New Virac bishop seeks prayers, wisdom to serve flock

Virac’s new Catholic leader on Friday asked for prayers and support as he prepares to serve in his new role.

Bishop-elect Luisito Occiano, 52, specifically asked the faithful to pray for him to receive the wisdom necessary to serve them.

“Please pray for me as I strive to fulfill this sacred calling entrusted to me by the Church,” Occiano said.

“May the Holy Spirit guide me in shepherding God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and integrity,” he said.

Pope Francis on Feb. 29 appointed Occiano, a priest of the Archdiocese of Caceres, as the third bishop of Virac in the island province of Catanduanes.

He replaced Bishop Emeritus Manolo de los Santos, aged 76, whose resignation was accepted by the pope on Thursday.

Occiano currently serves as the rector and parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in San Jose, Camarines Sur.

For many years, he has also been leading the archdiocese’s communication ministry.

In the early years of his priesthood, he served as secretary to the former shepherd of Caceres, the late Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.