The Filipino clergy, known as the Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC), from the ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Bicol region will reassemble at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City, Philippines, from September 12 to 14, 2023, to enhance the spirit of brotherhood.
In the Philippine archipelago, the Bicol Region encompasses the southern portion of Luzon, the island where Manila is located.
The priest chose the theme "Deepening Our Regional Priestly Brotherhood with Ina (Mother)" in an effort to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood within the patronage of the Blessed Mother of Peafrancia.
"The Bicol clergy will once again gather at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary to pay homage to the Queen of Bicolandia, strengthen their Presbyteral camaraderie through prayers and sports, and discuss pertinent matters," said a statement of UBC.
UBC is an annual gathering of priests of the Bicol region with the purpose of praying together, congregating, and further deepening brotherhood under the guidance of the Blessed Mother of Peñafrancia.
During the said three days, the priests of the eight dioceses in the Bicol region will commemorate and celebrate the feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, who is considered the "Reina del Bicol" or Queen of Bicolandia.
Also, part of the three-day gathering was the active participation of priests in competitive games such as basketball, lawn tennis, and table tennis.
Last year, a priest from the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines took home the UBC 2022 Overall Championship.
Among the eight ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Bicol region are the Archdiocese of Caceres, the Dioceses of Libmanan, Daet, Legazpi, Virac, Sorsogon, Masbate, and the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP).
Father Rex Armena from the MOP also asked for prayers from the lay faithful for a successful, safe, and fruitful gathering of the clergy of the whole Bicol province.
"May our time together be blessed with fruitful discussions, inspiring insights, and deepened friendships through sporting events. Grant us the grace to be a shining example of priestly brotherhood, united in shared purpose and working tirelessly for Your greater glory, he said in a Facebook post on the Union of Bicol Clergy Facebook Page. - Leahna Villajos
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