The 40th Episcopal Anniversary of Bp. Emilio Marquez at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral of Lucena

The 40th episcopal anniversary of Bishop Emilio Marquez, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Lucena, gave me the opportunity to once again visit St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena on January 29, 2025. The celebration was attended by eleven other bishops, with Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila delivering the homily. Also present were former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom Bishop Marquez fondly called his "BFF," and her husband, Mike Arroyo. Numerous priests from both Lucena and Gumaca, his former diocese, were in attendance as well.

On behalf of the CBCP, I had the honor of reading the Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of Bishop Marquez’s 40 years of service as a diocesan bishop. Cardinal Advincula and Archbishop Gilbert Garcera then presented the plaque to the honoree.

With Frs. Edgar, Bryand, Bp. Marquez and Abp. Tirona. 

With the bishops who graced the 40th Episcopal Anniversary of Bp. Marquez including Cardinal Advincula (with red cassock) who delivered the homily. 

ST. FERDINAND CATHEDRAL (F-1881)
Lucena City

The St. Ferdinand Cathedral of Lucena

Inside the Cathedral

The painting of St. Ferdinand, King on the main altar. 

I was drawn to the image of the doves which I thought at first glance were real. 

The choir loft. 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH (F-1599)
Sariaya, Quezon

These paintings of the evangelists are found in the sacristy, but one is already missing. 

SAN ANTONIO, TIAONG, MAUBAN AND SAMPALOC: TOWNS OF QUEZON IN THE DIOCESE OF LUCENA

                 Of the 39 towns and two cities in the province of Quezon, there are still 13 towns I have yet to visit. Hence before heading back to Leyte for the Christmas break, I decided to explore seven of these towns, including the three located on Alabat Island. Along the way, we passed through San Antonio and Tiaong en route to Alabat, and after leaving the island, we visited Mauban and Sampaloc, both situated in the middle-eastern part of the province. These four towns belong to the Diocese of Lucena. 

SACRED HEART OF JESUS PARISH (F-1952) 
San Antonio, Quezon

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH (F-1670)
Tiaong, Quezon

ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH (F-1583)
Mauban, Quezon

We wanted to go to the beach in Mauban, however at this time of the year, the beaches were not suitable for swimming. 

We passed by the Mauban Coal power plant which was in Brgy. Cagsiay, north from the town proper of Mauban. 

ST. VINCENT FERRER PARISH (F-1901)
Sampaloc, Quezon