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Two deacons and two fifth year Theology seminarians of the Archdiocese of Caceres completed a thirty-day Ignatian Retreat at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, which was conducted from May 17 to June 17 this year. Accompanying them in their spiritual journey as retreat master is Fr. Anthony Imperial, member of the Archdiocesan Commission on the Clergy. The month-long retreat is usually considered a necessary preparation for every candidate to the diaconate and priesthood. A retreat in the Ignatian tradition is a process of prayer and reflection that follows the rhythm of revelation from creation, sinfulness and reconciliation to the life of Jesus; his passion and death; and his resurrection. Such retreat climaxes in a prayer that celebrates our participation in the loving engagement of God with the world, or the so-called Contemplation to Attain Divine Love. The Archdiocese of Caceres is blessed with priestly vocations. The following deacons and seminarians finished the above-mentioned retreat: Rev. Jayson Gaite of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish.Santiago Iriga City, Camarines Sur Rev. Felipe Dalanon III of St.Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, San Jose Pili, Camarines Sur Sem. Angel Dorosan of Sto. Domingo de Guzman Parish, Sto. Domingo, Nabua Sem. Robert Bañal of St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Tinambac, Camarines Sur Two other deacons, Rev. Mark Anthony Beria of the Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Naga City, and Rev. Nellou Nierva of the St Anthony of Padua Parish, Camaligan, Camarines Sur, also finished the same retreat earlier. According to Fr. Joey Gonzaga, Rector of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, the 2020 Ordination to the Diaconate will be held on July 4, while the Ordination to the Priesthood is set on August 8.

NAGA CITY – Signaling the conclusion of the Formation Year, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary conducted a Virtual Graduation to recognize and congratulate the Junior and Senior High School Seminarians who excelled and finished their studies this year. In a five-minute video uploaded on the Seminary’s Facebook Page, the more than 220-year old Seminary proudly presented and congratulated its Grade 12 graduates, Grade 10 completers, and undergraduate Achievers who excelled during the Formation Year. It also announced details on how and when the seminarians could receive their diplomas, medals, and certificates. The seminary also announced that it is now ready for on-site enrollment, and has since accepted enrollees.

NAGA CITY – Exactly three months since the start of Online Masses in the Archdiocese of Caceres, Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona paid tribute to the ‘Media Frontliners’ who were part of the daily Live Broadcasts of Eucharistic Celebrations and Devotions in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In a thanksgiving dinner at the Archbishop’s Residence on Sunday, 14 June, the Archbishop expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the members of the various ministries who voluntarily rendered their selfless service to the People of God in the Archdiocese. Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to each member of the CCCom Live Broadcast Team, CCCom Social Media Managers, Liturgy and Altar Servers, Lectors and Commentators, and the Sisters of the Little Mission of the Deaf Naga Community who served as sign language interpreters. The daily broadcast of Online Masses by the Caceres Commission on Communications began on 14 March 2020 with the suspension of the conduct of Public Masses in the Archdiocese due to the implementation of the Enhanced and General Community Quarantines. With the resumption of public masses in the Archdiocese on 01 June, the live broadcast of Online Masses was gradually reduced until its conclusion. Live Online Masses, however, will still be broadcast on Sundays, at 06:30 am, and 05:00 pm.

ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP Archbishop’s Residence Naga City CIRCULAR Number 0015 Series of 2020 TO: ALL THE PRIESTS AND FAITHFUL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES RE: PASTORAL GUIDELINES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES IN VIEW OF THE MINIMUM HEALTH STANDARDS ON COVID-19 ______________________________________________________________________ The Archdiocese of Caceres continues its efforts to help combat COVID-19 in the country. Consistent with this aim and in view of recent developments, the Archdiocese shall observe the Minimum Health Standards in the exercise of ministry to help prevent the spread of the virus in our communities. While we advocate social distancing, sanitation and monitoring as important measures to stop transmission in this new normal situation, the exercise of our Faith must remain vibrant as it is essential in the integral well-being of our people. Hence, the Archdiocese of Caceres, upon consultation with the clergy, provides these guidelines so the clergy, the faithful, and partners of the Archdiocese of Caceres may significantly participate in the social solution against the pandemic and in works of faith and evangelization. GENERAL GUIDELINES: In public gatherings, the faithful are required to wear face masks, observe social distancing and practice regular hand sanitation. Pastors must study the layout of the parish Church and chapels to facilitate the implementation of the following: Designate entrance and exit doors to avoid crowding. Churchgoers are subject to temperature checks prior to entering the church. Footbath shall be installed at the entrance doors. Hand sanitizers or alcohol dispensers shall be made available at strategic entry points. Seat plan of two meters apart. Pews can be marked for proper guidance of churchgoers. Regular sanitation of Churches and chapels, including the furniture, equipment and materials used in celebrations (microphone, vessels, pews and chairs). Designate ushers or usherettes to facilitate the movements of people inside the Church. Parishes are asked to proactively respond to our current situation by: Maintaining close coordination with the local government units and health workers. Assess the necessity of designating a specific area or setting up tent where medical emergencies can be given attention. Emergency