St. Therese at the Poor Clares

The third stop of the Calbayog City visit of the Holy Relics of St. Therese was the Poor Clare Monastery. Bishop Isabelo Abarquez was on hand to give some reflection on the virtues of St. Therese for the faithful who have gathered together with the Poor Clare nuns whom Calbayognons fondly refer to as "Monghas". After the veneration, the relic was brought to Catbalogan where it will be venerated tonight until tomorrow morning.

The Holy Relics St. Therese at Consolatrix

After the veneration at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the relics of St. Therese was brought to the Monastery of the Sisters of Mary Consolatrix of the Eucharist which is located in Barangay San Policarpo. A good number of the faithful from Ipao were on hand to the listen to the reflection given by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez; and to venerate the holy relics.

Welcome Mass for the Holy Relic of St. Therese of Lisieux

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez presided over the Pontifical Mass which welcomed the Holy Relics of St. Therese to the Diocese of Calbayog. The faithful of Calbayog filled the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral where the Holy Relic was venerated until 1:00 in the afternoon. The Cathedral was the first of the various places of worship in which the Relic will be venerated during it visit in Samar and Leyte.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez as he incensed the reliquary of St. Therese.

Monsignor Albert Songco as he delivered a message on behalf of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.

New Team of Pastors for Our Lady's Nativity Parish

The new Team of Pastors of Our Lady's Nativity Parish was formally installed today. Forming the team are Monsignor Francisco Cinco III, Rev. fr. Niceas Abujuela and Rev. Fr. Roland Cajegas. Bishop Isabelo Abarquez delivered the homily during the Installation Mass which was held at the Sts. Peter Cathedral. The new pastors will be serving the parish until year 2017.

The Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Mike Aguilar after he read the appointment of the new Team of Pastors.

The new Pastors as they signed their appointment papers (l-r) Rev. Fr. Niceas Abujuela, Msgr. Francisco Cinco III and Rev. Fr. Roland Cajegas. Witnessing the signing is Rev. Fr. Mike Aguilar.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez as he officially welcomed the Team of Pastors to Our Lady's Nativity Parish.

PRO8 partners with Church for peaceful May 2013 polls

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez confers with PNP-8 Regional Director PCSUPT Elmer Soria during a visit last December 8, 20132 at the Bishop's House. Present during the meeting were officers of PRO8's Regional Special Operations Task Force. (LSDE photo)

Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte - The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) will be partnering with the Roman Catholic Church to help ensure the peaceful conduct of the midterm elections next year, especially in the province of Samar. (read more ...)

San Pedro Calungsod in Calbayog

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez raises the replica of the Pilgrim Image of San Pedro Calungsod after it was turned over to the Diocese of Calbayog during the Pontifical Mass which welcomed the image of the 2nd Filipino saint to the Diocese of Calbayog. In photro with the Bishop are Rev. Fr. Cris Tan and Rev. Fr. Armando Cagomoc.

A place of honor for Our Lady of Fatima

The structure near the cathedral which was constructed to house the image of Our Lady of Fatima was inaugurated today. The inauguration was preceded by a mid-morning procession and a Pontifical Mass which was presided over by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez. Invited to the event were  Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, the members of the family of Elena Tan and officer of religious organizations, among others.

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and Mr. Marlon Tan as they carried the image of Our Lady of Fatima to its place.

The Bishop's Message for candidates

Walk for Peace held in Calbayog

In celebration of the National Month of Peace, a "Walk for Peace with Mama Mary" was held in Calbayog yesterday. The event which was jointly organized by the Diocese of Calbayog and the LGU-City of Calbayog was participated in by student and members of various religious and non-religious organization. The walk commenced in front of the City Hall and was capped by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist the the Nijaga Park.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez and Mayor Ronaldo Aquino as they led the release of the doves. In photo are Rev. Fr. Julio Gaddi,  Dr. Socorro Bohol and PCInsp Eifronio Obong, Jr.

Dr. Francie Santos laid to rest

Dr. Francisca Palermo-Santos was laid to rest yesterday. Bishop Isabelo Abarquez presided over the funeral mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Here's my raw video of Rev. Fr. Tony Rosales, ofm as he delivered his homily during the funeral mass.

in memoriam Bishop Sincero Barcenilla Lucero

Today we commemorate the 19th Death Anniversary of Bishop Sincero Lucero,
the Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Calbayog (1979-1984)
(Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Calbayog)

Date	Age	Event	Title
22 Dec 1935		Born	Carcar
18 Mar 1961	25.2	Ordained Priest	Priest
8 Mar 1977	41.2	Appointed	Bishop of Borongan, Philippines
24 May 1977	41.4	Ordained Bishop	Bishop of Borongan, Philippines
10 Dec 1979	44.0	Appointed	Bishop of Calbayog, Philippines
11 Oct 1984	48.8	Resigned	Bishop of Calbayog, Philippines
3 Sep 1993	57.7	Died	Bishop Emeritus of Calbayog, Philippines