Bishop Nolly Buco. CBCP NEWS
TACLOBAN CITY — The people of Northern Samar, led by their provincial government, lauded the appointment of Bishop Nolly Buco as head of the Diocese of Catarman.
“We are truly blessed to have Bishoåp Buco, a seasoned and esteemed canon law expert, entrusted with the pastoral care of our diocese,” said the provincial government in a statement issued on Oct. 18.
The province said Buco’s wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to serving the Church would steer the Diocese of Catarman towards continued growth and spiritual nourishment.
“We look forward to his guidance as he shepherds our diocese toward a future filled with faith, hope, and charity. May his leadership inspire us all to deepen our spiritual journey and strengthen the bonds of unity within the Catholic community,” it said.
Pope Francis appointed Buco as the Diocese of Catarman is preparing for its golden anniversary on March 11 next year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Northern Samar.
Buco, 60, is the auxiliary bishop of Antipolo and was named apostolic administrator of Catarman on Dec. 8, 2023, after the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Trance due to health reasons.
Buco is the third bishop of Catarman since it became a diocese nearly 50 years ago on Dec. 5, 1974.
Ordained a priest in Antipolo in 1993, Buco, a canon law expert, has served the diocese in various capacities.
In July 2018, he was named auxiliary bishop of Antipolo and was ordained to the episcopate on Sept. 8 of the same year.
In the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Buco serves as head of the National Tribunal of Appeals, a body that handles marriage nullity cases in the country.