contact numbers should be displayed conspicuously in the parish office. Implement such other practical means necessary to ensure safe communal activities inside the Church. Reaching out to all parishioners by maximizing the use of digital media such as livestream, community radio, public sound system. Strengthening communal efforts initiated in families and small Christian communities. Families are encouraged to pray together before their altars at home. Parents can initiate the reading of the Gospel with their children. Seniors with health issues who are asked to stay home, may attend Mass through media and share to their families their reflections about the Gospel. A. CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MASS PUBLIC MASSES may be celebrated subject to the current health situation of the community. But in all cases, the guidelines of social distancing, sanitation and monitoring must be observed. Churches must accommodate only such number of churchgoers where churchgoers will be seated two (2) meters apart. The Church grounds can be used to accommodate the faithful if weather permits. In parish churches where space is very limited, the use of church grounds and open space is recommended. Pastors may hold additional Masses to accommodate parishioners and avoid crowding per Mass. The duration of the celebration may be shortened to lessen the exposure of the minister and the faithful. Concelebration of priests may be allowed at the sanctuary with limited number and social distancing. Servers and extraordinary ministers must also observe social distancing. Their number must be limited only for essential services during the mass. Holding hands when praying the Lord’s Prayer and when giving the sign of peace during the Mass are discouraged. During communion, ministers must use face mask and gloves in distribution. Sanitation of hand before distribution is necessary. Communion by the hand must be observed at all celebrations. Communion by rows is highly encouraged. Vessels and linens may be placed at the credence table near the altar in order to limit the movements and numbers of servers. For offerings, physical contact should be avoided. To do this, churches may place collection boxes, use collections bags with stick or encourage electronic transfers for donations. Veneration of sacred objects and images by kissing or touching is strictly prohibited. Funeral Masses The faithful during funeral masses should also observe social distancing and wearing of mask. The use of pall (white cloth) during the funeral mass shall be excluded in the rites. Celebration of Marriage Marriage celebration shall observe social distancing, limited by the church’s seating capacity and such number as advised by the local government. Fiesta Masses and Other Celebrations of Holy Mass Fiesta Masses must be celebrated observing social distancing and wearing of mask. The parish shall coordinate with the LGU or Barangay for proper implementation. Baptism by cluster may also be administered provided the Church or chapel can accommodate them while observing social distancing and limited to two sponsors only per child. The parents shall be reminded of their primary responsibility to ensure the safety of the child during baptism. B. BAPTISM Individual baptism is highly encouraged with only the parents and two sponsors present. Baptism by cluster may also be administered provided the Church or chapel can accommodate them while observing social distancing and limited to two sponsors only per child. The parents shall be reminded of their primary responsibility to ensure the safety of the child during baptism. The signing of the cross on the forehead during baptism must be limited to the cleric and the parents. In the anointing of chrism, cotton balls should be used once for each candidate for baptism. Burn used cotton balls at a suitable time. C. CONFIRMATION Regular Wednesday Mass Confirmation at the Archbishop’s residence is temporarily suspended until further notice. Individual Confirmation may be accommodated from Monday to Saturday. Parish Priests are hereby delegated to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for wedding purposes only, scheduled until December 2020 within the Archdiocese. This special delegation is valid until December 31, 2020 or unless earlier revoked by the Archbishop. Confirmation may be administered in the place of marriage or in their parish domicile or quasi-domicile. D. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Appropriate measures like wearing of mask, gloves, and the necessary preparation must be observed. Pastors must use the proper personal protective equipment in case of Covid-19 patients. Coordinate with health workers in this matter for special preparations and after-visit protocols. E. CONFESSION Confessions are to be done in the confessionals with a protective plastic installed at the grill. Wearing of masks is required. If individual confession is not possible, general absolution may be given. F. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES Public devotional practices are temporarily suspended. Devotional practices to be celebrated at home are highly encouraged. G. OFFICES Office personnel should wear masks and observe proper sanitation and distancing. H. OTHERS A votive Mass for the intention of the eradication of pandemic may be celebrated in parishes during weekdays following the rites proposed by Pope Francis. I. PRAYER As a Church, we recognize our need to express our faith and strengthen our spiritual well-being in the midst of the pandemic. May these guidelines lead us as one community in responding to this enormous challenge of our times. We continue to entrust our community to the Divino Rostro, the expression of the mercy of God, and through the loving intercession of our Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. Given at the Chancery, Pilgrim City of Naga, Republic of the Philippines, this 27th of May in the Year of our Lord, 2020. (Signed) + ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, O.C.D., D.D. Archbishop of Caceres

