Incoming Cebu auxiliary bishop Ruben Labajo (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Cebu) MANILA - The installation rites for Monsignor Ruben Labajo as the new auxiliary bishop of Cebu is set for August 19. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will lead the rites for Labajo's ordination at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 9 a.m. In an interview with Radio Veritas on Wednesday, Palma said the appointment of Bishop-elect Ruben Labajo is important in strengthening pastoral activities for the province's nearly 5 million Catholic population. "This is a great help, a great blessing because the [Archdiocese of] Cebu is very big and we know the pastoral ministries need the service of the bishop so we thank God and hope you will join us in this gratitude," he added. At the same time, the Cebu archbishop urged the faithful to continue to pray for the pastors of the church to remain steadfast in their duty to serve the people like the example of Jesus. "Please pray for us bishops to be perfect in our role as truly servant leaders, our life is like a good shepherd serving the people," he said. On June 23, Pope Francis appointed Labajo as auxiliary Bishop of Cebu in collaboration with Palma and Bishop Midyphil Billones. For his part, the new bishop humbly accepted his new mission in the church. In his nearly 30-year in the priesthood, the bishop-elect has served as Parish vicar in Mandaue City, Santa Fe Parish in Bantayan Island, and St. Joseph Parish in Tabunok Talisay, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. In 2017, the priest became part of the Council of Consultors, Episcopal Vicar in the first district of the archdiocese, and a member of the Presbyteral Council. (PNA) }