Around 2,000 faithful, 325 priests, and 40 bishops gathered at the San Sebastian Cathedral on Tuesday, August 11, to witness the installation of Most Rev. Louie Galbines as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod.
The solemn rite was presided over by Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, with Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, delivering the homily.
Born in Sagay City and raised in Bago City, Galbines was previously ordained to the priesthood at the same cathedral. Pope Francis appointed him to serve the Diocese of Kabankalan in 2018, before Pope Leo XIV named him the new bishop of Bacolod on May 14.
Reflecting on his return to his home province after eight years, Galbines described the transition as a profound spiritual milestone.
“Eight years later, Pope Leo XIV returned me to Bacolod—not longer a son, but a father,” he said.
Acknowledging his deep connection to his former diocese, Galbines noted the emotional weight of his departure.
“Leaving Kabankalan is never easy. It is not merely about a place which has a mystical landscape and awesome beaches,” he said. “It is about the heart of priests, the heart of religious men and women, and the heart of the people of God.”
Moving forward in his new pastoral role, Galbines expressed appreciation for his reception in Bacolod.
“I am nothing less than overwhelmed by your elegant and kingly welcome,” he said. “May our smiles turn into laughter as we journey and work together as friends, brothers, sisters, keepers, and as a family of God.”
He also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Bishop Patricio Buzon, noting that he intends to build upon the pastoral groundwork established before him.
During the service, Cardinal Advincula reminded Galbines that episcopal leadership requires total reliance on divine providence. Meanwhile, Archbishop Brown emphasized that the transition of leadership represents spiritual continuity for the local church.
“The Church in Bacolod and Negros continues uninterrupted,” Brown said, encouraging parents to actively guide their children in the Catholic faith and foster youth evangelization.
Local civic leaders also expressed their support for the new bishop. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya highlighted the shared mission between civil and ecclesiastical authorities.
”The church tends to the spirit, the city government builds the community, but our destination is exactly the same – the dignity and the upliftment of the Bacolodnon,” he added.