Fr. Bong Tupino Installed at Holy Sacrifice Parish in UP Diliman

Fr. Bong Tupino, former CTK parish priest, was the last of the Cubao diocese priests to be formally ‘installed’. The installation mass was done at the UP Holy Sacri@ice Chapel last January 27, a Sunday. As with the Installation Rites of Fr. Steve Zabala eleven days earlier, it was announced that ‘We will witness the installation of your new shepherd, Fr. Bong. May Fr. Bong follow the example of Christ and serve this community with love. And may the community of this parish, join him with renewed spirits as we work together in the vineyard of the Lord.’ Assisting Fr. Bong was Brother Mark Puruganan.

After the Gospel, Fr. Jojo Simon, Diocese Fr. Bong with CTK well-wishers at UP Bahay ng Alumni Chancellor, read the appointment letter for Fr. Steve. In the Profession of Faith, Bishop Ongtioco said, ‘Remember, my brother, always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd, and a wise teacher of your people, so that you may lead them to Christ who will strengthen all that you do. As a teacher of that faith, I ask you now to lead your people in the profession of faith.’ To which Fr. Bong replied, ‘I, with firm faith believe and profess each and everything that is contained in the symbol of faith’ then proceeded to lead the crowd in reciting the Nicean Creed. Bishop Ness then asked Fr. Bong to renew his ordination promises. This was followed by the signing of the document.

Then came the Entrustment to the Place of Baptism, Confession, Tabernacle and the Presider’s Chair. The Bishop said, ‘Fr. Bong, as the new Tabernacle. May you be a loyal servant and guardian of the mysteries of Christ. In your service as a priest, the people of God will be born again through the waters of baptism, will be strengthened with the Bread of Life and the Word of God, will be renewed by the Sacraments and will be guided through faith, hope and love.’ At the end of this, Bishop Ness Ongtioco then presented Fr. Bong to the crowd, with the words, ‘My dear people of God of the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, welcome your new shepherd, Rev. Fr. Jose Tupino III. Let us give him a round of applause.’ The Cubao priests in attendance formed a queue to congratulate Fr. Bong. He then took his seat in the presider’s chair and continued the celebration of the mass.

Reception followed at the UP Bahay Ng Alumni.