Click here to download the Explanation and Primer in PDF format. Click here to download the Coat of Arms. EPISCOPAL MOTTO (Sable [black] text on Or [gold] Banner) SERVUS TUUS SUM. I am Your Servant. The Archbishop’s motto is inspired by Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and by Jesus’ instruction to the disciples, to wit: “I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1, 38) So, you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘ We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17, 9-10) Other scriptural inspirations are: “The greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” (Luke 22, 26); “I have come not to be served but to serve.” (Matther 20, 28); “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14). ‘Tuus’ (Your), referring to Jesus, expresses the conviction a bishop’s life and ministry find meaning and fulfillment through, with and in Jesus, the Master. Among the Archbishop’s preferred counsels is “We are workers, not master builders.” ‘Sum’ (I am) indicates willingness to serve. The motto is a prayer for the Archbishop: that his life and ministry be infused with Mary’s availablity (disponibilité) and Jesus’ self-offering (kenosis), so that the underserved grace of serving God and his people be sustained in him. HERALDIC DESCRIPTION (Blazon) Per saltire (X – crosswise)  in Argent (silver) with eight small Crosses in Gules (red); Chief point in Gules (red), with the Lamb of God with staff on the Sacred Scriptures with four markers in Argent and Sable (silver and black); Sinister flank in Azure (blue), with the Icon of Inâ, Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Or (Gold) and with a rosary and letter ‘M’ on the icon in Sable (black); Dexter flank in Vert (green) with a sun with twelve rays in Or (gold) over a Dominican Cross in Argent and Sable (silver and black), Base point in Or (gold) with a nimbed eagle in Argent (silver) above waves in Azure and Argent (blue and silver); At center, a smaller shield in Argent with three fishes in Or (gold). EXPLANATION OF THE CHARGES IN THE COAT OF ARMS CHIEF POINT (Upper) AGNUS DEI WITH PASTORAL STAFF, ON SACRED SCRIPTURES. The Agnus Dei represents Jesus, the ‘Messiah-the Suffering-Servant’. Jesus is King (Rex) and High Priest —the offeror (sacrificare –to offer sacrifice) and the victim (sacrificari –to be sacrificed) on the cross. The clement Lamb a reminder of God’s mercy. The Lamb is also associated with St. John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God —Agnus Dei (cf. John 1, 29). St. John, who said: “He must increase, I must decrease,” is the patron of the Parish in Daet, Camarines Norte, where the Archbishop was baptized and confirmed. Daet is his birthplace. The Pastoral Staff represents the Good Shepherd, whom the Archbishop is called to imitate; a reminder that his ministry is of humble service rather than lording over; care than honor; stewardship than ownership; going to peripheries than simply maintenance; self-giving than self-preservation. The Sacred Scriptures represents Jesus, the Word made flesh, whom the Archbishop strives to give witness to. Jesus is the incarnate Word who, not self-referential, sends disciple-missionaries for evangelization. The four markers represent the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The aforementioned images symbolize the three offices of a Bishop, namely: to sanctify —Sanctificandi (Lamb), to govern —Governandi (Staff) and to teach —Docendi (Sacred Scriptures). SINISTER FLANK (Left) ICON OF INÂ, OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA. The icon of Inâ signifies the Archbishop’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her significant role in his journey to the priesthood. He started as a seminarian under the Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and ordained a deacon and priest under the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, both in Naga City. The crown of the Virgin marks the year of the Archbishop’s appointment to Caceres,  2024, the Centennial year of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. On closer look, the icon bears a rosary, symbolizing the Lady of the Holy Rosary, the patroness of the Holy Rosary Minor and College Seminary, as well as the UST Central Seminary where the Archbishop had his initial formation for the priesthood. The letter ‘M’ represents St. John Paul II, who was totally devoted to the Virgin (Totus Tuus) and to whom the Archbishop has a special devotion, especially because of his visit to the Philippines