With joy and deep gratitude, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Emilio “Boy” Bataclan offered a Thanksgiving Mass earlier today at the Martins of Lisieux Chapel of San Carlos Seminary College in celebration of his 60th Presbyteral Ordination Anniversary.

He was joined by Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla (Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to South Korea), Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma, Prosperidad Bishop Ruben Labajo, Pagadian Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Cabajar, and other visiting priests.

Recalling his own journey toward the priesthood and eventually the episcopacy, Bishop Boy reflected on how the grace of God quietly unfolded in his life, even amid personal uncertainties and moments of doubt.

He recounted a reminder from then Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal upon learning of his appointment as bishop—words that grounded him in humility and mission rather than honor.

“Put it in your mind that we are not canonizing you, we are giving you another job,” he recalled.

During his canonical retreat, this was further deepened by a reflection from Scripture, emphasizing that God’s call is not based on human merit, but on His desire to manifest His name through those He chooses (cf. Dt 7:7).

He ended his homily by expressing deep hope that, beyond knowing God in theory, one day all may come face to face with Him.

“Dugay na kaayo kong nakaila nimo, Ginoo, in theory. Pero moabot unta ang adlaw nga kaming tanan nga dia dinhi makita gyod sa Imong nawong kay niingon man ka, ‘I’m going to prepare a place for you so that where I am, there you will be,” said Bishop Bataclan.