Homily of Most Rev. Sergio Utleg, Bishop of Laoag, on the occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Joseph Amangi Nacua as Bishop of Ilagan

Most Rev. Joseph Nacua, Bishop of Ilagan,
Most Rev. Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines,
Most Rev. Archbishops and Bishops,
Rev. Fathers and Sisters,
Honorable Government Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Recordatus Misericordiae Suae, Ever Mindful of His Mercy. The motto in Bishop Nacua’s Coat of Arms reminds us that God has indeed shown his love and mercy for this Diocese. For the last 20 months, Ilagan had no bishop. But because of God’s mercy and providence, the Diocese remained alive, people have kept the faith, the clergy continued to serve the people of God. This is no reason, however, to say that a diocese is better off without a bishop. And the reason for this is, as the Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops, Apostolorum Successores, quoting Vatican II, puts it: the bishop is the visible source and foundation of the unity of the particular church.

Without a bishop there is no local church. In a diocese, there may be zealous priests busy with their work, the Gospel may continue to be preached eloquently, the diocesan programs may be efficiently implemented, but without a bishop the diocese will be unreconizable as a local church and will eventually disintegrate. That is why, we are doubly grateful to God for his infinite goodness and mercy, because he has finally provided the Diocese of Ilagan with its Pastor and Bishop.

To be a visible sign and guarantee of unity in the Church! What a terrifying idea! This is the reason for the exalted dignity, the over-arching power, the unprecedented prestige of the Bishop, all summed up in two words when he is addressed as: His Excellency! But I doubt if there is any man, who upon learning that he has been chosen by the Holy Father to be a bishop will not stand in fear and trembling at the thought of the heavy responsibility that he is about to bear on his frail shoulders.

The responsibility is tremendous because the Bishop is being asked to personify the Most Holy Trinity to his flock. The same document, Apostolorum Successores says: “through his life and episcopal ministry (the bishop) manifests to the people of God the Fatherhood of God… the loving care, mercy, gentleness and authority of Christ… and the vitality of the Holy Spirit who gives life to the Church and sustains her in her human weakness.” The bishop has to be a father, a brother, a shepherd, a manager, an inexhaustible source of hope, a guide, a rock of strength, a fountain of life. Who then can be worthy to be a bishop? Who can even aspire to be a good bishop? The answer is: nobody. Nobody because the bishop is expected to configure Christ, and nobody can ever be like Christ himself.

Yet, it is also true that our christian life is a mixture of what is human and what is divine, of body and spirit, of immanence and transcendence, of sinner and saint. The Church is a paradox, and no one has expressed this truth in a better way than Vatican II itself when it says about the church that it is: ecclesia sancta sed semper reformanda. The church is holy, but always in need of reform. It is as though the church and all of us who compose the church have been given two grades simultaneously: E and NI. E because we the church are excellent, holy, divine… but at the same time NI, needs improvement, because we are always making wrong choices, falling into arrogance, committing sin, breaking promises, and coming short of our goals.

When I was asked by Mons. Marino Gatan to be the homilist for this Mass, I was sure that I was chosen to do this difficult but privileged task not because of my profound insights on Ecclesiology and the nature of the Episcopacy but because, as the former bishop of this diocese, I would be in the best position to give advice to the new bishop.

And so my dear Bishop Nacua, I know that you have a Doctorate in Spirituality but since I am two years your senior in age, and eleven and a half years older than you in the episcopacy, allow me to give you some unsolicited advice. Bear in mind always that the life and mission of a bishop, as that of the Church herself, is a paradox.

 Paradox number one: power and servanthood. As a bishop you have almost absolute powers in the executive, legislative and judicial forum. Yet many times you will find yourself obeying and doing what others want and tell you to do. There is nothing strange about that. You are given power so that you will have greater capacity and freedom to serve.