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, ​With the solemn celebration of Ash Wednesday, we begin the sober and sacred season of Lent. This is the opportune time when the Church contemplates in silence and in prayer the passion, death and Resurrection  of Jesus. ​The memorial of the Paschal Mystery is once again brought to our attention. During the days of lent, in deep sorrow,  weconfess our sins; with humble and contrite hearts we recognize our need of God’s mercy and compassion; we seek the strength of the Holy Spirit to renew our efforts ‘to turn away from sin and to believe and live the Gospel.’ ​Though sober and serene in spirit, lent invites us to embrace the Paschal Mystery of Jesus with profound gratitude and joy. Our Lord’s passion, death and Resurrection achieved our salvation, and has afforded us New Life. This gift of New Life is what we give thanks for in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. ​Lent challenges us my brothers and sisters to a new way of life patterned after the Cross of Jesus. And the Cross of Jesus is the way of charity and sacrifice. he good ​Let us love more and sacrifice more to purify and transform our persons, our communities, our environment. Let us be more concerned for the good of others and dump away our selfishness. Let us spend more time in silent  prayer, and free ourselves from the addiction and distraction of gadgets. ​Lent is about God who, in spite of our sins, offers us His mercy and compassion through the self-oblation of His Son Jesus. Let us not snub the graciousness of God. Together we turn to our God crying from our hearts: “Be merciful to us O God, be merciful” (Psalm 123:3a). ​Be assured of my prayers for a meaningful rediscovery and experience of Lent. God bless you! + ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD  Archbishop of Caceres

ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES Office of the Archbishop Archbishop’s Residence Naga City C I R C U L A R Number 0011 Series of 2020 TO: ALL THE PRIESTS AND FAITHFUL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES RE: GUIDELINES FOR THE HOLY WEEK CELEBRATION IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES, THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS, PASTORAL CARE FOR THE SICK, SOCIAL SERVICES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE DURATION OF THE QUARANTINE PERIOD The celebration of the Holy Week will be simplified due to the enhanced community quarantine. The guidelines follow the recommendations laid down by CBCP, Decree of the Congregation of the Divine Worship and Sacrament and the precautionary measures prescribed by the Government. I. GENERAL GUIDELINES All priests will continue to celebrate the Holy Week and Paschal Triduum in the absence of the congregation. The Archdiocese of Caceres will provide a live coverage of the Holy Week Celebrations at the Metropolitan Cathedral through media (internet, tv, and radio). The public celebrations of Holy Week, Blessing of the Palms, Procession, Tonton-Easter Angel, Passion Play and the Communal Pabasa are suspended. However, the faithful are encouraged to listen to the Siete Palabras at the Metropolitan Cathedral through the media. Parishes shall no longer hold Siete Palabras. During the Holy Week, communion inside the Church or sacred place may be administered after each liturgical celebration. Communion shall be received by the hand only, following precautionary measures and liturgical guidelines. When anointing of the sick or confession has to be administered, precautionary measures should be strictly observed. The precautionary measures prescribed by DOH, such as social distancing, hygiene protocols and sanitation of the spaces for the liturgy, shall be observed in the liturgical celebration. II. HOLY WEEK A. PALM SUNDAY a. ARCHDIOCESAN The celebration of the Palm Sunday will be simplified. There will be a Mass in the absence of the congregation with a limited number of lay liturgical ministers. The faithful can follow the celebration through the media. In this case, the presider will impart the blessing over the palm branches of the faithful who are following in their homes. b. PARISH The Second Form (without procession) of the celebration of the Mass will be observed with the presence of limited number of ministers. After the Mass, the priest accompanied by two lay ministers has the option to go around the streets within the parish jurisdiction riding a vehicle to bless the palm branches placed in front of houses. The blessing of the the Palm branches shall be by hand without springkling of Holy Water. c. HOME The faithful can participate and receive the blessing of the palm branches through the media. They can gather together and pray the “Celebration of Palm Sunday at Home”. Rite to be provided by the Commission on Liturgy. After the Mass, if the blessing of palm branches around the Parish is possible, families may put palm branches outside their homes for the blessing. B. MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY These days can be devoted to reflections and devotions. Families are encouraged to do religious devotions at home. Monday can be devoted to the reflection on “Family as Domestic Church”; Tuesday on “Family as Praying Church“; and Wednesday on “Family as Fount of Charitable Works.” The Archdiocese will hold these recollections available thru media. On Wednesday, the priest with two lay ministers, have the option hold a simple procession of the Nazareno only, mounted on a vehicle to substitute for the general processsion of Pasos. The faithful shall not follow the procession. C. HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS The celebration of the Chrism Mass will be at the Metropolitan Cathedral in a simplified form. Limited attendance of lay liturgical ministers and the Clergy are allowed inside the Cathedral observing the precautionary measures (social distancing, hygiene and sanitation of the space for the liturgical celebration). The faithful can follow the celebration through media. EVENING MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER ARCHDIOCESAN The celebration of the Last Supper Mass will be in the absence of the Congregation at the Metropolitan Cathedral with limited lay liturgical ministers. The rite of the “Washing of the Feet” is omitted. At the end of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament shall be reposed in the tabernacle in the sacristy. There will be no public vigil of the Blessed Sacrament. Priests who are unable to celebrate Mass should instead pray the vespers of the day. (cf. Liturgia Horarium). PARISH The celebration of the Last Supper Mass will be in the absence of the Congregation. The rite of the “Washing of the