Regions
Vatican pays tribute to Hobayan

POPE Francis on Wednesday expressed his closeness to the life and ministry of the late retired Bishop Angel Hobayan of Catarman in Northern Samar, said the Catholics Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In a letter sent to the diocese's bishop, Emmanuel Trance, the Pope offered his closeness to the local Church, briefly recalling the late bishop's 'many years of devoted priestly and episcopal ministry.' Hobayan was laid to rest on Wednesday, March 22.

Archbishop Charles John Brown, the papal nuncio to the Philippines, officiates the final rites during the funeral mass of Bishop Emeritus Angel Hobayan held at the Catarman Cathedral in Catarman, Northern Samar, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Archbishop Brown was assisted by Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Palo Archbishop John Du (left), and other bishops from various parts of the country during the funeral mass of Bishop Hobayan, the first bishop of Catarman and the oldest bishop of the Philippines. PHOTO BY NESTOR L. ABREMATEA