and the Central Seminary in 1995 for the World Youth Day. 1995 was also the 400th year of the establishment of Caceres (1595). DEXTER FLANK (Right) SUN AND DOMINICAN CROSS. The Sun represents St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic Education and of the seminaries and schools where the Archbishop obtained his formation: the Naga Parochial School, Holy Rosary Minor and College Seminary, the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary and Ecclesiastical Faculties, and the Pontifical Gregorian University. In his pastoral assignments, St. Thomas has always been an inspiration. The same Sun, with a smiling face, represents the Youth, as he was named bishop on the Year of the Youth in the Philippines, 2019. The Dominican Cross pays homage to St. Dominic of Guzman, and to his mentors and teachers, and especially to former Ordinaries of Caceres, +Francisco Gainza, OP and +Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP. BASE POINT (Lower) NIMBED EAGLE. The Eagle, presented as nimbed or one with an aureole, represents St. John the Evangelist and the Archdiocese of Caceres. Its feet hold a thunderbolt, alluding to the nickname ‘boanerges’ which was given by Christ to St. John and his brother James, meaning ‘Sons of Thunder.’ St. John the Evangelist is the Titular of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga, where the Archbishop spent most of his years in the priestly ministry. St. John is also the Patron of the Naga Parochial School, where he was Director prior to his election to the Episcopacy. THE TAU CROSS. The minuscule Tau cross on the feathers of the eagle is symbolic of St. Francis, the model of the Franciscans and Pope Francis. The then-Diocesis de Nueva Caceres was, for a long time, under the Franciscan Missionaries, among whom was St. Pedro Bautista —Titular Patron of the Archdiocese of Caceres. The same Tau cross also signifies unity with Pope Francis, who appointed the Archbishop. The cross is hardly visible like the signatures of Pope Francis. WAVES. The waves represent Caramoan, the provenance of his family —both father and mother side. INESCUTCHEON (Center) THREE FISHES. The three intertwined fishes are an ancient symbol for the Holy Trinity —one God, three Divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Spirit. These also represent the Diocese of Daet, where the Archbishop was first assigned as its fourth ordinary from 2019-2024. The Trinity is at the very center of the coat indicating the centrality of the Holy Trinity in the life and ministry of the Archbishop. The Most Holy Trinity is the source and model of Synodality —communion, participation and mission. The Archbishop prays that his ministry may respond to the call of Pope Francis towards a more synodal Church. DIVISIONS, TINCTURES AND EMBELLISHMENTS PER SALTIRE (diagonal cross with four divisions).  The ‘X’ division of the shield represents the Cross (crux decussata) of St. ANDREW, the ‘namesake’ of the Archbishop. St. Andrew accepted the call to be a ‘fisher of men’ after John pointed to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’ (John 1, 35-41). On his martyrdom, he considered himself ‘unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus.’ The Argent (silver) field with eight crosses in Gules (red) is adapted from the Alarcon Coat of Arms. Incidentally, the dexter and sinister flanks in Azure (blue) and Vert (green) appear like wings —‘con alar’ (with a wing), the Archbishop’s family name. TINCTURES (Colors) AND EMBELLISHMENTS. The fields are colored Gules (red), Azure (blue), Vert (green) and Or (gold). Gules (red) symbolizes the martyrdom of St. Andrew, St. John the Baptist, St. Pedro Bautista, and Jesus Christ —the Lamb of God. It also symbolizes courage, service and love. Vert (green) represents St. Joseph, a hidden yet obedient, silent yet diligent, tender yet courageous father, on whose Solemnity — March 19 — the Archbishop was ordained to the Episcopacy. Green also symbolizes life and hope. Or (gold) symbolizes divinity, wisdom and grace. Azure (blue) symbolizes faith, patience and creativity. Sable (black) and Argent (silver) symbolize humanity, humility and truth. THE PROCESSIONAL CROSS AND GALERO with twenty tassels indicate the hierarchical rank of the bishop. Vert (green) is the heraldic color for the galero and tassels of the Archbishop. The style of the Cross is taken from the Coat of Arms of +Pedro Paulo Santos. The style of the Galero is taken from the Coat of Arms of +Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP.

By Myrna S. Bermudo Five decades of priestly commitment will be highlighted during the Thanksgiving Mass of the Fourth Archbishop of Caceres, Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, O.C.D, D.D., as he celebrates his 50th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary on April 21, 2024. This will be held at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine, Naga City, at 9:30 in the morning. The Archbishop received his ordination as a priest of the Order of Discalced Carmelite (OCD) in Rome, on April 21, 1974. Born in Sampaloc Manila, he received basic education at the Centro Escolar University in 1952 to 1958, took political science in San Beda before he entered San Carlos Seminary for his degree in philosophy which he completed in 1968. Attracted to silence, he joined the Order of the Discalced Carmelites (OCD) on August 15, 1964. He made his final profession or final vows as a Carmelite on February 10, 1968. In 1970, he completed his degree in Theology at Mount Carmel Carmelite Monastery in Haifa, Israel. He has a licentiate in spirituality which he earned at the Institute of Spirituality in Rome. As a Carmelite priest, he was entrusted with the following roles: novice director, postulant director, superior of the Carmelite community in Manila and provincial superior of the Philippine province until his ordination as bishop in 1994. His episcopal motto is Christi Sumus, We Belong to Christ. He was the 34th Bishop and 4th Archbishop of Caceres. Basic ecclesial communities, Catholic education through parochial schools accessible to poor families, social action activities especially during the pandemic and immediate response to victims of natural calamities were given emphasis during his episcopacy. He has a soft heart for the youth and the marginalized. He is also a voracious Bible reader. Biblical narratives from the old and new testaments mark his homilies and talks. He was the head of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, the CBCP Commission on Biblical Apostolate and NASSA, the CBCP social action commission. He was the Bishop of Infanta from 2003 to 2012. On September 8, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated Tirona to Archbishop of Caceres, replacing the retiring Leonardo Legaspi. On November 14, 2012, Feast of All Carmelite Saints, he was installed as the 4th Archbishop of Caceres at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Naga City. When he celebrated his 75th birthday, he thanked his supporters and those who prayed for his ministry saying: “I am truly grateful that I have wonderful friends remembering me, praying for me, encouraging me in my life and in my ministry. At the end of the day, our treasure is our friends who journey with us day by day.” Pope Francis accepted his resignation on February 22 and appointed Daet Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. as his successor. On April 16, he was feted during the monthly clergy assembly. “With you my dear clergy of Caceres, you made my episcopacy easiest. It was indeed a great blessing being assigned here in Caceres,” he said in response.

By Myrna S. Bermudo Archbishop-designate Rex Andrew C. Alarcon will entrust himself to Our Lady of Peñafancia at the Basilica Minore upon arrival on May 1, the day prior to his installation. This was revealed in a Circular released by the Archdiocese of Caceres on the Schedule of Activities of Receptions and Installation of Archbishop-designate Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., the 5th Archbishop of Caceres. Pope Francis has appointed Alarcon as the new archbishop of Caceres on February 22. The entrustment will happen at ten o’clock in the morning at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Balatas, Pilgrim City of Naga. It is an act of entrusting his episcopacy to the protection, guidance and intercession of Our Lady. In the Gospel, Jesus entrusted His beloved disciple, John, to Mary while he was on the cross (Jn 19, 26-27) Alarcon has a great devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia. At seven in the morning on May 1, a motorcade will depart from Daet, Camarines Norte where Alarcon has served as bishop since his appointment by Pope Francis in January 2, 2019. The convoy will proceed to Gainza for the liturgical reception. A Liturgical Reception is a liturgical ceremony composed of hymns and prayers to formally welcome Archbishop-designate Alarcon in his ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the Archdiocese of Caceres. He will be received by Fr. Joseph Wilfred V. Almoneda, Vicar General, together with Fr. Fernando Catolico, Parish Priest of the St. Dominic de Guzman Parish, in Gainza, Camarines Sur and the parish priests of the nearby parishes in Naga City. This is the first parish church where the convoy will pass as Archbishop Alarcon enters the territory of the Archdiocese of Caceres. It is noteworthy to mention that the 53-year-old Alarcon who holds a licentiate in Church history, which he obtained from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2001, has for his thesis: “The Status of the Diocese of Caceres during the incumbency of Bishop Francisco Gainza, OP (1862-1879)”. Gainza town is named after Bishop Francisco Gainza, OP. It has a monument in honor of Bishop Gainza in the town plaza named after the Dominican bishop. After the liturgical reception, the convoy will proceed to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia for the entrustment to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia . Immediately after the entrustment rite, a civic reception will commence at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall at the Basilica Complex. Provincial and City officials and groups headed by the Governor, and the Naga and Iriga City Mayors, are expected to attend the Civic Reception. The civic reception of Archbishop-designate Alarcon will be a joint collaboration by the local governments of Camarines Sur and Naga City. At three in the afternoon, Archbishop-designate Alarcon will meet the media representatives at the Johannine Hall of the Pastoral Center at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist for a Press  Conference. Expected to attend are local and national media representatives. He will be installed as 35th Bishop and 5th Archbishop of Caceres in a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 9:00 AM on May 2 at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Papal Nuncio Charles Brown shall lead the installation.

By Myrna S. Bermudo On February 29, Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Luisito A. Occiano as the new bishop of Virac. The appointment was publicly announced by the Vatican at 7:00 pm Philippine time. The Diocese of Virac has jurisdiction over the province of Catanduanes. Outgoing Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD., DD, announced the appointment to a group of priests gathered at the Archbishop’s Residence in Naga City. In Catanduanes, outgoing Virac Bishop Manolo de Los Santos also announced the appointment of Fr. Occiano after the Eucharistic celebration he presided with the diocesan clergy at the Cave Chapel of the Immaculate Conception Seminary. “With hearts brimming with gratitude to the Almighty, we joyously announce the appointment of our new bishop, Rev. Fr. Luisito Audal Occiano,” said the Diocese of Virac in their Facebook post. “As we collectively lift our voices in thanksgiving for the dedicated service of our beloved Bishop Manolo de los Santos throughout the years, we also extend a warm welcome to Bishop-elect Luisito Occiano.” The Diocese of Virac is preparing to celebrate its Golden Jubilee Year on August 27, 2024. “With great joy and anticipation, the Catanduanes government extends its warmest felicitations to the newly appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Virac, His Excellency Most Rev. Luisito A. Occiano,” said the Catandungan provincial government on its social media account. “Let us join together in prayer and support as we turn to this new chapter under the leadership of Bishop Luisito Occiano. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and bless Bishop Occiano in his sacred ministry, and may the Diocese of Virac flourish under his loving care.” “Missionaries are supposed to be ready to face any consequences as he could be accepted or rejected by the people. As I prepare for my new mission, I believe that the Diocese of Virac will be a very friendly, a very warm and a very good place to bring the Good News,” said Bishop - elect Occiano on his appointment. Fr. Occiano currently serves as the rector and parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in San Jose, Camarines Sur. He is also the director of the Caceres Commission on Communication since 2004. In 2021, now Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres described Occiano as a “humble, approachable priest with a warm personality. He relates well with the people and works effectively with them and he is very committed to his work.” The Solemn Episcopal Ordination will take place on Friday, 21 June 2024, 09:00 in the morning, at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore. He will be consecrated by Archbishop-emeritus Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, with Apostolic Nuncios Adolfo Tito C. Yllana, DD and Charles John Brown, DD as co-consecrators. Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon will serve as homilist. Bishop-elect Occiano will be installed on June 26 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Virac, Catanduanes. He was born on June 21, 1971, completed his philosophy and theology studies at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City and was ordained priest on November 10, 1996. Following his ordination, he pursued further studies in religious formation and catechesis at the Ateneo De Manila University. As a young priest, he served as assistant priest at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral then he became secretary to the then Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi,OP. He also served as the director of the Caceres Catechetical Ministry and vice rector of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore. In 2002, he was appointed member of the core staff of the  Caceres Commission on Communications. Then on 2003, he was appointed its director. “I am thankful to our brothers and sisters in the media industry with whom I have worked with for twenty years of my priestly life. They have helped me a lot in my priestly ministry. Media has been a part of my life.” He also served as the parochial vicar of the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Naga City. In  2015 to 2021, he served as parish priest at St. Bartholomew Parish in Baao, Camarines Sur. Then from 2021 to present he was appointed to the parish of St. Joseph in San Jose. Bishop-elect Occiano has requested the faithful of Catanduanes to pray for him to receive the wisdom necessary to serve them. “Please pray for me as I strive to fulfill this sacred calling entrusted to me by the Church. May the Holy Spirit guide me in shepherding God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Please pray that I will be a worthy servant in the Diocese of Virac.”

