First Filipino bishop in U.S. gives thanks, seeks prayers in homeland

Published: 2004-08-13

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- The first Filipino appointed as a bishop in the United States returned home with a message of thanks and an appeal for prayers for his work. "I came back to my country, my homeland, for one main reason -- to give thanks to God for his goodness and special blessings in my life and priestly ministry," Auxiliary Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Los Angeles said in his homily during a Mass at Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Aug. 11. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, reported that bishops, priests and religious were among 800 people who joined Bishop Solis' family at his first major public Mass in the Philippines since being ordained Feb. 10. At the Manila cathedral, Bishop Solis said he counts among the gifts in his life his ordination as a bishop at age 50. He said he was looking forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination in April. The bishop met with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Aug. 10.

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