Bishop Alberto Uy, the New Archbishop of Cebu

by Joel V. Ocampo The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed His Excellency, Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, D.D., current Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran, as the new Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu.

Early Life, Education, and Vocation

Bishop Abet, as he was fondly known, was born on October 18, 1966, in the Municipality of Ubay, Province of Bohol, Philippines. He studied Philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary seminary of Tagbilaran City, and Theology at the St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary of Cagayan de Oro City, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. He also holds a licentiate in sacred theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City. Then, he studied doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University from 2002 to 2006.

He received his Ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyters on April 14, 1993. As a priest, the then Fr. Abet served in some of the following ministries:

• Parish Vicar, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Jagna, Bohol (1993-1995);

• Dean of Seminarians, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City (1995-1997);

• Vice-Rector, St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary, Cagayan de Oro City (2006-2010);

• Parish Priest, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Jagna, Bohol (2010-2016);

• Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy, Diocese of Talibon (2012).

On October 13, 2016, the Holy Father Pope Francis appointed Fr. Alberto S. Uy as Bishop of Tagbilaran, Philippines. Then on January 5, 2017, he was ordained Bishop, with His Em. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle (then Archbishop of Manila), as the Principal Consecrator, and Archbishop Jose S. Palma (Archbishop of Cebu) and Bishop Patrick Daniel Y. Parcon (Bishop of Talibon) as Principal Co-Consecrators.

As a bishop, he served in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in some of the following ministries:

• Member, Episcopal Commission on the Laity (2017-2019);

• Member, Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (2017-2021);

• Member, Episcopal Commission on Mission (2019-2021);

• Member, Episcopal Commission on Pontificio Collegio Filippino (2019-2021); and

• Member, Episcopal Office on Bioethics (2023-2025).

Bishop of Tagbilaran

As the Bishop of Tagbilaran, Bishop Abet is also known for his inspiring, practical, and localized homilies and reflections, and for his pastoral work for those in the peripheries. Some of the notable reflections he said are as follows:

• When we put God first, all other things will fall into their proper place.

• Don’t judge people for the choices they make when you don’t know the options they had to choose from.

• Like any storm, all trials shall come to pass with God’s assistance, and through the intercession of Mary and our patron saints.  We will not lose hope.

• In our world today, where life is full of noise, stress, and online distractions, Our Lady invites us to go back to the basics: personal prayer, silence, and listening to God.

• The virtue of humility is an important foundation of prayer. Like the tax collector in the parable, we need to approach God with a humble heart.

• New Year resolutions serve as a catalyst for personal transformation, offering a pathway for individuals to strive toward becoming the best version of themselves, guided by biblical principles of wisdom, commitment, and spiritual growth.

• Let us entrust ourselves to the immeasurable mercy of God which is definitely greater than any sin we might have committed.

• May we learn to support one another in our battle against all forces of evil and to pray for the salvation of all.

• We cannot worship God and destroy and harm the environment and other creations of God.

For the married couples, Bishop Abet emphasized, “In the context of a wedding, the cross holds significant symbolism and meaning. Without the cross, a wedding would lose its spiritual depth and the reflection of Christ's love for the church. The cross serves as a reminder of the selfless love, commitment, and sacrifice that should be at the core of a marriage. Therefore, just as the cross is central to the Christian faith, it is also essential in the union of marriage, ensuring that the love shared between partners is rooted in faith, sacrifice, and devotion, creating a bond that is unbreakable and enduring.”

In 2024, Bishop Abet appealed to local officials and government agencies to protect a unique reef system in the province amid the planned construction of an interlink bridge connecting the four Visayan islands. He said, “It is with utmost urgency and profound concern that we address the critical need to safeguard and uphold the sanctity of the Danajon Double Barrier Reef. As custodians of this invaluable natural wonder, it is incumbent upon us to exert every effort within our means to ensure its protection and preservation for generations to come.”

In addition, Bishop Abet also advocates for the “Renewing the Oikos of God,” a phrase that refers to a call to action within the Catholic Church, particularly during the Season of Creation, to care for our common home, Earth, and all its inhabitants. Bishop Abet has been vocal about this theme, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and treat all of God’s creation with respect.

Finally, in 2023, Bishop Abet suggested six important habits that he would like the seminarians to acquire:

1. Regular Prayer: Candidates to the priesthood should establish a disciplined and consistent prayer life. This includes both personal and communal prayer, such as the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary, meditation, and contemplative prayer. Regular prayer helps candidates to develop a deep and intimate relationship with God, fostering spiritual growth and discernment.

2. Active Participation in the Eucharist: As the source and summit of the Christian life, the Eucharist holds central importance for candidates to the priesthood. Actively participating in the celebration of the Eucharist enables candidates to deepen their understanding of the sacrament and its significance within the life of the Church.

3. Reading and Contemplating the Word: Candidates should dedicate time to daily reading and reflection on the Scriptures. This habit fosters a profound understanding of the Word of God and its application to their personal lives and future pastoral ministry. Engaging in lectio divina, a spiritual practice of reading and meditating on the Scriptures, can aid in this contemplative process.

4. Studying Theological Books: In addition to the Bible, candidates should engage in systematic theological study by reading theological books, encyclicals, and other relevant texts. This habit equips them with a solid understanding of Christian doctrine, moral theology, pastoral care, and the teachings of the Church, providing a strong foundation for their future pastoral responsibilities.

5. Embracing Love for the Poor and Vulnerable: Candidates should actively engage in works of charity and compassion, particularly towards the poor and vulnerable in society. This habit is rooted in the Gospel imperative to serve others with love and humility, and it prepares candidates to embody the example of Christ, who showed special concern for the marginalized.

6. Maintaining a Healthy, Balanced Life: To effectively serve as spiritual leaders, candidates must prioritize their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This involves maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate rest, nurturing healthy relationships, seeking support when needed, and practicing self-care. A healthy, balanced life enables candidates to sustain the demands of pastoral ministry and serve with joy and vitality.

He further said, “By developing and nurturing these habits, candidates to the priesthood can cultivate a strong foundation for their spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation, preparing them to serve the Church and its members with dedication and compassion.”