Alarcon installed as fifth Archbishop of Caceres in the Philippines

The fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres was installed at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist.

Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon succeeds Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, making him the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres which covers the Bicol Region or Southern Luzon part of the Philippines.

On May 2, 2024, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown led an installation ceremony that was attended by approximately 3,000 Catholic faithful. About 30 bishops were also present, including Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara (who is also the vice president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines), and Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, who serves as the apostolic nuncio to Israel and apostolic delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.

Archbishop Alarcon, who was ordained a priest in 1996 in the Archdiocese of Caceres, expressed gratitude and asked for prayers from the faithful as he began his new mission as an archbishop.

In his homily, he highlighted the importance of prayer in guiding his path as the shepherd of over a million Catholics in Bicol.

"May I request you to pray for these three intentions," Archbishop Alarcon conveyed during his installation. 

"First, that I may remain close to the Good Shepherd, so that his vision becomes my vision. His path is the way I should walk. My values, methods, style, and approaches may be patterned after Him, that I may have the heart of the Good Shepherd."

Furthermore, Archbishop Alarcon highlighted the virtues of Mary and Joseph as inspirations for his leadership.

"The second intention, that I may have the availability, the trust, patience, and perseverance of Mary, so that I may not seek my own, but those who are entrusted to me," he explained. 

"The third, that I may have the obedience, the courage, and the generosity of Joseph."

As Archbishop Alarcon set foot on his new position, he also vowed to uphold Saint Joseph's spirit of humility, compassion, and mercy, highlighting the necessity of Church synodality and collaboration.

Archbishop Alarcon's appointment follows Pope Francis' announcement on February 22 that he will succeed Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona.

Archbishop Alarcon is known for his unwavering commitment to the youth ministry and stewardship programs. He formerly served as bishop in the Diocese of Daet and currently, he is the chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth.

With Archbishop Alarcon's installation, the Archdiocese of Caceres anticipates a new chapter under his leadership, guided by faith, prayer, and a firm dedication to serving the flock entrusted to him.

"I am not the Church, we are the Church," Archbishop Alarcon emphasized, calling for collective effort and appreciation within the faith community. 

He also invites the faithful “to work together, and to appreciate, to celebrate together the giftedness we have received." 

Archbishop Alarcon's journey to the ministry of priesthood began in 1996 when he was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Caceres, which he now leads.

Throughout the years of serving, Archbishop Alarcon has exhibited a strong commitment to his vocation, serving as parochial vicar of the Naga Cathedral and private secretary to Archbishop Leonardo Legazpi.

As a young priest back then, he continued his education, gaining a Licentiate in Church History from the renowned Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

When he returned to Caceres in 2001, he took on important responsibilities at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, including assistant director of Family Ministry and director of the Stewardship Program.

In 2019, Archbishop Alarcon was ordained bishop and installed in the Diocese of Daet, where he remains to make major contributions to the Church, particularly in youth ministry and pastoral care.

His nomination as the fifth Archbishop of Caceres is proof of his strong dedication to serving the people and promoting the spiritual growth of the Church.

The inauguration of Archbishop Alarcon heralds a fresh beginning for the Archdiocese of Caceres, brimming with faith, devotion, and a rejuvenated dedication to the teachings of Christ.

Archbishop Alarcon strives to shepherd the flock entrusted to him, gaining inspiration from the Good Shepherd, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph.