July 5, 2026

The scheduled visitation of the CEC Primate of Asia Bp. Ariel Cornelius Santos, Rector of the Cathedral of the King Manila was a milestone in the history of the growing deanery of the Bicol Region. The preparation started after Bp. Robert, the Auxiliary Bp of Bicol Region announced the visit last April, 2026. He clarified the details of the visit during the Deanery meeting in Masbate last March and reiterated it last June 13. 2026  in Sorsogon City. 

The venue of the visit will be at the cathedral site in Guinlajon, Sorsogon City. There is still nothing in the sihte except for concrete posts and walls. There is no roof and altar yet. We have to rent the seats and a provisionary CR has to be improvised too.  But Bp Ariel has decided  to proceed with his visit to the deanery. 

He arrived at about 2:20 pm at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, with Bp Robert and his wife and Jude welcoming them. They decided to visit the Cagsawa Ruins for some sightseeing before proceeding to MBC, the billeting hotel in Guinlajon. Unlike some Bps who travelled with their units or entourage, he travelled alone and with only one luggage in tow. 

To prepare the mass site, Fr Sen, Fr Dado, Jude, JJ and I decided to fix some wire matting for the trapal which will serve as the temporary roof. We finished at about 4 pm and we have to go home to prepare also for the dinner fellowship with Bp Ariel at MELAD Hotel in Cabid-an, Sorsogon City.  Aside from Bp. Ariel and Bp Robert with his wife Sis Malou, present also were Fr. Senen with his wife Claire, Fr Angelo Bongon, Fr. Diosdado with his wife Estela, Fr. JD of St Timothy Church in Naga City, fr Audio of Masbate City, Deacon Rey Andaya of Bulan Mission and his wife Ruth, Dcn. Gabriel, Jude and I were there to have time with the Primate. After the meal, he encouraged us to continue with the good work God is doing in us in Bicol Region. He also shared his experience in their journey from a theater in Makati to the Cathedral now in Paranaque. He said God is faithful and he knows the plan He has for the church in Biol. 

During the mass celebrated by Bp Ariel, the assisting clergy included Bp Robert, Fr. Angelo, Fr Dado, fr Audio, Fr JD nad Fr Sen. The deacons present were Dcn Rey, Ed, Gabriel and Ron Mora. U serve as the Deacon of the Mass, Dcn Ron as Subdeacon and Fr Sen as the Chaplain. There were brethren from Naga City, Masbate, and Bula joining the Church in Sorsogon City. 

After the mass the boys of Sorsogon City presented a modern dance while the girls of Bulan demonstrated a folkdance using fan. A sumptous  meal followed and everyone was inspired to see the Primate and the different brethren from other local churches. The Primate went home at about 3:00 pm. 

The next activity will be the Diocesan assembly in August at Quezon Province.