Vatican ambassador visits Northern Samar

NORTHERN Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan led local officials and religious leaders in welcoming the Vatican Ambassador to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol.

COURTESY CALL Charles John Brown, Vatican Ambassador to the Philippines, commonly referred to as the Apostolic or Papal Nuncio, is seen here as he pays a courtesy visit to Gov. Edwin Ongchuan’s office after the foyer honors for his arrival at the Provincial Capitol on the morning of Jan. 15, 2025. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The occasion marked the installation and canonical possession of Nolly Camingue Buco as the third residential bishop of the Diocese of Catarman.

"To the Excellency gracing us [with] your presence is both an honor and a privilege, and we are deeply honored to host you here in our beloved province," said Ongchuan.

"Your visit symbolizes the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of our province, a relationship rooted in a remarkable history of shared faith, mutual respect and a commitment to serving humanity," the governor added.

Ongchuan said the event is very important to the provincial government because it represents Pope Francis' grace and blessing on the whole Catholic community.

"It is a testament to the spiritual guidance that the Holy See extends to every corner of the world, including our beloved province," Ongchuan said.

"This event is a profound moment and renewal of hope for our community as we welcome our new shepherd to guide us in faith and service, and let this moment be a reminder of the enduring power of faith and unity," he added.

Papal Nuncio Brown, who was consecrated as archbishop for more than a decade, has been serving as Vatican Ambassador to the Philippines since 2020, having been nominated by Pope Francis after serving as Ambassador to Albania.

"Today begins a new chapter in the Diocese of Catarman, here in the province of Northern Samar, with the installation in a couple of hours of your new bishop; the prayers of everyone in the Holy See and everyone in the Nunciature are for you," Papal Nuncio Brown said in his keynote address.

"When we collaborate, when we cooperate, we can do something beautiful for the people of the Philippines, and in your case, for the people of Northern Samar, so cooperation between the church and the government is so important," he added.

In December 2023, Pope Francis appointed Buco as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Catarman, while also accepting the resignation of its bishop, Emmanuel Trance, for health concerns.

Buco was installed on Wednesday at Our Lady of the Annunciation Cathedral.