Youngest rector installed at Manila Cathedral

MANILA, Philippines - The historic Manila Cathedral is now in the hands of its youngest rector so far.

Fr. Reginald Malicdem, 37, was formally installed as the cathedral’s rector Friday night by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. He assumed the post on July 1, replacing Monsignor Nestor Cerbo.

Tagle said when he informed Malicdem that he would serve as rector of Manila Cathedral for six years, or until the assignment is revoked, the priest was overwhelmed with excitement and fear, but obeyed.

In Malicdem’s 11 years as a priest, he served in parishes but has never assumed the post of parish priest. He has been a secretary to two archbishops of Manila – Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Tagle.

 “So this is how it feels like to be installed. After 11 years of being a priest and attending several installations, I could not believe that now I am the one being installed,” he said.

Malicdem said he “managed the (archbishop’s) residence, the household and the office of the Archdiocese of Manila, now I am entrusted with an even bigger task of taking care of His church.”

When asked to comment about his inexperience, Malicdem said he does not know why Tagle chose him, since the cathedral “is for senior (priests). Maybe the Cardinal saw how I worked.”

Aside from being rector of Manila Cathedral, Malicdem said he will stay on as Tagle’s secretary. He was also recently appointed as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila. Despite his busy schedule, he is not inclined to give up teaching. 

He said he makes up for his inexperience by educating himself about the cathedral. 

“I did a lot of studying and I have been getting information from those who have been long-time parish priests. About a week ago, I met almost every day with contractors who were responsible for renovating the Manila Cathedral so that I would know what works were done,” Malicdem said.