Bishop Abcede assumes pastoral governance of Daet diocese

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat / CBCP News

Bishop Herman Abcede formally assumed his role as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Daet on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

A member of the Rogationist Fathers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Abcede succeeds Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, who was appointed in February 2024 to lead the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Reflecting on his episcopal motto, “Rogate Ergo Dominum Messis” (Therefore, pray to the Lord of harvest), he said the passage serves as a guiding principle in his leadership.

“The work of evangelization does not begin with a strategy but with supplication. The mission is not ours to control, but the Lord’s to direct,” Abcede said.

“When we pray for laborers we acknowledge that evangelization is God’s work and we become open to His plan, [prepared for an unexpected answer],” he added.

“When we pray for laborers, God often calls us to be part of the answer,” he continued to say in his message. “Our prayers should come with the willingness to respond, ‘Here I am Lord, send me.’”

Abcede was ordained to the episcopate by Alarcon, who also presided over the installation ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

About 13 bishops attended the occasion, including Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, who delivered the homily.

“Bishop Herman is the answer to your prayers. He comes here as a worker who cannot be repaid, [one] who cannot be remunerated, because his renumeration can only be completed in heaven,” Villegas said.

“He comes here without a boss but the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He comes as a worker who is appointed; and he is going to work differently by blessing us,” he added.

Born in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Abcede was ordained a priest on June 8, 1996. His religious congregation, founded by St. Hannibal, is dedicated to praying for and fostering vocations.

“Bishop Abcede comes home as a bishop for the Church in Daet—a worker of the Lord, the work of the Lord, and a co-worker with God’s people,” Villegas said. “He is going to be our brother, our friend, walking with us.”