 Paradox number two: readiness and preparation. There is no school that prepared you to be a bishop, yet you are expected to know what to do. After this installation, with the barest of instructions, you are thrown into the job in full gear. Yet there is so much for you to learn, and skills that you have to acquire and points of view that you have to be familiar with. But do not worry. By the grace of your ordination, the Holy Spirit will be there to help you. Apostolorum Successores says: As teacher of the faith, sanctifier and spiritual guide, the Bishop knows he can count on a special divine grace conferred upon him at his episcopal ordination.

 Paradox number three: grave responsibility and letting go. You are responsible for the growth of the church, the preaching of the Gospel, the harmony of all the different groups within the diocese. Yet sometimes you feel that things are happening, and many times doing well, without your knowledge or control. You get the feeling that things go on without you; they are, in fact, prospering not because of but in spite of you. This only tells you that what you are doing is really God’s work. You are there only as his instrument. You sow the seed but God makes the plant grow and bear fruit.

 Paradox number four: agony and ecstasy. Sometimes you will feel like you are in heaven because of the adulation of the flock and all your plans are flourishing and running smoothly; other times you feel you are at the fringes of hell because you are misunderstood, maligned and everything you say and do is wrong. The life of a bishop is sometimes colorful and exciting, but oftentimes it is grey and monotonous. Sometimes you want to shout to the whole world: God is good. Life is wonderful. At other times you are forced to say, as Jesus on the cross: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me. It is a life that is exhilarating and fulfilling, but at the same time it is demanding, exhausting and humiliating. But that is something that should not scare you or surprise you, because it is also the life of Jesus Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Church, of whom you as Bishop is the struggling image.

 Paradox number five: losing and finding yourself. He who loses himself will find it, as Jesus says. People will want you to be this and to be that. Yes, you are supposed to lose yourself among your people, but paradoxically, the best way for you to do that, is just to be yourself. The world will want to carve you according to its image, but the most precious thing you can offer to the world is YOU.

I like your motto: ever mindful of his mercy. Had I known better, I might have adopted it for my own. As a bishop, like Christ, you will preach the good news to the poor, give sight to the blind, and set captives free; but your journey will be strewn with thorns, rocks, storms and sleepless nights. Be consoled that anything that happens to you will always be an act of God’s love for you. There will be times when you will find yourself floundering in a stormy sea with waves big enough to drown you. In the end, God’s mercy and compassion will be the only reality you can rely on and will ever need. May our good and merciful Lord be always with you.

Ilagan, September 9, 2008.

Ti Krus ket Bendision

"Ti agtarigagay a sumurot kaniak masapul nga ibaklayna ti krusna...”

Iti daytoy a gundaway malagipko ni Manny Pacquiao gapu ta sakbay ken tunggal rikos ti boksing, agtandaan. Adda met dagiti basketbolista ti PBA nga agtandaan sakbayda nga agay-ayam. Kasta met kadatayo, no lumabas ken umunegtayo iti simbaan, agtandaantayo met iti krus. Amin dagitoy ipakitada ti kinasiasinotayo - pasurotnatayo ti krus!

Agpayso unay, kakabsat, a ti Krus ti maysa kadagiti kapatgan a ramen ti biagtayo a Cristiano. Ti kinapudnona, maaw-awagantayo a relihion ti Krus agsipud ta ti tanda ti kina-Cristianotayo ket ti Krus.

Ti kinapudnona, idi nabuniagantayo kastoy ti kuna ti padi: “Felimon, iti nagan ti nacristianoan a gimong awatenka nga agpaay ken Cristo ket yugisko kenka ti tanda ti krus ni Cristo a nangisalakan kadatayo.” Naimaldit ngarud kadatayo ti tanda ti Krus manipud iti dayta a kanito. Manipud met laeng iti dayta a kanito, nagbalintayon a pasurot ti Krus. Isu't gapuna a no irugitayo a rambakan ti Nasantoan a Misa, agtandaantayo iti krus. Sakbay a mabasa ti evanjelio, agtandaantay manen, agsipud ta awan sabali a tanda wenno pagilasinan a Catolicotayo, no saan a ti Krus!

