By Mariela Angella Oladive
Jaro Archbishop Most Rev. Jose Romeo “Romy” Lazo, D.D., celebrated his 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary on April 1 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, also known as the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
The milestone also marked the conclusion of his seven-year tenure as Archbishop of Jaro.
The celebration was led by Cardinal Jose Advincula, joined by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, bishops from across the country and members of the clergy.
In his homily, Lazo described his priestly life as a journey of service and divine guidance.
He thanked the congregation for their love, support and faithfulness.
“This is my fervent hope in this Jubilee Year of Hope,” he said.
“To everyone here present and those not present, thank you very much for your love, for your presence and for your faithfulness to God’s love.”
“May you continue in journeying together in synodality. I am very grateful from the bottom of my heart for the expression of your love to God and to the priests and to the bishops, as well, who serve His people. Duro gid nga salamat kaninyo nga tanan!” he added.
Pope Francis accepted Lazo’s resignation on February 2.
Now 76, Lazo served as Archbishop of Jaro since 2018 and will hold the title Archbishop Emeritus.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique on April 1, 1975.
In 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Kalibo, serving six years before becoming Bishop of San Jose de Antique in 2009.
Most Rev. Midyphil “Dodong” Bermejo Billones, D.D., will succeed Lazo as the 14th Archbishop of Jaro.
The Solemn Canonical Installation of Archbishop Billones is scheduled for April 2 at 9 a.m. at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Archdiocese of Jaro welcomed Archbishop-designate Billones back to Iloilo City on April 1 ahead of his formal installation.
His civic and liturgical reception took place at the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
He will be formally installed during the April 2 Mass, succeeding Archbishop Lazo, who served nearly seven years.
A native of Capiz, Billones returns to his roots, having been ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Jaro 29 years ago.
His ecclesiastical journey includes serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu since 2019 and his appointment by Pope Francis as Archbishop of Jaro earlier this year.
Upon arrival, Archbishop-designate Billones presided over a Holy Mass at the Carmelite Monastery in Jaro.
A devoted Marian, he holds the monastery close to his heart for its influence on his vocation.
His deep devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also reflected in his newly unveiled coat of arms.
In his homily, Billones urged the faithful to embrace a love that is intentional, healing and present in moments of despair.
“There are times that we are crippled, we feel solitary and alone, that we cannot do it,” he said.
“But it is precisely in this moment that the Lord speaks to your heart and tells you, ‘I hear you. I sense your name. I address you and I tell you to believe in the gift of healing.’”