Feet” is omitted. At the end of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament shall be reposed in the tabernacle in the sacristy. No public vigil of the Blessed Sacrament. There is an option that after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, without the faithful, the priest with only two or three lay ministers, will carry the Blessed Sacrament in a Ciborium (not the monstrance) with humeral veil and will go on a procession in a vehicle around the parish. This takes the place of the Visita Iglesia. People with lighted candles may wait in front of their homes. HOME The family is encouraged to participate in the celebration through media. The family may celebrate the Cenaculo at home, specifically during the family dinner. Rites to be provided by the Commission on Liturgy. If there is a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, people with lighted candles wait in front of their homes. D. GOOD FRIDAY ARCHDIOCESAN The Archdiocese will air a live coverage of the Celebration of the Veneration of the Cross and a Siete Palabras at the Cathedral, to be made available through media. Parishes shall no longer hold Siete Palabras. The celebration of the Veneration of the Cross will be simplified and the number of ministers shall be limited to the barest minimum. Veneration will be done by bowing or kneeling, not kissing or touching the Cross. PARISH The Veneration of the Cross with a limited number of ministers is celebrated in the absence of the Congregation following the prescribed rites of Good Friday. The first form of the veneration of the Cross should be used. Veneration will be done by bowing or kneeling, not kissing or touching the Cross. After the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, without the faithful, the priest, wearing a red cope or a red stole over a surplice and cassock, has the option to hold a simple procession within the parish. A Crucifix (Cross with a Corpus) visible to the people shall be mounted on a motor vehicle. People with lighted candles wait in front of their homes to venerate the Cross by kneeling. This takes the place of the public veneration of the cross and the Good Friday processions. HOME The faithful can follow the Siete Palabras and the celebration of the Veneration of the Cross through media. The family is encouraged to read the “PASYON” or the Gospel (John 18:1-19,42) at home. They can also pray as a family the “VIA CRUCIS AT HOME.” They can place a crucifix on a table covered with a white cloth, with two candles on either side. If the parish holds a simple procession of the Crucifix, the faithful with lighted candles shall wait in front of their homes to venerate the Cross by kneeling. E. EASTER VIGIL ARCHDIOCESAN The celebration of the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral will be in the absence of the Congregation. It will be made available through media. The celebration of Easter Vigil follows the liturgy prescribed in the Roman Missal with some simplifications. PARISH The celebration of Easter Vigil follows the liturgy prescribed in the Roman Missal with simplification. The preparation and the lighting of fire is omitted, the Paschal Candle is lit, the procession is omitted and the Easter Proclamation (Exultet) follows. The priest may reduce the number of readings as allowed in the Missal. There shall be a limited number of ministers. The form of blessing of baptismal water without baptism should be used. HOME The faithful can follow the celebration of Easter Vigil through media. F. EASTER SUNDAY The Easter Sunday will be celebrated without the Congregation. Salubong (pagtonton-easter angel) is omitted. G. SCHEDULE OF THE CELEBRATIONS Palm Sunday 6:00AM - Cathedral (Archdiocesan) 7:00 AM - Parishes Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday 4:00PM - Livestream Recollection Wednesday 5:00PM - Procession of Nazareno Thursday 7:00AM - Cathedral (Archdiocesan) Chrism Mass 5:00PM - Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6:00PM - Procession of the Blessed Sacrament Friday 12:00-3:00PM - Siete Palabras (Live Streaming-Cathedral) 3:00PM - Archdiocesan Veneration of the Cross 4:00PM - Veneration of the Cross in the Parish 5:00PM - Procession of the Crucifix Easter (Archdiocesan and Parish) 6:00PM - Easter Vigil 6:00AM - Easter Sunday Live Streaming at the Cathedral III. CELEBRATION OF OTHER SACRAMENTS Pastor of souls should take care of the spiritual needs of the faithful in this extraordinary time of need. However, we shall reduce to the essentials the manner by which the sacraments are administered considering the public health situation. When Anointing and Confession have to be administered, precautionary measures should be strictly observed in order not to compromise the health of the faithful and the minister. General Absolution may be given be to a number of penitents together if individual confession is not possible. Funeral Mass or Oracion (Prayer for the Dead) must be conducted with precautionary measures such as social distancing and sanitation inside the Church and with limited number of people. Wedding Masses are suspended. Parishes should not accept request to schedule a wedding until the quarantine is lifted. This is for the reason that necessary marriage requirements cannot be fulfilled as this time. Baptism and Confirmation are suspended. But emergency baptism can be administered. On Individual Confession: Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the sole ordinary means by which a member of the faithful who is conscious of grave sin is reconciled with God and with the Church. Only physical and moral impossibility alone can excuse from such confession, in which case reconciliation may be attained by other means (can. 960). On General Absolution: General absolution to a number of penitents without prior individual confession, cannot be imparted except in exceptional cases where there is an imminent danger of death, since there is not enough time to hear the confessions of individual penitents (cf. can. 961, §1, 1º CIC), or there exists a grave necessity (cf. can. 961, §§ 1, 2º CIC). Conditions: The danger of death is imminent from any cause whatsoever. There is not sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear the confessions of the individual penitents. There exists a grave necessity. Requirements: Communal Preparation to dispose the penitents. Silent admission of sins and