by Margaux Salcedo
photos from Northern Samar Provincial Planning and Development Office Facebook Page
The Diocese of Catarman celebrated its 50th Jubilee Year on March 11, 2025, with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
The diocese was established on March 11, 1975 with Bishop Angel T. Hobayan, its first residential Bishop. Incidentally, the local church also commemorated the second death anniversary of Bishop Hobayan on the same day. The first visit of the Nuncio was in 2022 when presided over the requiem Mass for the late Bishop Hobayan. His second visit was for the Installation and Canonical Possession of Catarman's third residential Bishop Nolly Buco, last January 15, 2025.
Honoring Fr. Alcina's Legacy
The Nuncio also visited the Parish of Palapag in the 2nd district known to be the nucleus site of Christianization in Northern Samar, the parish of Catarman where the Cathedral is situated as seat of the Diocese, and the parish of Biri.
In Palapag, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar presented the Nuncio with copies of the books of Jesuit priest-historian Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina, SJ at the old church ruins of Palapag, the site where Christianity first took root in Northern Samar. This church was completed in 1663 under Fr. Alcina’s supervision—a testament to the enduring faith of the early Christianized Nortehanons and Samareños.
Fr. Alcina played a crucial role not only in maritime expeditions during the Spanish era but, more importantly, in early missionary activities and the establishment of the first Christian community in the region.
His book 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝘽𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨 (1668) or the History of the Bisayan People in the Philippine Islands, provides one of the most detailed accounts of pre-colonial Bisayan life, customs, and early Christian missions and remains a crucial historical reference for understanding the identity and traditions of the Bisayan people.
Fr. Alcina was honored by the local government as they issued Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 420-B, Series of 2024, which posthumously recognized Fr. Alcina’s invaluable contributions to the cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of Northern Samar as well as its preservation and promotion of the Bisayan heritage.
Biri Rock Formations: A Reminder for Laudato Si
The Nuncio also visited the world-renowned Biri Rock Formations, considered one of the Top 10 Philippine gems because of its most breathtaking natural, geological wonders. The site is set to become a landmark for conservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring that the majestic rock formations will be enjoyed by generations to come. For his part, Archbishop Brown expressed admiration for the beauty of God’s creation and its role in deepening faith and appreciation for the environment.
The visit of the Papal Nuncio underscored the deep connection between faith and nature, a theme emphasized by Pope Francis in his 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙞 encyclical, which calls for the care of the environment as part of everyone’s mission, including the non-Catholics. Residents and church leaders welcomed the Nuncio’s presence as a sign of blessing and inspiration, reinforcing their commitment to preserving both their faith and their natural heritage.
As the Nuncio called for prayers for His Holiness Pope Francis, he also received a bust of the Holy Father from the former Mayor Antonio B. Delos Reyes Jr.
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