Ngem ti yanna a rigat, adu kadagiti Cristiano ti madi iti krus. Adu kadagiti Catolico ti agkedked a ma-addaan iti krus. Kayatda piman nga itarayan ti krus. Yes, we run away from danger because we must preserve ourselves, but we must not run away from the cross. The cross is not our danger, the cross is our salvation! We do not run away from the cross, we run away from sin. We do not run away from Jesus Christ, we run away from the evil one. Wen, itarayantayo ti peggad tapno mailisitayo iti didigra, ngem saan a rumbeng nga itarayantayo ti krus agsipud ta ti krus ti salakantayo! Ti basol ti rumbeng nga itarayantayo, saan ket a ti krus. Ni Satanas ti rumbeng nga itarayantayo, saan ket a ni Apo Jesus!

Laglagipentayo a no mangted man ti Apo iti pakarikutantayo, saan a gapu ta binaybay-annatayon, saan a gapu ta nalipatannatayon, saan a gapu ta tinallikudannatayon ken saan met a gapu ta naliwayannatayon, ngem gapu laeng iti ayatna nga iparaman kadatayo ti kapatgan a gamengna – ket daytoy awan sabali no di ti Krusna! We should, therefore, rejoice in the cross. Remember that in every blessing is a cross, and in every cross is a blessing!

Wen, kakabsat, tunggal mangbendision ti padi – adda latta ti krus. Awan ti bendision nga awan ti tanda ti krus. Isu a no malpas ti tunggal misa agtandaantayo iti krus, saanen a tapno iparangarantayo ti kinasiasinotayo ngem tapno mabendisionantayo. Gapuna a ti siasinoman a madi iti krus, awan met kalinteganna a mabendisionan!

Ibaklayyo ti krusyo, kakabsat. Wen, ibaklayyo ti krusyo ken dikay kad ibbatan lattan. Awitenyo ti krusyo ken dikay kad ibati lattan iti uray sadinoman. Awitenyo ti krusyo ken dikay kad satsaten lattan. Awitenyo ti krusyo ken dikay kad ipadpadawat lattan! (Fr. Walde Batoon)

St. Nicholas of Tolentino: A Biography

The Journey of a Great Confessor

At times God desires that the design for sanctity in a soul be etched early in life. Born in 1245, in Sant' Angelo, a town in the Italian Marches, a province east of the Central Appennines, Nicholas was the answer to the prayers of his middle-aged parents. He displayed a desire for prayer and solitude at an early age, and at seven began various practices of penance and mortification. He was tutored by a local priest and made rapid and gifted progress, which brought him to the attention of the bishop of Fermo.


While still a boy, Nicholas received minor orders. Refusing a career in the secular clergy, he desired a way of life in which he could consecrate himself completely to God. He chose the order of Hermits of Saint Augustine after hearing one of the friars preach, and made his profession before he was eighteen. He was sent to San Ginesio for his theological studies and while there was given the charge of distributing food to the poor at the gate of the monastery. So great was his generosity with the food of the house that the procurator complained and reported him to the prior. It was here, too, that Nicholas performed the first of his many miracles by placing his hand on the head of a sick child who had come to the gate. Nicholas said, "The good God will heal you," and the child was cured. Nicholas was ordained about 1270 and during his first Mass was rapt in ecstasy. From this time on, he had the gift of conversions through his sermons and his instructions in the confessional.

While visiting a relative who was the abbot of a monastery near Fermo, Nicholas was invited to give up the hard life he had chosen and stay at this more comfortable monastery, but while he was praying in the church, he seemed to hear a voice saying, "To Tolentino, to Tolentino. Persevere there."

And so Nicholas went to Tolentino. Tolentino at this time was still suffering from the Guelf and Ghibelline struggle, and the weakening of religious faith that resulted from war and heresy. A campaign of street preaching was necessary to revitalize Tolentino, and Nicholas was put to this work, making a great success of it. Even those who tried to drown out his voice and disband the crowds that gathered to listen to him finally stayed to hear him and to repent their own sins. Nicholas also worked in the slums of Tolentino, comforting and caring for the sick and appealing to sinners. Miracles always accompanied this work.