exhortation that each person should make an act of contrition. General Absolution. Confessor should instruct the penitents to confess in due time each of the grave sin which cannot be confessed at the moment due to the public health considerations. On Perfect Contrition: Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452). IV. PASTORAL SERVICES FOR THE SICK Spiritual care of the sick during the quarantine period shall be under the pastoral care of the parish. The vicariate is encouraged to assist the parish in the event there is a need for additional ministers. Any priest, especially those able and fit, should be ready for any sick call and should strictly observe safety measures and precautions. In responding to requests for sick call, the priest should conduct a brief interview to determine if the patient is a person under monitoring or a person under investigation. In this case, the priest should coordinate with the local health office, for the proper protocols, prior to the administration of the Sacrament. The parish should provide priests with appropriate personal protective equipment, at least gloves and facemask that should be properly disposed of, after each use. In extreme situations, the vicariate must respond by calling for volunteer extraordinary hospital chaplains. Volunteers must be of good health and fit for this special ministry. V. SOCIAL SERVICES Parish initiatives for social services are highly encouraged in coordination with Caritas Caceres. The Archdiocese, through the Oeconomus, will provide financial assistance to parishes in need. VI. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Parish Financial Report and remittance for the months covered by the Enhanced Community Quarantine may be submitted at a later date after the quarantine period. The parish will provide assistance to the personnel and staff by (a) providing advance honorarium (15 days advance), (b) giving full honorarium covering the period of the ECQ whether regular personnel or daily wage earner, (c) giving additional calamity assistance. Given at the Chancery, Pilgrim City of Naga, Republic of the Philippines, this 25th day of March in the Year of our Lord, 2020. (signed) ✠ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, O.C.D., D.D. Archbishop of Caceres

PASTORAL LETTER On the Safety and Security of our Churches and special attention to Heritage Churches in the Archdiocese of Caceres Addressed to the Parish Priests, Heads of Institutions in Caceres and the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Caceres Our Dear Parish Priests, Institution Heads and the Clergy, Peace of the Risen Christ! Just a few days after our solemn celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection or Easter Sunday, we were shocked and angered by the simultaneous bombings of three Catholic churches and two hotels in Sri Lanka that cost the lives of more than 300 innocent victims and countless more wounded. Our hearts and prayers go to the victims and the wounded and to the Sri- Lankan people. Yesterday, a 6.2 earthquake shook Central Luzon that sadly took the lives of at least 10 persons and caused serious damages to properties including some historical churches. Likewise, a 6.5 earthquake caused damages to properties and brought panic to the people in San Juan, Eastern Samar. The tremors were felt as far as Cebu and some parts of the Bicol region. The barbaric violence in Sri Lanka and the natural calamities in Central Luzon and Samar are wake up calls for us Pastors and clergy to remain vigilant and ever conscious of the safety of our parishioners especially during our big liturgical celebrations. Without causing undue panic and confusion, I enjoin you dear Pastors to put in place security measures in your respective Churches to protect our faithful and to ensure peaceful liturgical celebrations. Likewise, considering the frequencies of natural calamities caused by climate change and the very recent damaging earthquakes, I enjoin you dear Parish Priests and heads of institutions to initiate periodic inspection of the structural integrity of our churches, seminaries and ‘conventos’, especially our old historical churches, conventos and buildings. We must always ensure the safety of our church goers, and be pro-active in safeguarding our churches and the faithful against human violence and natural calamities. The Archdiocese will partner with professional groups and structural engineers, and security experts to help us safeguard our parishioners, and preserve our cultural heritage, like our historical edifices and churches. We continue to remain vigilant in view of the upcoming political and religious events in our Archdiocese of Caceres. We pray that no harm may ever come to our archdiocese, to province and region and our country. Our Lady of Peñafrancia, our INA, pray for us and protect us always! God bless us all! Allelluia, Allelluia, Allelluia! (signed) + ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD Archbishop of Caceres April 24, 2019 Archbishop's Residence, Elias Angeles St., Pilgrim City of Naga Philippines

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, With the solemn celebration of Ash Wednesday, we begin the sober and sacred season of Lent. This is the opportune time when the Church contemplates in silence and in prayer the passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus. The memorial of the Paschal Mystery is once again brought to our attention. During the days of lent, in deep sorrow, we confess our sins; with humble and contrite hearts we recognize our need of God’s mercy and compassion; we seek the strength of the Holy Spirit to renew our efforts ‘to turn away from sin and to believe and live the Gospel.’ Though sober and serene in spirit, lent invites us to embrace the Paschal Mystery of Jesus with profound gratitude and joy. Our Lord’s passion, death and Resurrection achieved our salvation, and has afforded us New Life. This gift of New Life is what we give thanks for in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Lent challenges us my brothers and sisters to a new way of life patterned after the Cross of Jesus. And the Cross of Jesus is the way of charity and sacrifice. Let us love more and sacrifice more to purify and transform our persons, our communities, our environment. Let us be more concerned for the good of others and dump away our selfishness. Let us spend more time in silent prayer, and free ourselves from the addiction and distraction of gadgets. Lent is about God who, in spite of our sins, offers us His mercy and compassion through the self-oblation of His Son Jesus. Let us not snub the graciousness of God. Together we turn to our God crying from our hearts: “Be merciful to us O God, be merciful” (Psalm 123:3a). Be assured of my prayers for a meaningful rediscovery and experience of Lent. God bless you! + ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD, DD Archbishop of Caceres

