Preparation for Episcopal Ordination: An Update

Since the time Rev. Fr. Ronald Lunas was announced simultaneously in the Vatican and in the Diocese of Digos as the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Pagadian, the Clergy headed by Bishop Guillermo Afable started meeting and planning for the huge celebration in the history of the diocese of Digos.

As of this writing, they have been up to 3 consecutive meetings already. They convene every Thursday for a report and updates coming from the different committees. The Ordination committee was created last December 26th. The committee are as follows: Reception/Accommodation Committee, Transportation Committee, Food Committee, Security Committee, Finance Committee, Secretariat Committee, Liturgy Committee, Physical Committee and Medical Assistance Committee.

Each committee is chaired by a Clergy and assisted by religious and lay persons. Luckily for the accommodations, we have numerous rooms made available for the clergy visitors at the Benedictine Retreat houses. Some hotels stepped up to offer their establishments for a minimal or no fees at all.

For transportation, the diocese may utilize the school buses of Cor Jesu College and other schools and universities. Some private individuals offer their cars to be utilized during the airport pickup and transfers. The diocese still needs to rent some vans though.

For security measures, PNP is visible in any venue that is part of the event. Strictly NO VEHICLES are allowed inside the compound of Mary Mediatrix Cathedral. Each parish is allowed to have one or two vehicles which is required to secure a gate pass. NO ENTRY without it. There are NO BACKPACKS allowed and only guests with Marian colored ribbon are allowed entry inside the cathedral. There will be ROAD CLOSURES from Roxas St. to LYR and Gallarde Street.

As to the Finance Committee, the different committees are expected to submit their own budget proposals within the week which will eventually become the bases to come up with the comprehensive budget. Solicitation letters were released since December 30 and deadline is set on January 20th.

For the Secretariat where the Social Communications (SocCom) belongs, the chancery sent early notice through CBCP email to the dioceses as early as Dec 14, 2018. They have yet to receive the partial number of guests arriving once the invitation cards are out and the Office starts receiving RSVPs. The expected guests so far are the DADITAMA religious men and women, the Archdiocese of Davao Clergy, Diocese of Digos Clergy, Diocese of Tagum Clergy and the Diocese of Mati Clergy. Other invited guests include the family and friends of Rev. Fr. Ronald Lunas, all DICLA members, all Catholic schools of the diocese of Digos and LGUs of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. We are also hoping to have some Cardinals and Bishops during said event.

Fr. Lunas’s personal friend and closest brother priest will be in charge of the Liturgy which includes the rite, ministers, choir, vestments and arrangements inside the cathedral. The first rehearsal was done on January 2nd and next rehearsal is set on January 26th. The SocCom team of photographers are expected to attend to claim their spot in the floor plan.

We hope to bring you more updates as weekly planning conferences is underway. (Blaze Q. Cantaros | SUGID)