By Social Communications

Published on March 1, 2025

BALANGA, BATAAN – Bishop Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr., 52, was officially installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Balanga during a Mass at the Cathedral Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in Balanga City, Bataan, on March 1.

The installation was led by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, who formally seated him in the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, symbolizing the authority granted to him as the new shepherd of the diocese.

In his first address to the congregation as the Bishop of Balanga, Sescon assured the faithful that he would continue the work of his predecessors for the good of the diocese.

“Rest assured that I will be an instrument of unity and continuity. Please help me in this mission,” Sescon said, emphasizing his commitment to serve the people of Balanga with humility and dedication.

Prior to his installation, Bishop Sescon was ordained on February 25, 2025, in a ceremony presided over by Most Rev. Socrates Villegas at the Manila Cathedral. Co-consecrators included Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, and His Eminence Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, who also served as the homilist during the ordination.

In his homily, Bishop Sescon spoke about the importance of unity within the Church, noting that, “while unity is a blessing, our unity as a Church is unique.”

He explained that the Church’s unity is not based on personal interests or worldly reasons but is rooted in God’s grace and service. “May this also be the foundation of our unity,” he added.

The installation Mass was attended by over 20 bishops, including Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

In his address to local officials, Bishop Sescon assured them of his full cooperation for the betterment of the province, saying, “Let us unite for true progress, justice, and peace, which are part of God’s plan.”

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Sescon as the new bishop of Balanga on December 3, 2024, succeeding Bishop Ruperto Santos, who was transferred to the Diocese of Antipolo in 2023.

Sescon, who served as an aide to the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, now takes on the responsibility of leading the Diocese of Balanga into the future.