Today, Second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate a very special occasion. As officially announced by then Pope John Paul II, now, St. John Paul II during the canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska in the year 2000, the Second Sunday of Easter is especially devoted for the celebration of the Divine Mercy. On this special day we remember and thank God for allowing us to experience his infinite mercy through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Savior. In her diary, St. Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy, writes these words of Jesus for us, “Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.” Indeed, this is the attitude of God towards us: His Divine Mercy is what makes Him persistent in finding each of us, his lost sheep. Through His Divine Mercy he will do whatever it takes to find us. We just need to cast off our doubts and believe in Him so that He may carry us back to His flock. Yes. Our personal response, a positive response to God’s efforts in saving us is decisive. And it starts in believing in Him. In our gospel, John tells us that the disciples were hiding inside a room because of their fear of the Jews. Perhaps they were afraid that they might also be persecuted just like their Master or maybe because they already lost their faith in Jesus and did not know how to defend themselves from the accusations of the Jews. Their fear has confined them inside a room. Though they were already told that the Lord has indeed risen from the dead by Mary Magdalene, the disciples were skeptical. Thus, they became more terrified because of their doubt and weakened faith. However, even if the door was locked, Jesus was able to enter in. He came in, stood before them and greeted them with Shalom (Peace be with you). Shalom is a Hebrew word for peace. Its meaning however is not just about an absence of war and strife but transcends the physical sphere. For Hebrew people, Shalom is about completeness, wholeness or perfection in the divine. And so when Jesus greeted them with shalom, He was actually blessing them completeness from a life lacking with hope and faith; he was blessing them with a newness of life as they were made whole again through His resurrection. That is why upon seeing Jesus and hearing these words, the disciples were once again filled with great joy and their faith has been restored. And so Jesus told them, “As the father has sent me, so I send you.” Now that they have regained their faith and freed them their fear, Jesus is sending them again to the open in order to continue their mission: to proclaim the good news of salvation in Him who rose from the dead and defeated death. But this time they will now “walk by faith” courageously. In our celebration today of the Divine Mercy, we remember and thank the Lord for the great mercy that He has given us. That in spite of our frailty, in spite of our ungratefulness and sinfulness, Jesus did not, and does not give up on us; He continues to show us his love and mercy; He is ever persistent in entering into our “locked hearts” to give us peace. Remember, no sins, no matter how grave they are, could ever hinder His love to penetrate us. The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ is no wonder the greatest manifestation of God’s loving mercy for all of us. Through Him, we have all been redeemed from sins and given new life and faith in Him. And now, just like the disciples, we, are all being sent by Our Lord in his name to announce to the whole world His greatest gift for all: His great love, His Divine Mercy. May we continue to be advocates and instruments of God’s mercy, and strive, through the help of God’s grace, to be merciful just like our merciful Father in heaven. -  COMBIBLIA  - Fr. Emil Valeza #divinemercy #Archdioceseofcaceres

Aside from being a Doctor of Divinity, Caceres Archbishop Most Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, is now Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa. The degree was conferred by the Ateneo de Naga University, headed by Father President Robert Exequiel N. Rivera, SJ during the university’s 69th Commencement Exercises on March 23, 2019. The honorary doctorate recognizes Archbishop Tria Tirona’s “commitment to spread the faith, to uplift the Filipinos especially those in the peripheries and for empowering the youth and the laity in spreading the Word of God.” The citation, read by Ateneo’s Junior High School Principal, Fr. Angelo Silerio, SJ, notes the Archbishop’s pastoral initiatives in the Archdiocese of Caceres and leadership as Chairman of the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) – Caritas Philippines, a “humanitarian unit tasked to respond to calamities and social concerns.” Ordained to the priesthood in 1974, Archbishop Tria Tirona’s track record as formator and pastor of the Carmelite order was also underscored. From being the Novice Director (1976 – 1978), to Postulant Director (1979), to Superior of the Carmelite Community in New Manila (1981), he became the Carmelite Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province in 1992 until he was ordained bishop and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in 1994. In the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, he was chairman the commission on youth (1995 to 2005) and the biblical apostolate (2001 – 2003). He was bishop of the Diocese of Malolos (1996 - 2003) and of the Prelature of Infanta (2003- 2012) Installed as 34th bishop and 4th Archbishop of Caceres in 2012, Archbishop Tria Tirona puts emphasis on forming Bible-based Basic Ecclesial Communities, to “empower the lay to preach to the people in the margins.” His special attention on the formation of the rural youth has led to the establishment of Instituto de Caceres, a diocesean school system which at present, has a campus in the towns of San