By Myrna S. Bermudo Addressing the clergy and the faithful in the Archdiocese of Caceres, Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD,DD, now Caceres Archbishop-emeritus said: “With joy and thanksgiving we inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed His Excellency, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. currently the Bishop of Daet, as Archbishop of Caceres.” Alarcon’s appointment was made public on February 22 at 12:00 noon (7:00 PM Philippine time) at the Vatican. He is the Fifth Archbishop of Caceres and succeeds Archbishop Emeritus Tirona who has served Caceres since November 2012. His installation as Archbishop of Caceres and Canonical Possession will be on May 2 at 9:00 in the morning at St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish, Naga City. The announcement was published through Circular Number 0008, Series of 2024, released by the Chancellor’s Office. Bishop Alarcon was born on August 6, 1970 in Daet, Camarines Norte. He finished his elementary at Naga Parochial School. He attended High School and College education at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. He obtained his Bachelor in Sacred Theology, Licentiate and Master in Theology at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila and Licentiate in Church History at the Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained on November 9, 1996 at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Naga City. Caceres Archbishop-designate Alarcon was ordained bishop on March 19, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Naga City for the Diocese of Daet. “I express my gratitude for the greetings, prayers, expressions of solidarity both from the Diocese of Daet and the Archdiocese of Caceres,” Alarcon said. Outgoing archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona requests the “Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese to offer thanksgiving to the Lord for this joyful new and offer prayers for the new archbishop that he may be granted the necessary graces in fulfilling his ministry in Caceres.” On March 3, in a radio interview over Manindogan, Tirona, who has been the Archbishop for almost 12 years, expressed his gratitude to the Caceres clergy, the religious and the lay faithful for their support. “Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa kabutihang loob ng mga tao dito sa Archdiocese. It was a great blessing from God to be assigned here. Salamat sa pagtabang, sa suporta at dasal para sa akin. The work becomes much lighter because of the love of the people. Kayo ang umakay sa akin para magampanan ko ang paglilingkod na binigay ng Diyos sa akin. Patuloy pa din akong tutulong sa mga kabataan sa abot ng aking makakaya. Umasa kayo ng aking dasal at pagmamahal. Mahal ko kayo lahat.” Tirona said he will be retiring in Naga City. “Napamahal na sa akin ang lugar na ito.” Moreover, he requests the faithful to support Alarcon’s episcopacy. “Pag may dumarating na Obispo, ang dumarating ay si Kristo. Kaya suportahan natin siya.” The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown is set to lead the installation of Alarcon, Tirona said.

