CARDINAL CHITO TAGLE IS NOW THE BISHOP OF ALBANO

Albano is a quiet, graceful suburb of Rome. Historically, it is reached from the Eternal City via the Appian Way, one of the most ancient and still-existing roads of the old Roman Empire. The Diocese of Albano traces its roots to Emperor Constantine — the very one who put a stop to Christian persecution — by donating some property in this area to the Catholic Church.

- MISSY SANARES-REYES

His Eminence, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Titular Bishop of the Suburbanic Diocese of Albano. His vestments were truly Filipino, made of embroidered piña material which he had worn for another occasion years ago. Designed by Gang Gomez, now Dom Martin de Jesus Gomez, OSB.

(Photos from: JESUIT COMMUNICATIONS: Fr. MARK ANTHONY REYES, Fr. BONIFACIO "TED" LOPEZ, AIRENE GAN PEREZ)

Dotted by towering umbrella pines along the way, Lake Albano is its natural crowning glory. The air is cool and the greenery is a relief for tired eyes. It is no wonder that the Pope's summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, is here — situated on a hill with a majestic view of the lake and a forest that blankets its shores.

It is this diocese that has been assigned to Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as its Titular Bishop, announced in May of this year.

On Oct. 11, the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano celebrated the installation of its new Titular Bishop. The title is a great honor, as it is one of the oldest dioceses of Rome, established in the 4th century.

This is a position that previously belonged to Pope Leo XIV. When he appointed Cardinal Chito Tagle to the post, the ever-humble man was grateful but only concerned that it might affect his work as Pro-Prefect for Evangelization, to which the Cardinal is very much dedicated. He was assured that it would not, as the Diocesan Bishop, Vincenzo Viva, carries on as the administrative head of Albano.

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. Pancras, which dates to the year 1721 but stands on the foundations of a much older basilica originally built by Emperor Constantine.

The liturgical celebration and rite were marked by much warmth from the townsfolk and sincere joy from brother clergymen.