Jose, Magarao, Goa and most recently, Caramoan. In his commencement address, he says he accepts the honor “not only because he has been serving as Bishop for 25 years” - the initial reason he was told why the University was awarding him the honorary degree – but because he sees the award as the University’s “faithful expression of continuous respect and solidarity with the successors of the Apostles, the Bishops, called to shepherd the Lord’s flock.” “In these trying times, to be a Bishop is a dangerous calling,” the Archbishop adds, pointing to those in public office - calling for the harassment, robbery and murder of bishops – rants and verbal assaults that have become common as the Catholic Church stands its ground against the apparent moral depravity. Addressing the graduates, the honorary doctor urges them to “dream with determination, to employ the power creative imagination and the fearless drive to change” and to “make the development of Bikol the dream of (their) dreams.” He warns against the advancement of technology taking precedence over the youth’s humanity such that “life has become cheap, cursing tolerated, mindset manipulated and time tested values, denied.” He was especially emphatic in calling the graduates to “uphold through your voices and voices that honesty, faith, human rights, respect for human dignity, protection of our sovereignty, support for our poor farmers, fisher-folks, labourers and OFW's, gravely matter and truly count in life of every Filipino here and abroad." He added, that these are the pillars that make for a strong nation. He highlighted to the graduates, that in living the ideals of Ateneo in following the example of St. Ignatius, they must stand for what is noble and pure as the saint stood for Jesus Christ. On a lighter note, Archbishop Tria Tirona discloses that prior to the priestly life, he gravitated towards soldiery to “continue the military tradition of (the) Tria Tirona clan, the original Magdalo faction of the Katipuneros of Kawit, Cavite.” He says his great grandfathers were “generals during the Cavite revolution against the Spanish colonizers.” But from being a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), he says a new ROTC emerged – Rolando Octavus Tirona Carmelite. The wit and humor delighted the audience. In an interview, Atty. Avelino V. Sales, Jr, Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, explains that the pillars of a university are research, instruction, and outreach. “The opening of parochial schools in various parishes demonstrates the good Archbishop’s resolve to catechize the young, especially those in the margins. For this, he embodies the outreach the University envisions,” Sales expounds. Archbishop Tria Tirona also revealed that as Archbishop of Caceres, he approved the establishment of the Ateneo Grade School Department. He will celebrate his 25th episcopal ordination anniversary on December 29, 2019. - CCCOM , Julma Narvadez Photo: Christopher Cruz #Rolandotriatirona #Adenu #caceres #doctorofhumanitiesHonorisCausa

Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD was ordained to the episcopate by Caceres Archbishop Most Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD on March 19, 2019 at the Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral, with Most Rev. Adolfo Tito C. Yllana, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to Australia and Most Rev. Manolo de los Santos, D.D., Bishop of Virac, as principal co-ordaining prelates. Papal Nuncio Most Rev. Gabriele Giordano Caccia S.T.D., J.C.L. represented the Holy See. The ordination coincided with the feast of St Joseph, husband of Mary and Patron of the Universal Church. “The episcopate is not a seat of honor,” says Bp. Yllana in his homily, as he underscores the role of a bishop whose primary duty is to pray for the faithful. Fidelity, prudence and goodness are the virtues that a bishop must always uphold, he adds. Bp. Alarcon later revealed that Bp. Yllana was celebrating his priestly ordination on the same day. In his message, Papal Nuncio Caccia compliments the Archdiocese of Caceres for being a “fertile ground of God’s grace” as evidenced by the number of vocations from the Archdiocese. He also noted that Pope Francis inaugurated his pontificate on March 19, 2013. The ordination was attended by archbishops and bishops from all over the Philippines, namely Abp. Jose Advincula, DD, Archbishop of Capiz; Abp. Gilbert Garcera, DD, Archbishop of Lipa; Bp. Louie Galbines, DD, Diocese of Kabankalan, Bacolod City; Bp. Victor Ocampo, DD, Diocese of Gumaca, Quezon; Bp. Mel Rey Uy, DD, Diocese of Lucena; Bp. Enrique Macaraeg, DD Diocese of Tarlac; Bp. Nolly Buco, DD; Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo; Bp. Joel Baylon, DD, Diocese of Legazpi; Bp. Jose Rojas Jr., DD, Diocese of Libmanan; Bp. Arturo Bastes, DD, Diocese of Sorsogon; Bp. Lucilo Quiambao, DD, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Legazpi; Bp. Jose Sorra, DD, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Legazpi; Bp. Alarcon is popularly known as Director of the Naga Parochial School since 2007. His foray in the academe enabled him to lead the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) and the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL), in various positions. He was also the Chair of the Advocacy Commission of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and in the Asian Associaton of School Human Resoure Management and Development Practitioners, Inc, he was the President of the Bikol Chapter from 2009 to 2011 and President of the National Office from 2012 to 2013. Born to Juanita C. Clement and the late Armando A. Alarcon on August 6, 1970 in Daet, Camarines Norte, he finished his grade school at the Naga Parochial School, his high school and degree in Philosophy at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. Ordained to the priesthood on November 9, 1996, he earned his licentiate and masters in Theology from the University of Sto. Tomas; his licentiate in Church History, from the Gregorian University in Rome. Prior to his appointment as school director, he was the private secretary of erstwhile Caceres Archbishop, the late Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. from 1997 to 1999 and 2003 to 2007. Archbishop Tria Tirona appointed him Superintendent of Catholic Schools of Caceres since 2015. He was the Director of the Commission