Less public than this apostolate to the sinners and to the suffering were the practices of penance and the long hours of prayer that were the source both of his success and of his sanctity. Always exceptionally faithful to the community office in the monastery church, he added many more hours of prayer both day and night, in the church and in his own cold cell. Only humble obedience to his superiors kept him from the strict fasts and harsh self-denial that threatened to make him an invalid.

Nicholas died in 1305, and the miracles that followed were so numerous that the case for his canonization was immediately drawn up. The grave difficulties of the Holy See that resulted from the transfer of the papacy to Avignon delayed any action on his cause until 1446, when he was canonized by Pope Eugenius IV.

Source: Welcome to the Catholic Church 3.0 by Harmony Media, Inc., PO Box 9179, Salem, OR 97305 USA.

San Nicolas Parish History

Patron: ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE
Founded in 1584

The beautiful church of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish speaks of the numerous people who kept the Catholic faith alive despite the turmoil of the past 400 years brought about by calamities that destroyed the church building and by the Aglipayan schism, which threatened the Christian community.

The community began as a visita of Vigan in 1575. Every year, an Augustinian missionary visited this community of Malay origin that settled south of the Padsan River. Under the patronage of St. Lawrence the Deacon, the first chapel of bamboo and cogon was built for the visita. This was replaced with a small church of masonry, wood and cogon. But this was soon destroyed by earthquake and typhoons.

In 1701, Fray Antonio de Villanueva constructed a bigger and more massive church about half the size of the present one. This construction was completed in 1703 only to be toppled down by a strong earthquake on November 14, 1707.

In 1733, a strong typhoon ravaged Ilocos Norte, and many of the townspeople took refuge in the church. They asked for the help of St. Lawrence, but the typhoon did not stop. Later, they turned to St. Nicholas of Tolentino, and the typhoon and ensuing flood miraculously subsided. This was the time that the town and the parish took the name of St. Nicholas of Tolentino.

In 1895, the church belfry was constructed under the leadership of Fray Victoriano Garcia, himself an architect and an engineer. Molasses was mixed with lime as a strengthening chemical for the stones and bricks.

During the revolution of 1898, the Katipuneros occupied the church. A year later, the American forces took over the church and used it as headquarters. However, the U.S. government ordered that churches be vacated by military forces. Gregorio Aglipay, together with renegade priests, took this opportunity to take over the church. Majority of the Catholics in the town embraced the Aglipayan Church. However, the Supreme Court decreed that the sequestered properties of the Catholic Church be returned by the Aglipayan rebels. The building was returned, but its records and movable properties could not be retrieved anymore.

During World War II, the church was occupied by Japanese forces, and its belfry became a watching post. After the war, Rev. Catalino Racca started the repairs of the church.

Before the turn of the millennium, the church façade and belfry went through a major facelift. New bells were added to the old set. Today, the parish boasts of having the only automated belfry in Ilocandia.

In 2004, the church underwent yet another makeover. But more than the physical transformation which is immediately palpable is the fervor of the faithful to wield greater zeal and strength of spirit to renew and be renewed and courageously walk the stretch ahead. Moreover, the faithful, motivated by their pastors, are invigorated with the spirit of charity and unity that fires up their hearts and spurs them on to do what they can for the good of the Church. Now, all they have to do is stay on course.

Since the creation of Laoag as a diocese, the following priests have served in the parish: Rev. Catalino Racca, Rev. Mauro Resurrecion, Rev. Juan Ballesteros, Rev. Policarpo Albano, Rev. Sylvio Lacar, Rev. Gil Albano, Jr., Rev. Rodolfo Nicolas, Rev. Amador Foz, Rev. Domingo Albano, Rev. Jose Agustin, Rev. Ruben Abaya (with Rev. Rey Magus Respicio then Rev. Engelbert Elarmo as assistants), Rev. Mario Garaza (with Rev. Joel Reynold Castillo then Rev. Nolasco "Tom" Pascua, Jr. then Rev. Lorenzo Torreflores as assistants), Rev. Ramon Danilo Laeda (with Rev. Melchor Palomares as assistant).

