Cardinal Chito Tagle is now the bishop of Albano
Albano is a quiet, graceful suburb of Rome. Historically, it is reached from the Eternal City via the Appian Way, one of the most ancient and still-existing roads of the old Roman Empire. The Diocese of Albano traces its roots to Emperor Constantine—the very one who put a stop to Christian persecution—by donating some property in this area to the Catholic Church.
Dotted by towering umbrella pines along the way, Lake Albano is its natural crowning glory. The air is cool and the greenery is a relief for tired eyes. It is no wonder that the Pope’s summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, is here—situated on a hill with a majestic view of the lake and a forest that blankets its shores.
It is this diocese that has been assigned to Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as its Titular Bishop, announced in May of this year.
On Oct. 11, the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano celebrated the installation of its new Titular Bishop. The title is a great honor, as it is one of the oldest dioceses of Rome, established in the 4th century.
This is a position that previously belonged to Pope Leo XIV. When he appointed Cardinal Chito Tagle to the post, the ever-humble man was grateful but only concerned that it might affect his work as Pro-Prefect for Evangelization, to which the Cardinal is very much dedicated. He was assured that it would not, as the Diocesan Bishop, Vincenzo Viva, carries on as the administrative head of Albano.
The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. Pancras, which dates to the year 1721 but stands on the foundations of a much older basilica originally built by Emperor Constantine.
The liturgical celebration and rite were marked by much warmth from the townsfolk and sincere joy from brother clergymen.
During the liturgy, His Eminence delivered a loving message of hope, punctuated with engaging anecdotes that drew laughter from the congregation despite the formality of the affair.
In attendance were the 13 mayors and 13 parish priests of the diocese, inviting the good Cardinal to celebrate Mass in their parishes someday. Concelebrated by countless members of the clergy, the Cardinal pointed out that his beloved parents were unfortunately not able to be there, but friends and family from the United States, Canada, and the Philippines came on their behalf, which the congregation kindly applauded. His dear brother, Manuel, and the first woman governor of the Vatican, Sister Raffaella Petrini, sat in the front row.
The evening ended with a lovely reception at the Laudato Si’ Gardens at Castel Gandolfo. Together with priests from Collegio Filippino, Cardinal Chito moved the guests with a heartfelt rendition of a composition by Ryan Cayabyab based on the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, Il Signore.
People recognize him as he walks down the street. Some simply look at him shyly, but others are more courageous. An Italian woman identified him: “It’s the Cardinal from the Philippines! I want to meet him!” And she found her chance to speak with him later at the church sacristy.
At a local restaurant, visitors from East Timor were over the moon. One man exclaimed, “We couldn’t take a photo with him when he visited our country. Now he is here!” A group of Vietnamese priests, too, had their moment taking photos and conversing with him.
Close to his heart, too, are the Filipino migrant workers. Being the only Filipino Cardinal who currently heads a dicastery in the Roman Curia, he is thanked by his countrymen for bringing honor to Filipinos everywhere. “Nag-iba ang tingin nila sa amin dahil sa inyo.” He recounts this with a melancholy smile that reveals how much it tugs at his heart.
Oct. 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar. After celebrating a special Mass for migrant workers, the Cardinal blesses a small group of pilgrims with a special gift he received. Knowing this is a significant day for him, the Archbishop of Zaragoza, Spain sent a present for the occasion: a beautiful silver image of Our Lady of the Pillar, of which the original is itself in Zaragoza. Cardinal Chito has a special love for Nuestra Señora del Pilar, having written poetry and songs in her honor.
Each time Cardinal Chito comes back to the Philippines, prior to his departure for Rome, he makes it a point to celebrate Mass at the parish where he began as an active member of its Youth Ministry and eventually held office as Bishop of the diocese. This special church is Imus Cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar.
Back at his office in Rome, Cardinal Chito shares that he sometimes looks out the window and observes the people in the piazza below. At the center of the piazza is a beautiful monument to the Immaculate Conception. Standing atop a column 39 feet tall, she too gazes lovingly at the people below. It certainly must give him some solace and remembrance of home. She does, after all, bear a striking resemblance to Our Lady of the Pillar.
