Church

UPDATE: Public viewing of Fr. Jun's body is now open (May 25) at NDU and will follow the daily schedule from 9AM to 11AM and at 2PM to 4PM.

In the context of the rising COVID-19 cases in Cotabato City and its neighboring towns, OMI Philippines is announcing the following:

1) Fr. Jun Mercado's body is now at the Archbishop Mongeau Chapel of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City.

2) Daily viewing of the body and the protocols to be followed are as follows:

COTABATO CITY  – A priest who survived Covid-19 succumbed to cardiac arrest Sunday while on his road to recovery, his congregation today said.

“It is with great sadness that we announced the passing of Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr, OMI at 3:25 p.m. today at the CRMC,” Fr. Amador Castillo, OMI, the Mercado’s colleague, announced Sunday.

He was tested positive to SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19, but have survived and was ready to go home when he suffered cardiac arrest at past 3 p.m. Sunday.

COTABATO CITY  – The ashes of two diocesan priests who tested positive for SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are now at the Arcdiocesan mausoleum inside the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral parish compound here.

Fr. Ben Toreto, rector of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, said interment is yet to be announced.

Diocesan clergies are to meet Monday, May 24, with the families of the Father Sanoy and Fr. Bacero.

Fr. Sanoy, 78 died at 8:25 p.m. Thursday and Fr. Bacero, 52 expired at about 1 a.m. Saturday.

Philippine Catholic bishops have placed the nation under the special patronage of St. Joseph on May 1, his feast day.

Led by Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the bishops’ conference, the national act of consecration was live-streamed from the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City.

The consecration began with a rosary led Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones from the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC, DD has baptized 125 of the 500 children slated for Christening in celebration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines.

Each vicariate has 125 children to be baptized.

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday reminded Filipinos that amid the prevailing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives “a message of hope” that there is an end to pain and suffering.

In his Easter Sunday message, Duterte extended his greetings to Filipino Christians here and abroad in commemorating the most important day of the year for Christians.

MANILA - A Catholic bishop washed and kissed the feet of “new missionaries”, including a nun from the beleaguered country of Myanmar, during Holy Thursday celebrations in Manila.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila washed the feet of Sr. Venus Marie Pegar of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) as a symbol solidarity with the people of Myanmar as the nation grapples with a military coup.

“We stand with the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy and peace,” Pabillo said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral.

Protecting human rights will be a key mission for the Manila archdiocese’s new shepherd, but wants the opportunity to have an open line of communication with Malacañang.

Cardinal Jose Advincula made the comments in a recorded interview with one of his priests in Capiz that was released to the media on Wednesday.

The statement comes amid expectations that he will tackle human rights issues and will continue to be a voice for the poor.

“I foresee to maintain an open line of communication with Malacañang,” said Advincula, who just turned 69 March 30.

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Kung si Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DD ang tatanungin, nanatili aniyang buhay at buo ang pananampalataya ng mga katoliko sa panginoon lalong lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya kung saan nasusubok rin ang katatagan ng mga katoliko.

Sinabi ito ni Bishop Bagaforo kasabay ng selebrasyon ng ika 500 taong pagpapalaganap ng kristyanismo sa bansa ngayong taon.

TACURONG CITY - Former employee of Tacurong City LGU now a priest. Rev. Rino P. Lacar used to work as ordinary employee of the City Trearurer's Office.

While there, his calling pushed him to enter the seminary and is now a priest.  Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD ordained him to the priesthood today.