He took over in a formal Mass on 21 July 1972 until he resigned to his Pastoral task on 31 May 1991, upon turning 80 years of age, as established by the Pope. He was succeeded by Rómulo García, becoming then Archbishop Emeritus, where he continued working actively , despite his age.
From July 21, 1972, to May 31, 1991, he served as a priest in a formal Mass until he retired at the age of 80, as mandated by the Pope. He was succeeded by Rómulo García and became Archbishop Emeritus, continuing his work despite his age.