Vintar Parish History

Patron: ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE
Founded in 1774

Vintar was a visita of Bacarra in 1600 under the administration of Fr. Lazaro Ordonez, and it was established as a parish in 1774 under the patronage of San Nicolas de Tolentino. The Church of Vintar is a construction of the late 18th century. Fr. Mariano Ortiz restored it in 1894, and Fr. Ricardo Alonso restored the convent in 1877. According to Llanes, the convent, one of the biggest in the province, had an inner patio. A part of the mission complex was patterned after those found in Mexico; it was more of a decorative garden.

During the earthquake of 1931 the church was partly destroyed, and its subsequent restoration in 1935 lost its antique nobility and dignity. The bell tower collapsed and was damaged almost beyond recognition or repair. During the earthquake of August 17, 1983, the façade and the wall of the sanctuary collapsed.

The townspeople of Vintar practice great devotion to San Nicolas. A religious tradition left by the Augustinians continues to be practiced in Vintar. The town has the largest land area in the province. Aside from its vastness, the geographical barriers brought about by rivers and mountains make it hard for evangelization to progress. However, the priests assigned in their parish find joy in going to as far as Isic-Isic. Their pastoral mission has been complemented by the apostolate of the Daughters of the Divine Zeal, who have been in the parish since 1968.

In 1989, a Parish Pastoral Assembly was held in Vintar. On December 11, 1991, Rev. Primo Cabanos was ordained priest. That same year the diocesan Christ the King celebration was held in the parish. Rev. James Bonoan celebrated also in Vintar his silver anniversary of ordination on December 20, 1994.

Since the foundation of Laoag as a diocese the following have served as pastors: Rev. Mariano Saraos (1957-June 1967); Rev. Bernardo Balderas (July 1967-December 1967); Rev. Jose Agustin (1967-1969); Rev. Andres Respicio (1969-1972); Rev. Onofre Aurelio (1972-1976); Rev. Antonio Molina (1976-1980); Rev. Godofredo Albano (October 1980–December 1980); Rev. Domingo Albano (1981-1983); Rev. Damaso Argel (1983-1986); Rev. Tito Bonoan (1986-1993); Rev. Victor Hernando (1993-1994); Rev. James Bonoan (1994-2001); Rev. Ramon Danilo R. Laeda (2001-2008); Rev. Hermogenes G. Saturnino, Jr. (present).

Local Church Still Seeking Justice For Murdered Priest A Year After Killing

September 1, 2008, LAOAG CITY, Philippines (UCAN) -- A streamer demanding "Justice for Father Rigonan!" still hangs at the gate of the slain priest's parish in the northern Philippines, a year after he was killed.

The slaying of Father Florante Rigonan remains unsolved largely because the police are "not doing what they are supposed to do," Bishop Sergio Utleg of Laoag told UCA News on Aug. 28. Father Rigonan headed the diocese's St. Isidore Labrador Parish in Pinili town.

In the bishop's view, investigators "lack motivation" to solve the year-old murder case. "More effort" should be exerted to pursue the investigation, he said, so justice will prevail not for Father Rigonan, who is "already resting," but for the sake of the people he left behind.

"Peace" will not be achieved in Ilocos Norte with an "inefficient justice system," the prelate added. Laoag City, the provincial capital, lies 340 kilometers north of Manila.

Father Rigonan died on the spot on August 28, 2007, when gunmen shot him in the head and other parts of the body after he said Mass at the house of Florencio and Elisea Macalma in Puritac, Pinili, about 30 kilometers south of Laoag City.

Parishioners, friends and relatives of Father Rigonan gathered at the parish church this Aug. 28 for a Mass Bishop Utleg led with Pinili parish priest Father Richard Blas-Antonio concelebrating.

Parishioner Nita Antonio, who attended the Mass, is "still shocked" that "God's instrument for people's salvation" was killed. The 48-year-old church worker told UCA News she also feels sad that justice has not been served.

