Bicolano bishops go online
NAGA CITY – The Metropolitan Archbishop of Caceres Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona presided over the region’s “Fratelli Tutti” virtual meeting last Monday, January 18,2021.
“Fratelli Tutti” is the third encyclical written by Pope Francis which is subtitled “on fraternity and social friendship.” It will be recalled Pope Francis underscores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected countries and suggested ways to manage the crisis through global cooperation.
Fr. Louie Occiano, Caceres Social Communications Director said the bishops updated each other on the prevailing conditions in their respective sees. They also took the opportunity to plan for the Year 2021 particularly the Year of St. Joseph as well as the 500th Year of Christianity.
Archbishop Tirona “met” with Bishops Rex Alarcon of Daet, Allan Hidalgo of Sorsogon, Joel Z. Baylon of Legazpi, Jose Bantolo of Masbate, Jose Rojas of Libmanan and Manolo delos Santos of Virac.
The Bicolanos are known for their devotion to the Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia which usually had well-attended celebrations over the past years. However, the COVID-19 restricted devotees to the observance of strict health measures. Most of them have resorted to online novenas and Masses. (Melo M. Acuña)
Bicolano bishops meet online. The meeting was presided by Caceres Metropolitan Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona (center, top) last Monday, January 18 where they talked about current conditions in their respective sees. (Caceres handout photo)