Rev. Fr. Rufino "Jun" Sescon Jr. was formally installed Monday as the new parish priest and rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
Sescon was appointed by Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula last August, replacing Monsignor Hernando Coronel who held the position since 2015.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas recalled his connections and similarities with Sescon, acknowledging his abilities and capabilities in his new position.
"I understood Fr. Jun's worries because he was being given a new life, a new perspective and a new way of living when he was appointed by the Archbishop to be a rector and parish priest of Quiapo Church," Villegas said.
"There will be big changes. In some ways, I feel sympathetic to Fr. Jun, but in another way, I know he will not be alone, not just because you are all here, but also because he will not be left alone by the Nazarene," he added.
Archbishop Advincula reminded Sescon of his duty as the Church's new parish priest, and urged the Catholic faithful to support him.
"Your love will mold him to be a good priest. Your deepened faith and truthful prayers, your persistence in faithfulness, your care for the parish and for each other will build Fr. Jun to be a good shepherd of this community," Advincula said, addressing the public.
"Look upon Jesus in your prayers and reflections in the Word of God. Let his face mark on memory in your heart and mind. You'll see Jesus in every person you'll encounter," the Archbishop said to Sescon.
Sescon thanked the public following his installation as the new parish priest of Quiapo Church.
"I can't perform this mission alone. Let us unite and help each other in bringing the glory and blessings of the Nazarene," Sescon said.