By Eljean Trillanes The Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) under the leadership of Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria and the BACS Youth Officers hosted the first Journalism Summit at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City on March 1 to 3, with the officers of BACS and teachers of Pili Parochial School headed by School Principal Fr. Enrico Paglinawan, as organizing committee. The dynamic three-day camp aimed to empower young individuals as bearers of love and truth in the realm of media and communication. With the theme “Youth in Mission: Bearers of Love and Truth,” the summit instilled in the participants a sense of responsibility and commitment to ethical journalism while promoting the values of compassion, integrity, and social justice. The topics were in line with the advocacies of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) tagged as JEEPGY which stands for Justice and Peace, Environmental Integrity, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty Alleviation, Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment. In attendance were Catholic educational organizations from the 6 provinces of Bikol: from Camarines Sur, CEACAL or Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan; CEAL (Legazpi), CEAS (Sorsogon), CEAD (Daet), MACEA (Masbate) and CEAV (Virac). In the spirit of synodality, some non-sectarian schools also participated. The participants engaged in workshops and interactive sessions focused on enhancing their journalistic skills and fostering a deeper understanding of their role as media practitioners. Guided by experienced journalists, educators, and industry professionals, participants delved into topics such as News writing, Feature Writing, Photojournalism, Radiobroadcasting, Editorial Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Column Writing, Science and Health Writing, Headline Writing, Copy Reading and Writing, and Evangelization in Journalism considering the importance of upholding truth and accuracy in journalism. The plenary sessions were formative as the summit aimed to develop character and not only skills. Fr. Rex Luis Hidalgo spoke on “Leadership in Love and Truth.” CEAP Deputy Executive Director Mary Ann Cruz discussed “Soul of Campus Journalism. Justin Balane, co-convenor of The Alliance of Youth against Charter Change (TAYO) discussed “Youth empowerment against Charter Change.” Fr. Tria challenged the participants with his presentation on “Critical Thinking, Good Governance and Responsible Campus Journalism.” Caceres Archbishop-emeritus Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD celebrated the Opening Mass. Fr. Francis Tordilla, rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, welcomed the participants. The summit provided a platform for students to explore the intersection of faith and journalism, emphasizing the Catholic Church’s call to promote justice, peace, and the common good through media engagement. Discussions and reflections on the principles of Catholic social teaching and the teachings of Pope Francis served as guideposts, inspiring participants to use their talents and platforms to advocate for the marginalized and voiceless in society. One of the highlights of the summit was the opportunity for students to put their new found skills into practice through hands-on activities and real-world Journalism Engagement. From covering and analyzing current issues to criticizing them with key stakeholders, participants gained valuable experience in the field while receiving constructive feedback and mentorship from industry professionals. As the summit concluded, participants emerged as empowered agents of change, committed to using their voices and platforms. With their newfound knowledge, skills, and sense of purpose, the youth of Bicol are poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of media and beyond, embodying the theme of the summit and living out their mission as bearers of love and truth.

By CBCP News Archbishop-elect Rex Andrew C. Alarcon of Caceres has mixed emotions as prepares to take over a much larger ecclesiastical territory. “Not our will, but the will of the Lord,” he said. “But it’s a mixed feeling of gratitude and sadness that I receive such an appointment.” Three days after his appointment as archbishop, Alarcon celebrated his first public Mass at the Daet Cathedral on Sunday, Feb. 25. As the shepherd of Daet for only around four years, the bishop admitted that he feels he has yet to fully serve his ministry in the diocese. When he took over the diocese in 2019, Alarcon said he thought it was going to be an assignment “for life”. “I did not expect this because we really don’t aspire for such a position,” he further said in his homily. On Aug. 31, 2024, the diocese will celebrate its 50th foundation anniversary. The bishop said it saddens him that he will leave the diocese soon, just ahead of its golden jubilee celebration. “But we pray to the Lord,” he said. “Certainly, the Lord does not deceive us… His love is such that He can’t do anything against us. He cannot but love us,” Alarcon added. Pope Francis on Feb. 22 named Alarcon as the successor of Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, 77, who served the Caceres archdiocese for about 11 years. Caceres is one of the oldest dioceses in the Philippines. It is also the center of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, which is one of the largest Marian devotions in Asia. Alarcon’s appointment also came about six months before the centenary of the canonical coronation of the image of the patroness of Bicol on Sept. 20. As “metropolitan see”, the archdiocese comprises the Bicol region with the dioceses of Legazpi, Sorsogon, Virac, Masbate, Daet and Libmanan as its suffragans. It also directly supervises 93 parishes, with a total Catholic population of approximately 1.5 million as of 2017.

