New Manila Cathedral rector to be installed April 14

MANILA – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will install on Friday the new rector of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, more popularly known as the Manila Cathedral, in Intramuros, Manila.

In a social media post on Thursday, the minor basilica said the installation rites will be held at 12:10 pm.

“We are glad to announce the installation of Msgr. Rolando dela Cruz as the new rector. Thank God for the blessing of our new rector,” it said.

Advincula appointed dela Cruz in October 2022 to replace Fr. Regie Malicdem, who served as head of the cathedral from July 2015 to October 2022.

Born in Malabon City in January 1959, dela Cruz was ordained priest by Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin at the same church in October 1985.

He also served as school director of the San Gabriel Academy, San Roque Catholic School, San Jose Academy, Pateros Catholic School, St. Anthony School, and Paco Catholic School.

Dela Cruz served in the Archdiocesan Curia of Manila as Vicar General, Moderator Curiae, and Oeconomus when he was serving as parish priest and school director.

An installation rite is a Christian liturgical act that formally inducts a pastor into a new role at a particular place, such as a cathedral.