birth year. It’s uncanny in a good way. That conversation was a mix of fun, intellectual, political, and spiritual topics all rolled into one.
Since he is about to leave his beloved province of Bohol, but really, does anyone ever leave Bohol? Because no matter where you are pulled or thrown to (no pun intended), deep down, your heart still belongs to your island-province. Bohol will always be your first love. And first love never dies, or so the song goes.
Let the story begin.
Upcoming archbishop Abet Uy has served in the priesthood for thirty-two years. Nine years of those decades were spent helping mold the minds and hearts of young men preparing for the priesthood as a seminary formator and educator (two years as a formator at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, (IHMS) in Taloto, Tagbilaran City (1995–1997), and later at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City for a total of seven years—first from 1997 to 1999, and then from 2006 to 2010. He describes those years as both fulfilling and challenging, especially because “I had to strive to live out the very values and teachings I was imparting to them,” he said.
His experience as a parish priest in Jagna, Bohol, was exceptionally memorable, as it was his first assignment in that role. “I embraced it wholeheartedly—giving my time, energy, and self fully to the mission. I developed a deep bond with the people there.” Uy said, “It was in Jagna that I began the Balay sa Kabus Apostolate in October 2010—a housing initiative for the less fortunate. With the help of over one hundred volunteers, including carpenters and laborers, we built more than 300 houses in just five years.” Meanwhile, he is inspired that many other parishes across Bohol have adopted the apostolate and remain active to this day, providing shelter to thousands of Boholano brothers and sisters.
It was also in Jagna where he initially felt the need to plant trees. “Each time we built a house for a poor family, we used a significant amount of wood. While we often sourced it from hazardous or dispensable trees, I knew it still had an impact on the environment. That’s when I began advocating for tree growing,” he explained.
When he became bishop of Tagbilaran, he passionately promoted tree planting and care within the community. During his eight years in this role, more than 200,000 seedlings were given free of charge to parishioners, thanks to collaboration with the Bohol Environment Management Office and the Department of Agriculture. “On a personal level, I planted hundreds of trees in our diocesan farms, and by God’s grace, many of them are now fully grown. Seeing them flourish brings me deep joy,” he enthused.
Like any writer, I was curious about the sacrifices that any priest would endure. Abet Uy believes “that the priesthood itself is, at its core, a life offered entirely to God.” Now, how can you argue with that?
“Like all people—whether lay or ordained—we face daily sacrifices. But priests are formed with the deep understanding that their entire existence, lived in obedience to God’s will, is a continual act of self-offering. The temptations of the flesh and material comforts are always present. Resisting them requires constant self-mastery and discipline.” Uy stated he is not exempt from struggles. “I have stumbled at times, and I acknowledge those moments with humility. But through it all, the grace of God has never failed me—always present, always lifting me back up,” he stressed.
Candidly, Uy declared, “With all honesty and humility, without God’s sustaining grace, I would have lost my way long ago.” If he can say that, how much more the rest of us regular mortals, huh! Authenticity is the key.
But of course, I had to ask if there was a moment in his priesthood that he wanted to quit. “Honestly, I never seriously considered leaving the priesthood. The promise I made to God was something I held—and still hold—with utmost seriousness. For me, it was not just a role but a lifelong commitment. I have failed God many times along the way, but I have always made it a point to remain a priest for life. I cannot imagine myself turning back on the promise I once offered to Him,” he accentuated.
When asked if any or all priests desire to become a bishop, Uy, in characteristic wit, quipped, “They say only the foolish desire to become a bishop—and there’s wisdom in that saying. The episcopacy should not be pursued out of ambition or personal gain. It is a tremendous responsibility, one that carries the weight of caring for souls and leading the Church in fidelity to Christ. In truth, no one is ever truly worthy of it.”
Wisely, he added that the role of a bishop “is not something we claim for ourselves; it is a calling that must come from God. Only the Lord can choose who He wants to entrust with the care of His flock. And when He does, the only proper response is humble obedience, deep trust, and a heart ready to serve.”
Curiously, I asked how it happened to him. “In the Catholic Church, the process of selecting a bishop is both thorough and deeply spiritual. It is entrusted to the Pontifical Commission for Bishops, with the Papal Nuncio in each country playing a key role. Quietly and discreetly—sub secreto, as the Latin term goes—the Nuncio conducts a confidential investigation into the life, character, and ministry of potential candidates. He gathers feedback not only from priests but also from lay people who know the candidate well.”
After a careful study of the responses and evaluation of the candidates, the Nuncio will then submit a report to Rome, “often with a list of three names—what is called a terna. Ultimately, it is the pope himself who discerns and decides whom to appoint as bishop,” he elaborated.
“Why the Holy Father chose me, I honestly do not know. I never lobbied for it, nor did I see myself deserving of such a task. All I can say is that this decision is not based on one’s merit or ambition but in God’s mysterious will working through the Church. And so, I accept it not as an honor, but as a call to deeper service and sacrifice,” Uy humbly said.
From him, I also learned that there is no preparation to become a bishop. “You are called to live a priestly life. But you don’t train to become a bishop. No school or university specifically trains for future bishops.” Now, that’s enlightening. (To be continued)
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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
