DAVAO City— Pope Leo XIV praised Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao as a model of unity and peace as he marked 50 years in the priesthood.
In a message read during a Mass at San Pedro Cathedral on Friday, the pope commended Valles’ “long and dedicated pastoral ministry” and “attentive zeal” in serving entrusted communities.
He said the archbishop’s “ardent love for the flock” and “gracious humanity” offer a compelling example for fostering unity and building peace among the faithful.
The Vatican’s tribute described the golden jubilee as both a personal milestone and a reflection of sustained service to the Gospel and the wider Church.
Valles, speaking during the celebration, downplayed personal achievement and described his vocation as “an extraordinary gift of the priesthood given to my person, unworthy as I am.”
“All of you, in many ways, continuously taught me, and continue to teach me to be little, to be small, to be humble, not even to think of any legacy, and simply to be ready to fade away,” Valles said.
“Day after day you all remind me of my episcopal motto Illum Oportet Crescere – He, the Lord Jesus, must increase. I must decrease,” he added.
Among those present in the celebration were papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, and cardinals Jose Advincula of Manila, Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, and Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato.
About 40 other bishops also attended led by Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa and Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga, the president and vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, respectively.
Priesthood rooted in grace, not recognition
Advincula, in his homily, highlighted spiritual maturity, saying it “does not lie so much in expertise or experience… but in the grace and mercy of God.”
He warned priests against seeking approval, adding their growth “will be measured according to the depth of our reliance on God.”
Advincula described Valles’ ministry across multiple dioceses as a testament to faith, praising his “quiet courage to serve, to lead, to stay faithful through the years.”
He called the anniversary through a theme of perseverance, saying 50 years of priesthood is “like gold… refined over time with daily fire of holy trials.”
“Growing old, remaining, bold, and becoming gold — these are the virtues of Archbishop Valles,’ priesthood in the past 50 years,” Advincula said,
“We pray that he may further grow in these virtues for years to come and his ministry among us, among you here in Davao, may bear more fruit, and complete your joy,” he added.
Leadership marked by clarity, compassion
Garcera highlighted Valles’ broader impact, saying his service “has truly been a gift not only” to dioceses he led “but to the entire Philippine Church.”
He recalled Valles’ role at the Synod on the Family in 2014 and 2015 as “a moment of grace and honor,” noting his reflections emphasized marriage as “a valuable opportunity to proclaim the Gospel.”
He also pointed to Valles’ call to accompany couples in complex situations, saying such unions can be “a privileged place for interreligious dialogue in everyday life.”
Garcera expressed gratitude for Valles’ leadership as CBCP president from December 2017 to November 2021, noting that the Bishops’ Conference issued “51 pastoral letters and statements” during his tenure.
He said Valles helped guide the Church through crises with “clarity, prudence, and compassion,” particularly during periods marked by social concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valles, 74, was ordained priest for the Diocese of Tagum on April 6, 1976. He was appointed bishop of Kidapawan on June 24, 1997, and ordained a bishop on Aug. 6 that year.
In November 2006, he was named archbishop of Zamboanga, serving until 2012, when he was transferred to Davao.
