It's been 50 years since the first Monghas arrived in Calbayog

My 2013 Visita Iglesia

As part of my observance of Holy Thursday, I visited 7 chapels / churches tonight. Here are some pictures I managed to take during the said visit.

Holy Infant Jesus Parish Church (Oquendo)

Holy Trinity Parish Church (Sabang)

Chapel of the Daughters of Mary Consolatrix of the Holy Eucharist (Ipao)

St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Ipao)

St. Roche Mission Center Chapel (Dagum)

Poor Clare Monastery Chapel

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.

The Pilgirm Relics of St. Therese of Lisieux to visit the Diocese of Calbyayog

The Holy Relics of St. Therese of Lisieux will be in the Diocese of Calbayog on the 17th and 18th of February 2013

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.

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.