Days after the murder, Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil created Task Force Rigonan to speed up investigation of the crime. Its membership was drawn from the PNP Crime Investigation and Detection Group, the Crime Laboratory, the Regional PNP Intelligence Group and local police.

Based on witnesses' testimony, the task force recommended in September 2007 that the provincial Prosecutor's Office file murder charges against Liwliwa and Lyndia Macalma, Elisea's nieces.

However, a court case has not been filed because the testimony and evidence submitted were "purely circumstantial" and "not enough," provincial prosecutor Bernardo Agdigos told UCA News on the day of the anniversary Mass.

Father Rigonan's case is "pending investigation" by the PNP, Agdigos said at the Ilocos Norte Marcos Hall of Justice in Laoag City. He explained the prosecutor's office is waiting for the PNP to submit "any additional evidence" that would "directly pinpoint" suspects in the priest's killing.

The prosecutor reported that witness testimony submitted by Task Force Rigonan last year and other evidence were returned due to "insufficiency to establish probable cause."

Witnesses included Father Rigonan's sister, Eva, and Elisea Macalma.

In her sworn statement, Eva reported her brother had received death threats from Liwliwa and Lyndia, who were allegedly jealous of the 5-million-peso donation Florencio and Elisea gave the priest for the construction of the St. Isidore Labrador Parish church. At that time, the donation was equal to about US$108,000.

Meanwhile, Elisea's affidavit says Liwliwa also appeared to have resented the fact that Elisea and her husband Florencio took Father Rigonan with them to the United States and paid for his airfare.

Ilocos Norte has a "good crime solution efficiency percentage," a PNP official told UCA News on condition of anonymity. Only 14 of 59 cases of murder, homicide, physical injury, rape and robbery registered in the province between April and June 2008 have not yet been solved, the provincial website reports.

The Chronos for SEPTEMBER 2008

1: Monday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

2: Tuesday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Vicarial Meetings:
Central Vicariate - Piddig
Southern Vicariate - Paoay
Eastern Vicariate - Dingras
Northern Vicariate - Davila, Pasuquin

Catholic Schools:
Superintendent and Principals Workshop on Administrative Handbook, Cordero Hall, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3: Wednesday: St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor. WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop meets with the Diocesan Audit Team for final briefing.
He is visited by newly-consecrated Bishop Nacua of Ilagan Diocese.

4: Thursday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

5: Friday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

6: Saturday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m. of BVM on Saturday, WHITE.

7: †23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.

Catechetical Office:
Launching of Catechetical Month in the parishes

8: BIRTHDAY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop officiates a wedding in Manila.

Catholic Schools:
CEAP Superintendents' Annual Meeting in Davao City (September 8-9)

Let us pray for:
Rev. Joel Reynold P. Castillo (Birthday, 1968)

9: Tuesday: 23rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m. of St. Peter Claver, priest, WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop attends the Installation of Most Rev. Nacua as bishop of Ilagan.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Rock Bonoan (Birthday)

10: Wednesday: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, priest, WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop presides over the Eucharistic celebrations in Vintar and San Nicolas.

Patronal Fiesta:
St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish, Vintar. Concelebrated mass at 7:30 a.m.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish, San Nicolas. Concelebrated mass at 10:00 a.m.

Catholic Schools:
CEAP Retirement Plan Assembly in Davao City

11: Thursday: 23rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Let us pray for:
Most Rev. Sergio Utleg (Birthday) and Rev. Cipriano "Jojo" Alnas (Birthday, 1975)

Catholic Schools:
CEAP National Convention in Davao City (September 11-13)

12: Friday: 23rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m. of the Holy Name of Mary, WHITE.

Catechetical Office:
Coordinators' Meeting, Cordero hall, 8:00 a.m.

13: Saturday: St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor, WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop, together with GINNA staff and members, hikes to Kaangrian Falls,Burgos.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Msgr. Carlito "Joey" Ranjo, Jr. (Birthday)

14: † FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS, RED.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop officiates mass in Dingras, 5:00 p.m.

