New Filipino bishop of the Pacific’s Cook Islands hopes to ‘spiritually nourish’ his people

One month after his ordination as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado expressed his aspiration to “spiritually nourish” the people of God in the Pacific Ocean nation and develop a “harmonious relationship” with the priests of the diocese.

Getalado was ordained bishop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Cook Islands’ capital city, Avarua, on April 27 in the presence of Father Giosuè Busti, the first deputy-head of mission at the apostolic nunciature of the Holy See in Wellington and representative of Pope Francis, as well as hundreds of Catholic faithful.

Together with the passionate singing of hymns in Cook Islands’ Māori, English, Fijian (iTaukei), and Filipino at Getalado’s ordination Mass, several men, women, and clergy also wore traditional neck garlands, called Ei Kaki, as a symbol of welcoming, love, and belonging in a community.

“Catholic communities in general are friendly, generous, and active in participating in the life of the parish,” Getalado told CNA. “My hope is to look after the sheep of God in Cook Islands, spiritually nourish them, organize the diocese, and develop a good harmonious relationship with my priests in the diocese.”

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