New bishop installed to lead Catholic flock in Catanduanes

Bishop-elect Luisito Occiano of the Diocese of Virac. SCREENSHOT FROM ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH VIDEO

LEGAZPI CITY — Four months after he was appointed by Pope Francis, Most Rev. Luisito Audal Occiano, DD, on Wednesday was installed as the third bishop of the Diocese of Virac in Catanduanes province.

Occiano, 55, who served in various capacities in the Archdiocese of Caceres in Naga City, Camarines Sur, was appointed by the Pope on Feb. 29 to succeed retired Bishop Manolo de los Santos, who served the province for 30 years.

In his remarks during his installation at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Virac, Occiano expressed firm trust in God’s providence.

“As your new bishop, I am committed to listening to your hopes and concerns, working alongside you to foster a spirit of unity and love. Our mission is clear: to bring the message of the Gospel to every corner of the diocese, to be a beacon of hope, and to reflect Christ’s love in all that we do,” Occiano told parishioners.

Most Rev. Charles John Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, attended Occiano’s installation. —MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN 

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