Bishop of Mati visits one of the Oldest Churches in Mindanao

CARAGA DAVAO ORIENTAL – As part of the series of pastoral visits to different parishes in the Diocese of Mati, Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., together with the pastoral visit team, made his canonical visit to the historical San Salvador del Mundo church to listen to the flock entrusted to his care as the bishop of the local church in Mati, August 30-31.

San Salvador del Mundo parishioners, together with their parish priest Rev. Fr. Diomedes Lagroma, parish vicar, Rev. Fr. Ruben Bentayao Jr., LGU Caraga headed by Mayor Ronie S. Osnan, along with PPC, KPK, Ministries, and other Apostolates, warmly welcomed Mati’s second bishop together with the pastoral visit team.

On the day of the visit, the bishop and his team were welcomed at the entrance of the church, after which he proceeded to the altar for a moment of prayer.

Activities such as the introduction of the agenda of pastoral visit, the presentation of the synodal report, and the input on stewardship took place, followed by the inspection of the Canonical books and the checking of financial records by the bishop, chancery, and finance team, and the meeting of the Tri-Munera functions.

In the afternoon, Bishop Apigo also had a conversation with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), GKK Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers, the presidents of the mandated organizations, and the DYA Core Groups. Aside from this meaningful exchange, there was also the presentation of the collated answers to the guide questions which were given prior to the visit, followed by the Holy Mass.

On the second day, Bishop Apigo visited the Catholic Cemetery at Barangay Poblacion to offer prayers for the faithful departed, he then proceeded to the chosen GKK, San Isidro Labrador, Pantuyan to anoint the sick, celebrated the Holy Mass and joined in the fellowship lunch.

This is the first canonical visit of Bishop Abel, and he is the 10th visiting bishop since the erection of San Salvador del Mundo Parish in the year 1883. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey – Mati SoCCom)