Father Rafael Cruz, 64, has been ordained as the new bishop of Baguio City during a ceremony at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City. His episcopal ordination on September 7 was led by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, with co-consecrators Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz and Bishop Jesse Mercado of Parañaque.
In his message, Bishop Cruz humbly offered his ministry to the Blessed Virgin Mary and asked for prayers, acknowledging his own limitations. “I still don’t know why I was made a bishop. Only Jesus knows… Please pray for me,” he said.
During his homily, Archbishop Villegas emphasized that the role of a bishop is to lead by example. “In your handicaps, be an example… You are called to be a martyr, you are called to be an example for the Lord’s flock,” Villegas urged.
Bishop Cruz will be formally installed as Baguio’s third bishop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement on September 17, succeeding Archbishop Bendico, who was transferred to the Archdiocese of Capiz in 2023.
Bishop Cruz has an extensive background in both religious and academic fields. He studied philosophy and theology at institutions in Baguio and Vigan, and later pursued advanced degrees in counseling and clinical psychology from Ateneo de Manila University. His varied roles include serving as a parish priest, chaplain, teacher, and spiritual advisor, with contributions to both the Church and academic communities.