The Epitome of Fides

Perhaps there’s no one who better embodies Holy Cross College’s core value Fides (Faith) than our very own Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto.

Known to many as Apu Ceto, the Crucian alumnus hails from Sta. Ana Town. He is among the most well-loved religious figures and Catholic formators in Pampanga and the Philippines. As proof, many priests and parishioners follow Apu Ceto, not only because of his title but more importantly, because of his kind heart and compassion.

Apu Ceto is also celebrated by the Holy Cross College community. In 1954, Apu Ceto, or Ciniong as he was known as a little boy, graduated from Holy Cross Academy (now HCC).

Ciniong is born to a simple family in Brgy. San Joaquin, Sta. Ana, on March 09, 1937. He is the oldest among the four children of Regino Lansangan Aniceto and Felicima Pabalan Basilio-Aniceto.

Even as a boy, Ciniong has shown discipline and exemplary talents. He always topped his class in Holy Cross Academy. He is part of the school’s “Cream of the Crop”, a group of Crucians considered academic superstars.

But apart from providing him quality education, Holy Cross Academy also played a key role in the life of Ciniong. It was none other than Rev. Msgr. Fernando Capati Lansangan, the father and founder of HCC, who helped and supported Ciniong to enter the priesthood. Being from a simple family, Ciniong’s family did not have the means to send him to the seminary, so Rev. Msgr. Lansangan lent him a helping hand.

Ciniong heeded the call of priesthood upon graduation from HCA.

“Magpasalamat ku king Apung Ginu mekapag-aral ku king Holy Cross College Sta. Ana, Pampanga at meg gradudado ku 1954. Metung ya pung kalam a tinggap ku king Apung Ginu,” Apu Ceto said in a video presentation.

Apu Ceto was ordained on December 23, 1962 at the Metropolitan Manila Cathedral. On April 7, 1979, he was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Tuguegarao. His episcopal ordination at the St Peters Basilica in Vatican City was held on May 27, 1979. On October 20, 1983, he was appointed Bishop of Iba, Zambales. On January 31, 1989, Apu Ceto was named Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga. The Archbishop has been serving the Catholic Community for almost six decades now.

Because of his decades-long service as a Catholic formator, Apu Ceto has been recognized as one of the most estimable Kapampangans. In 1985, he was given the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award in the Religious Category.

In pursuit of his life’s mission to spread faith and charity, he heeded the call of his Alma Mater to be an example to young Crucians in living by the school’s core values: Fides, Caritas, Libertas. Apu Ceto nodded to become a member of Holy Cross College’s board of directors. He helps his Alma Mater become the leading Catholic educational institution in the eastside of Pampanga.

Now, he is a prime example of who a Crucian is. Much like Apu Ceto, a Crucian is one who is faithful and God-fearing, selflessly serves the community and lives and fights for truth and liberty.