15: Monday: Our Lady of Sorrows, WHITE.

16: Tuesday: St. Cornelius, pope, and St. Cyprian, bishop, martyrs, RED.

Priests' Assembly at the Bishop's Residence

17: Wednesday, 24th Week, Ordinary Time, or m. of St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor, WHITE.

Office of the Oeconomus:
Start of audit in the parishes (September 17-19)

18: Thursday: 24th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

19: Friday: 24th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN, or m of St. Januarius, bishop and martyr. RED.

20: Saturday: St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest, and St. Paul Chang Hasang and Companions, martyrs, RED.

Catechetical Office:
Diocesan Catechetical Day celebration at St. Mary's Seminary, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop attends the Catechetical Day celebration at SMS and presides over the mass at 8:45 a.m.

21: †25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.

Office of the Oeconomus:
The Diocesan Audit Team start collating audit data (September 21-23).

Commission on Social Action:
Outreach Medical Mission, Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail, BJMP-Batac City, BJMP-Laoag City, 7:30 a.m.

22: Monday: 25th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Commission on Social Action:
Surgical Mission in cooperation with the Gov. Roque B. Ablan, Sr. Memorial Hospital, 7:30 a.m.; Medical Check-up for the Central Vicariate Clergy and Religious Sisters: Carmelite Sisters (OCD), Daughters of Divine Zeal (FDZ), Dominican Sisters (OP), Workers of Christ the Worker (WCW), Redemptorist Community, Catechists and Diocesan Schools Teachers, 8:00 a.m.

23: Tuesday: St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest, WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop presides over the Eucharistic Celebration at the cathedral at 2:00 p.m.

Commission on Social Action:
Continuation of Surgical Mission at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan, Sr. Memorial Hospital, 7:30 a.m.; Medical Check-up for Northern Vicariate Clergy and Religious Sisters: Siervas de Nuestra Senora de la Paz (Bangui), Missionary Sisters of the Holy Trinity (MSHT, Pagudpud), Catechists and Diocesan School Teachers; Opening Ceremony of the celebration of the Anniversary of San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical-Dental Charity Clinic, Eucharistic Celebration at the St. William Cathedral, 2:00 p.m.; Medical and Dental Out-Patient Clinic, 3:00 p.m.

24: Wednesday: 25th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Commission on Social Action:
Continuation of Surgical Mission at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan, Sr. Memorial Hospital, 7:30 a.m.; Medical Check-up for Southern Vicariate Clergy and Religious Sisters: Franciscan Apostolic Sisters (FAS), Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS), MCST Sisters, Capuchin Sisters (CCS), Catechists and Diocesan School Teachers, 8:00 a.m.; Minor Surgery, 2:00 p.m.

25: Thursday: 25th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop goes to Cagayan de Oro.

Commission on Social Action:
Continuation of Surgical Mission at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan, Sr. Memorial Hospital, 7:30 a.m.; Medical Check-up for Eastern Vicariate Clergy and Religious Sisters: Pastorelle Sisters (SGBP), St. Paul of Chartes (SPC), Catechists and Diocesan School Teachers, selected indigent patiests and volunteer workers, 8:00 a.m.; Cancer Screening Test for Women, Breast Check-up and Pap Smear Test, 2:00 p.m.

26: Friday: 25th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN, or m. Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs, RED.

Catechetical Office:
Vicarial Formation of Catechists (Southern Vicariate) in Badoc, 8:00 a.m.

Commission on Social Action:
Medical and Dental Out-Patient Clinic Deworming and Distribution of Vitamins, 2:00 p.m.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Pitz Acoba (Birthday)

27: Saturday: St. Vincent de Paul, priest, WHITE.

28: †26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.

29: Monday: Sts. Gabriel, Michael and Raphael, archangels, RED.

Bishop's Schedule:
The Bishop presides over the Eucharistic celebration in Currimao.

Patronal Fiesta:
St. Michael Parish, Currimao. Concelebrated mass at 9:00 a.m.

30: Tuesday: St. Jerome, priest and doctor, WHITE.