Papal Nuncio to visit Eastern Samar for blessing of retirement home
BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, Philippines — Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown is set to visit Eastern Samar tomorrow for the blessing and inauguration of a new multipurpose building of the Diocese of Borongan that will serve as a retirement home for priests, evacuation center, museum, and venue for church activities and formation programs.
The visit will mark the first time Archbishop Brown, the Vatican’s representative to the Philippines, will visit Eastern Samar. He had previously visited neighboring Northern Samar for church events in the Diocese of Catarman.
Also expected to attend the occasion are Palo Archbishop John Du and Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco.
‘Milestone’
Church leaders and local government officials are preparing for what diocesan officials described as a “milestone event” for the local Church.
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According to the Diocese of Borongan, the day’s activities will begin with a liturgical and civic reception at 10:30 a.m. at the Borongan Cathedral.
A luncheon meeting will follow with Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, priests and religious workers of the diocese, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan “Dayan” Agda, and Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone.
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The blessing of the new facility and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, to be presided over by Archbishop Brown, are scheduled at 3 p.m. at the building site in Barangay Balatic, Oikos Village, Balud II, Borongan City.
A dinner reception and short program will conclude the day’s activities.
The following morning, the papal nuncio is expected to visit the Hebacong Sea of Clouds, one of Borongan City’s emerging tourist attractions known for its panoramic mountain views.
Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Edmel Raagas said the project was made possible through the initiative of Bishop Varquez and the support of donors and benefactors.
“This is especially important for the clergy since not all dioceses in the Philippines have retirement homes, and this one is also open for people during emergencies,” he added.
The facility is expected to become the new residence for senior and retired priests after the former priests’ home suffered severe flooding damage several years ago.
Aside from housing retired clergy, the building is also designed to function as an evacuation center during calamities, a diocesan museum, and a social hall for seminars, meetings, and church formation activities. /cb
