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"Jesus is my Great Friend, and the Eucharist is my highway to heaven" - Bl. Carlo Acutis

MOST REV. LUISITO AUDAL OCCIANO, D.D

SBCA Philippines and International Prelate

Bishop Louie comes from Nabua, Camarines Sur, raised by his late parents, Domingo Occiano and Ester Audal, both natives of Nabua. He grew up in a large family of six siblings, cherishing memories of his childhood spent playing outdoors and participating in religious observances like Lenten processions.

Born on June 21, 1971, he completed his elementary education at La Consolacion Academy in Iriga City in 1984. Encouraged by his classmates, he enrolled at Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City for high school, where he initially didn’t foresee a calling to priesthood. However, his years at the seminary gradually opened him to the vocation.

After finishing high school in 1988, he pursued degrees in Philosophy and Theology at Holy Rosary Major Seminary, also in Naga City. His seminary experience was enriched by annual mission apostolates, where he and fellow seminarians served in parishes during summers.

On December 8, 1995, he was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore in Naga City. A year later, on November 10, 1996, he was ordained as a priest at Holy Cross Parish in his hometown.

Following his ordination, he served in various roles in Naga City, including as a parochial vicar, secretary of the Archbishop’s Office, and in other pastoral positions. Notably, he spent twelve years at Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, contributing to its community and organizing youth and professional groups.

In 2016, he became Parish Priest of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Baao, Camarines Sur, and later served as Parish Priest and Rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Joseph in San Jose, Camarines Sur. He also directed Instituto de Caceres – San Jose Campus, where he strengthened the school’s financial system and involvement in parish activities.

Throughout his 27 years as a priest, he dedicated 20 years to the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom), enhancing its media presence and evangelization efforts. He fostered collaboration with local media and initiated various media literacy programs and awards.

Appointed as Bishop, his episcopal motto “Cum Gaudio Predicare” (To Proclaim with Joy) reflects his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel joyfully and fostering friendship with Christ. Known for his calm and diplomatic demeanour, he has endeared himself to the faithful of Caceres Archdiocese and now brings his pastoral dedication to the Diocese of Virac.

Source: Biography Diocese of Virac

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish

The Parish Church of Pandan was finished in 1874 which is well-known of its rich cultural and religious heritage. Big stones for the foundation and walls were gathered from the sea, lime was manufactured locally and sand and gravel were taken from the seashore. “Basi” was used as cement that it strongly defied time and elements. The construction of the church took many years to complete. The church is home to the image of St. Ignatius of Loyola of which its feast day is being celebrated every July 30-31 of each year. Balikbayans from other provinces and also from other countries gather every year to celebrate this feast of praise and thanksgiving. The church is at the heart of the town centre, situated in Barangay Del Sur and is frequented by visitors and devotees alike as it is noted for its intricate and baroque architecture.

Photo and Article Provided by:

Crake Dominguez (Pandan Tourism Officer)