‘Flags of unity’ inaugurated at Bishop’s House
Bishop Vicente M. Navarra together with Negros Occidental Governor Isidro P. Zayco and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia led the symbolic flag raising ceremony during the inauguration and blessing of the “Flags of Unity” in front of the Bishop’s House recently.
“Flags of Unity”, a project spearheaded by the Papal Awardees Association of the Diocese of Bacolod, highlight the Philippine Flag, the Papal Flag, the Province of Occidental Negros, City of Bacolod, Diocese of Bacolod and the San Sebastian Cathedral Parish flags.
Gov. Zayco and 303rd Infantry Brigade Commanding Officer Maximo Caro raised the Philippine Flag followed by NOPPO Director PSSupt. Manuel Felix and Benjamin Lopue who raised the provincial flag and Mayor Leonardia who raised the Bacolod City Flag.
Bishop Navarra and Papal Awardees Association President Dame Betty de la Rama raised the Papal Flag synchronizing with the Papal Hymn followed by the Diocesan Flag with Msgr. Victorino Rivas, Vicar General and Fr. Jesmar Manato, Rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary; and the San Sebastian Flag by Fr. Felix Pasquin, Rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral and Fr. Arnold Deletina, Parochial Vicar and Chair of the Commission on Youth.
After the flag raising ceremony, Bishop Navarra, Gov. Zayco, Mayor Leonardia, Col. Caro, PSSupt. Felix and de la Rama unveiled the marker of the “Flags of Unity” containing the names of the members of the Papal Awardees Association, and of the “Welcoming Christ”, a statue constructed in 2006 by the La Consolacion College High School Class of 1956.
In his message, Navarra said that the symbolical raising of flags represents the strong unity of the church and the country as he thanked the Papal Awardees for coming up with the idea. He also urged the people to seriously participate with the activities of the church and the community and continue doing worthy causes for the glory of God. (Capitol News)