BEACHES AND CHURCHES: March 2024

Attended last March 18, 2024 the episcopal ordination of the third Filipino Dominican to be raised to the order of bishops, the Most Rev. Napoleon Sipalay, Jr, OP at the Minor Basilica of the Most Holy Rosary in Manaoag, Pangasinan. Until his announcement as a bishop, Fr. Sipalay was assigned as Vice Rector of the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. Abp. Socrates Villegas, archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan was the main consecrator together with Bps. Fidelis Layog, Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and Apostolic Administrator of Alaminos and Jose Jacinto of Urdaneta. Cardinal Advincula delivered the homily.

After the luncheon reception we were ferried to Alaminos for the installation the following day at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Alaminos.

Abp. Romulo Valles (r) of Davao with Bp. Abel Apigo (l) of Mati and Fr. Austin Cadiz, SDB, the abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of San Beda.

With some of the bishops and diocesan administrators who attended the ordination.

Bp. Leopoldo Jaucian of Abra and Bp. Teodoro Buhain who ordained to the priesthood Bp. Sipalay.

Cardinal Advincula with Bp. Teodoro Buhain.

Bp. Sipalay with Cardinal Advincula and Abbot Austin Cadiz, OSB.

With the bishop-elect Napoleon Sipalay, OP

Abp. Soc Villegas giving his words of welcome at the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration during the ordination.

Abp. Soc Villegas laying hands on Bp. Sipalay.

Cardinal Advincula laying hands on Bp. Sipalay

The kiss of peace.

Bp. Sipalay giving his first episcopal blessing to the people in attendance.

New bishop Sipalay and the Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown giving their messages.

The new bishop with his Dominican confreres.

Fr. Eric Zafra and I met our Dominican classmate Fr. Robi Reyes, OP for the first time after 40 years since graduating from Theology in UST.

St. Joseph Cathedral
Alaminos, Pangasinan

The civic reception of Bp. Sipalay in Alaminos at the Cathedral grounds.

Some of the bishops present for the installation.

The invitation from Bishop Yiet Cabajog, the Bishop of Surigao, to celebrate his 25th episcopal anniversary led me to discover a hidden gem in Surigao: the Lapsay Lagoon on Tinago Island, located in the municipality of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte. Despite being less known compared to popular destinations like Siargao or the emerging Dinagat Islands, Lapsay Lagoon is conveniently close to Surigao City, just 28 kilometres away.

Upon arriving at the public market in Tagana-an's poblacion, situated beside the river where boats depart for Tinago Islands, it takes just fifteen minutes to reach the lagoon. At Tinago Island Resort, you'll find yourself in a serene paradise surrounded by picturesque islets and coves. The lagoon boasts pristine, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty away from the crowds.