on Evangelization from 2009 to 2015 and the Stewardship Program of the Archdiocese of Caceres from 2002 until 2017. A member of the Archdiocesan College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council and the Caceres Mission Council, Bp Alarcon teaches Church History at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary since 2001. According to BP. Alarcon, his episcopal motto “Servus Tuus Tuum” expresses his desire to be of service to God and His Church. In his word of thanks, he admits that he had reservations about the pomp and circumstance in connection with his ordination, as he prefers to proceed to Daet to begin his ministry. However, he says he has realized that the grace of his ordination is not for him alone, but rather for the entire Church. He thanks the bishops present, his brother priests, his birth family and relatives, his “families” at NPS and Naga Cathedral, and the faithful. “My service (shall) be the expression of my gratitude,” he says. Vice President Leonor Robredo, Former Ambassador to the Vatican, Henrietta de Villa, Congressman Gabriel Bordado of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur were among the civil government officials in attendance. In full force was the local officialdom of Naga City headed by Mayor John Bongat. The provincial government was also represented. The preparation for the ordination, which began on January 2, 2019 after Vatican announced Bp. Alarcon’s election to the episcopate, was headed by Caceres Vicar General Msgr. Rodel Cajot and Msgr. Noe Badiola, Parish Priest of St. John the Evangelist Parish, under the direction of Abp. Tria Tirona. In close coordination for security and peace and order was the local government of Naga City. On March 20, Bp. Alarcon is installed as the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Daet in a Canonical Possession and Mass at the Holy Trinity Cathedral at Daet, Camarines Norte. Preceded by a liturgical reception at St. Phillip the Apostle Parish, Basud, Camarines Norte and a Civic Reception, the installation is a joint undertaking of the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Diocese of Daet. Bp. Alarcon succeeds Archbishop Garcera who was installed as Archbishop of Lipa on April 21, 2017. Fr. Ronald Timoner has been the Diocesan Administrator of Daet since then. In a circular dated January 2, Fr. Timoner asked the clergy and the lay faithful of Daet “to offer prayers for the success of His Excellency’s pastoral ministry here in our beloved Diocese of Daet.” In the same circular, he also said Bp. Alarcon is a “wonderful gift” to the diocese. #BishopRexAlarcon #ArchdioceseisCaceres #EpiscopalOrdination

We have all experienced “dark moments” in our lives, moments when our life seemed to be abandoned by the light of hope, when we felt so lonely, left out and discouraged by life’s miseries like an inevitable death of a loved one due to an incurable disease, betrayed by our trusted friend, failed to reach our goal because of our failure to pass the board exams, struggling from certain addictions or pinned down by mortal sins. These are just some of life’s “dark moments” that we might have all experienced in one way or another. Such life’s challenges could bring us down and tear our life apart. They could also gravely affect our relationship with God, weaken our faith in Him and could eventually lead us to fall away from Him forever. Yes. Many times we are easily discouraged by all these negativities. We find it hard to cope with all life’s sufferings. Thus, we tend to stop from struggling. We tend to stop from believing that God is always there for us. And yet, no matter how indifferent we become towards Him because of it all, God continues to remind us that He is always there for us for He never abandons us. He is always there to give us hope and strength to persevere. We just have to pause for a while, pray and remember our “Transfiguration experiences” with Him. In our gospel, Peter, James and John experienced the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, giving them a foretaste of his heavenly glory. It was indeed a marvelous sight to behold that Peter, out of amazement, even suggested to make tents for them so that they may stay longer and enjoy more the heavenly bliss. For quite some time, the disciples of Jesus have not yet realized His true power and mission. Jesus was hoping that by giving them a foretaste of his glory they would remain steadfast until the end of their trials. And most importantly, they may realize that His Passion in Calvary is a passageway to His victory, to His everlasting glory! Indeed, Jesus’ intention was not to show off his power but to give them a glimpse of his true nature, of His light that can never be vanquished by the darkness of evil. Jesus is giving them a heavenly experience, a reminder, that will give them hope and strength in times of darkness, the time when he will be persecuted, humiliated and killed on the cross. So that when His Calvary comes, their “transfiguration experience” would become their source of hope and strength, reminding them that God has already conquered sin and even death itself. This is also true for all of us. Just like Jesus, we also have our own Calvary experiences - struggles, problems, difficulties, and challenges in life – that we need all to endure as followers of Christ. It is the way of life of every Christian – the way of the Cross. So there is no reason for us to lose hope. When we start to find our lives to be burdensome, we have to remember that we all have our personal “transfiguration experiences” with Jesus - moments of grace that inspire us and sustain us, the kindness and generosity we experience from one another, the absolution we receive in the Sacrament of Confession, the love we experience from our family and friends and the like; beautiful memories that remind us that our Lord and Savior is ever victorious! Let us beg God to grant us a sharp and grateful memory that we may always remember all our “Transfiguration experiences” with Jesus that we may also persevere until the end. And may He keep us strong and steadfast in Him as we deny ourselves, carry our crosses and follow Jesus faithfully every day of our lives (cf. Luke 9:23), so that one day we may all share with Him the joy of His glorious resurrection! (By ComBibliA #SecondSundayofLent #CommissionofBiblicalApostolatearchdioceseofCaceres