Monsignor

Monsigor

And so, Fr. Roy's plan commenced. As he had foreseen, he was very popular among the clergy, and it was undoubtedly easy for him to win the Bishop's heart. Many priests smiled at him and greeted him as he entered the mountain resort lobby. He asked the concierge to send someone to collect all the goods he had brought with him for their feast. The Bishop arrived shortly after his mass at San Filomena Parish.

When everyone was gathered, the meeting began. They provided an update to the Bishop, particularly on the various pastoral activities and affairs of the District. The Bishop commended the various pastoral programs initiated by the parishes and the District, all of which were already bearing fruit. The results would not only bring recognition to the diocese but also to the higher-ups in Rome. The programs for the poor and homeless were exemplary in their results, not just in the region but also at the national level. The programs for indigent children and scholarships also drew regional attention, with some social action directors seeking advice. Most importantly, the district headed by Fr. Rommualdo "Roy" Demaguba created a financial program that would make them economically strong and independent, which gave the Bishop future assurance for the various programs of the entire diocese.

"I would like to commend all of you for the various programs you have initiated. I would also like to thank Fr. Roy for his unselfish and charitable service in the Diocese. This district has made an impact, not just in the region but also at the national level. The Bishops' Conference extends its felicitations and congratulations for the various efforts you, my priests, have made in the Diocese. Thank you very much! Thank you very much, Fr. Roy. A round of applause, please," said the Bishop.

"Thank you too, our dearest Bishop. You are our inspiration, especially your fatherly care, your generosity, and kindness you have extended to all of us. Without you, we can do nothing. You are our inspiration, Bishop, our father in the Diocese. You are indeed Godsend. Brother priests, let us give our Bishop a round of applause, please," said Fr. Roy to the Bishop and his fellow priests.

The Bishop smiled at them and gave a sign for silence. He then delivered this message: "I am about to retire. And currently, I am looking for potential candidates to replace me. In fact, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I am looking for someone who can continue the various programs I have started. I have already sent a recommendation letter to the Nunciature. I hope that you will find someone suitable to replace me."

"Bishop, don't say those things. For sure, Rome will give you an extension. You are still strong and healthy. I heard that you are still good at playing bowling and billiards. For sure, Rome will give it consideration," said Fr. Roy.

"I have already sent at least three names. Please be prudent enough for the evaluation," said the Bishop and continued, "It is final, and let us now celebrate." The Bishop gave a smile to Fr. Roy.

***

The candidates were:

· Fr. Benjamin Jose, the rector of the College Seminary.

· Fr. Garnet Ruiz, the Chancellor.

· Fr. Rommualdo Demaguba, the Vicar General of the Diocese.

The most ideal candidate among them was Fr. Benjamin Jose. He was the first one to be evaluated. Unfortunately, due to difficulty in tracing the person who spread the gossip, all the seminary formators, including Fr. Benjamin, were negatively affected by the statement, "All seminary formators are good in academics, virtues, and are surely highly intelligent. But they lack pastoral experience and are not suitable to become bishops." Many people were not aware that the majority of the different pastoral programs of the Diocese were carefully drafted by Fr. Benjamin and his co-formators to ensure that the programs would be more sustainable, lasting,  successful, and independent of any economic irregularities in the country and the community. It was also Fr. Benjamin's work that created a program to help priests and religious in crisis. All these credits for these programs were taken by Fr. Roy. Unfortunately, because of this hearsay, Fr. Benjamin failed the inquiry.

The second most suitable candidate was Fr. Garnet Ruiz, the Chancellor. Unfortunately, Fr. Garnet was currently suffering from various health issues. One was his heart condition, for which he would be undergoing a major surgical intervention for a heart bypass. The second ailment was his erratic diabetes. Consequently, he too failed the inquiry.

The last and least suitable candidate was Fr. Rommualdo Demaguba. Many had not seen his true intentions, but stories circulated that he was the best among the clergy. He was helpful, generous, kind, and highly sociable. The director of the Lay commission highly praised him and applied what Fr. Roy suggested, that the lay faithful should constantly serve the priests and his projects. The Lay Director even mentioned that the laity should be servants to the priests.

The different evaluations had just been submitted, and all they needed to do was wait for the final advice of the Nuncio and the Congregation for Bishops.

***

Months passed. And now a figure could be seen in the distance, seated at a presidential table. People and priests flocked to him, kissing the bishop's ring of the newly ordained bishop. He smiled, not in joy, but because his initial plan of being assigned to a better parish had been elevated to becoming the new bishop of his diocese. Those who disliked him would pay. The good priests who pestered him would pay. The seminary formators would be replaced to silence them. Only those who were close to him would remain.

A social media post from a lay faithful circulated around the internet: "Sorry, not in favor of Demaguba." 

                                                                                      END