The Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Charles John Brown, DD, made a pastoral visit to the Archdiocese of San Fernando last September 7 and 8. This is in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios, the patroness of the Archdiocese and of the province of Pampanga.
The Apostolic Nuncio arrived on the sunny mid-morning of September 07 where he was received by His Excellency Most Reverend Florentino G. Lavarias, Archbishop of San Fernando, His Excellency Most Reverend Paciano B. Aniceto, Archbishop Emeritus, the Metropolitan Cathedral Community, lead by Rev. Fr. Manny Sta. Maria, Rev. Fr. Howell Suarez, and Rev. Fr. John Cenon Tulio. Archbishop Brown was also welcomed by the representatives of the Vicariate of the Virgen de los Remedios and the Archdiocesan Commissions on Liturgy and Social Communication.
After the liturgical reception at the cathedral, Archbishop Brown was also received by the Honorable Dennis G. Pineda, Governor of Pampanga, Honorable Lilia G. Pineda, Vice Governor, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The provincial government also hosted a state luncheon for the head of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission to the Philippines.
The Apostolic Nuncio also made a surprise visit to the Archdiocesan Radio, the 91.9 Bright FM to give them blessing and greeting on their 6th anniversary, before closing his first day by joining some representative from the young people of the Archdiocese in meditating the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary for the intention of all who are affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
On September 08, the Apostolic Nuncio lead the Mass and Re-enactment of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios at the San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Brgy. Calulut, City of San Fernando. This is only the second time in the history of the celebration where the Apostolic Nuncio lead the eucharistic celebration.
By the afternoon of the same day, Archbishop Brown visited the San Agustin Church in Lubao, the oldest in the province, the Santiago Apostol Church in Betis, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines,” and the San Guillermo Church in Villa de Bacolor, the church half-buried by lahar, where he lead a prayer service in commemoration of the 30th year of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
His Excellency, on his various messages, hailed the Kapampangans for their “extraordinary way” of expressing the faith in their culture and heritage.
“There is a beautiful harmonization of Filipino values and Christianity in the Simbang Gabi, Giant Lantern Festival, songs and devotion to the Virgen de los Remedios,” he said on one of his interviews.