By Mike Calingo (Guest Writer)
The Most Reverend Richard Smith was installed as the new Archbishop of Vancouver last Friday, May 23. A welcome reception was held in his honor at the Pacific Ballroom of the Fairmont Vancouver hotel. It was followed by the Installation Mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver.
Mike Calingo, the outreach coordinator of the Filipino Ministry, delivered a short message on behalf of its core team members, including the 8 Apostolic communities, namely Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Bukas Loob sa Dios, Couples for Christ, El Shaddai, Families for Christ, Missionary Families of Christ, Light of Jesus, The Loved Flock and the Filipino-Canadian community in general, to welcome the new spiritual leader of the archdiocese.
Archbishop Smith’s appointment comes of great significance to the Filipino-Canadian community. His experience with the indigenous groups for healing, inclusivity, and reconciliation bodes well for the community.
It has been close to a month since the tragic Lapu-Lapu event happened wherein 11 lives were lost and several injured due to the senseless violence. Even still in Edmonton, Archbishop Smith’s immediate response was not unnoticed. His call for prayers, healing and full support in solidarity with the community and the archdiocese’s fund-raising effort for the victims were greatly appreciated, Calingo added.
The Filipino-Canadian community has been supporting the programs of the archdiocese and shall continue to serve and to grow its faith under Archbishop Smith’s guidance. With the new Archbishop’s stewardship
in Vancouver, the Filipino-Canadian community shall look forward to a great collaboration.
ReyFort Media 
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