By Radio Veritas Asia News Pope Francis, on Thursday, February  22, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, publicly announced the appointment of Fr. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon as the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres in the Bicol region, Philippines. The archdiocese celebrated the news in a social media post. Alarcon becomes the fifth archbishop of Caceres, which is also his home diocese. He was the Philippines’ youngest bishop when he was ordained in 2019. Alarcon, presently serving as the bishop of Daet, succeeds Archbishop Rolando Octavus Tria Tirona, a native of Sampaloc, Manila,  who retired at the age of 77.  Tirona has led the archdiocese since November 2012. Alarcon was born on August 6, 1970, in Daet, the provincial capital of Camarines Norte. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News said that after completing his high school education and philosophy courses at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga, he studied theology at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Central Seminary in Manila. On November 9, 1996, Alarcon became a priest for the Archdiocese of Caceres, according to the UST’s Varsitarian publication. Then he became an assistant parish priest at St. John the Evangelist in Naga City.  After one year and nearly three years, he served as a private secretary to then-archbishop Leonardo Legaspi. O.P., the first Filipino UST rector. Alarcon, 53, also served as director of the Naga Parochial School and the Commission on Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Caceres. He has a licentiate in Church history, which he obtained from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2001. Before becoming a bishop, he was the leader of the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools and served as president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP). On January 2, 2019, the Pope appointed him as Bishop of Daet. He received ordination to the episcopate on March 19 of that year. His new role as archbishop entails meeting with the suffragan bishops from the dioceses of the Caceres archdiocese, which includes Daet, Legazpi, Libmanan, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Virac. Alarcon is currently the chairman of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Youth. The Bicol Region is popular for devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a 313-year-old image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is known for miracles among devotees. Every September, people commemorate her feast. The region has the highest percentage of Catholics, at 5.67 million, or 93.5% of total residents, according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.

By Julma M. Narvadez “Stewardship is part and parcel of basic ecclesial communities (BEC). Stewardship is the soul of BECs,” Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, explains to almost 300 priests and lay participants during the seminar titled “Revisiting SPARC, in the Spirit of a Synodal Parish,” held on February 2 and 3 at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Naga City. SPARC stands for Stewardship Program of the Archdiocese of Caceres. “If you want to glorify the Father, live the disciple’s way of life and stewardship is the disciple’s way of life,” the Archbishop continues. He also explained that stewardship is not limited to tithing, a common misconception about SPARC. In his opening remarks, Fr. Wilfred Almoneda recalled SPARC was introduced in Caceres in 2009 with 10 pilot parishes. To date, 23 parishes implement the program. He added that now, with BECs as a pastoral thrust of the Archdiocese and Pope Francis’ call for synodality in the Church, a deeper appreciation for stewardship can take root. Resource speaker Mila Garcia Glodava, co-author of “Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes,” brings the seminar to various dioceses in the Philippines. Topics include the Basics of Stewardship; Sustainability of the Church of the Poor; Building a Stewardship Parish; Stewardship of the Earth, Vocations, Faith and Treasure; and Stewardship and Evangelization. She shared best practices in stewardship, particularly the Thomas More Parish Stewardship Model which she and Fr. Andrew Kemberling developed during her years as parish worker. A video about the stewardship program in General Nakar, Quezon Province was also presented. She said the video convinced the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to intensify the formation on the spirituality of stewardship. Aside from the comprehensive presentations, the participants were asked to reflect on their understanding of stewardship and how it can sustain the Church of the Poor, among other thought-provoking questions raised by the speaker. The final workshop required the participants to design commitment cards on the stewardship of prayer, time and talent, treasure, vocations, earth and faith. “Two years after Pope Francis started the synod on synodality, majority of us still do not have a good grasp on how to bring about a true synodal Church. This 2-day seminar on stewardship teaches us to get there,” says Grace Dulce Tordilla of Our Lady of La Porteria Parish, Calabanga, Camarines Sur. Meanwhile, in his sharing, Fr. Anthony “Toto” Cerada, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Naga City identified certain qualities of a steward, namely: mindfulness, intentional, loving and action-oriented, or MILA, in an apparent tribute to the speaker. Glodava concluded the seminar with the reminder that the end goal of stewardship is evangelization.

By Carol Corod Over 800 Catholic educators gathered for the 11th CEACAL Catholic Educators’ Congress, addressing the challenges facing the country’s education system. CEACAL, or Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan, hosted the event on January 29 at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Naga City. The Congress, attended by Catholic schools in Caceres, Libmanan, Daet, Legazpi and Sorsogon, as well as some non-sectarian schools from Naga City and Guinobatan, Albay, served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of practical solutions to current issues that beset schools. Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committe, discussed how to operationalize complementarity between public and private schools in the country. Jose Maria Policarpio, Executive Director of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association, presented strategies to advance schools using the power of marketing and branding. Simonet Barrosa, Regional Coordinator of the Philippine Catholic School Standards, guided the participants how they can leave imprints of Catholic identity as she talked on Committing to the Culture of Excellence in Education and Evangelization. During the Mass, Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, O.C.D., D.D., urged the congregation to “turn to Mary, the teacher of faith and obedience.” He expounded on the role of education in evangelization. Before the final blessing, Fr. Albert N. Delvo, president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, presented updates on Republic Act 8545 (Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education). He also discussed the ban on the No Permit, No Exam Policy. According to CEACAL President Fr. Wilmer S. Tria, concurrently president of the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools, the Mass is one of the highlights of the Congress, as “it is the source of Catholicity of teachers.” After all the talks, a listening session was held. Participants were asked to share their responses to three questions: What am I thankful for? What are my aspirations? What are my commitments? The Congress concluded with concrete action plans and initiatives all aimed at responding to the call for synodality and quality Catholic education. Educators across Bikol are now tasked with implementing these plans within their own communities.

By JC Madrid The next National Youth Day (NYD) will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Caceres in July 2025, just as the Universal Church celebrates the Jubilee of Hope. The announcement was made by Fr. Daniel R. Vegas, Director of the Caceres Youth Commission (CYC), during a Mass on the Solemnity of San Pedro Bautista, Titular Patron of the Archdiocese, on February 4 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The Eucharistic Celebration was attended by CYC representatives and members of the Youth Ministry of the Cathedral Parish. The last NYD took place in May 2019, hosted by the Archdiocese of Cebu. There, it was announced that the next NYD would take place in the Archdiocese of Caceres in 2021. The event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. During the January 2024 Plenary Assembly, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines approved CYC’s proposal to hold the national celebration in July 2025. In a video message shown during the announcement, Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona expressed joy over this development. “Magsaya tayo, let us be glad. Tuloy na — tuloy na tuloy na come July 2025 ang National Youth Day na [gagawin] dito sa ating Archdiocese of Caceres,” the Archbishop said. The prelate also asked the faithful to pray and work together for the success of this highly-anticipated event. “Let us be glad, maging masigla, tumulong [manalangin at] mag-ambag para maging tunay na successful at maipagmamalaki natin [na] ang Archdiocese of Caceres ang siyang nag-host ng National Youth Day 2025,” he added.

Caceres releases logo for Peñafrancia Coronation Centennial An aureola, a silhouette of a crown and a hundred-year-old photo compose the logo of the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. According to the logo’s creator, Fr. Jerome Gonzales, it is a representation of the historic event. The photo at the center of the logo was taken on September 20, 1924 when then Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Guiglelmo Piani, DD crowned the image at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds. The silhouette was that of the crown placed on the image. Framing the logo is the representation of the aureola described as “a halo studded with 12 stars and plated in gold.” Fr. Gonzales recalled that as a young priest twenty-five years ago, he also designed the logo when the Archdiocese celebrated the 75th anniversary of the coronation.