Bishop Hobayan died on the day diocese marks its founding anniversary
TACLOBAN CITY– The diocese of Catarman has announced the passing of its first bishop, Angel Hobayan, on Saturday(March 11). He was 94.
The announcement was made by Bishop Emmanuel Trance who noted that the death of the prelate coincided with the 48th founding anniversary of the Catarman diocese which covers the entire province of Northern Samar.
“With sadness of heart but with consolation of our faith…. we announce the passing of our beloved in Christ, Most Rev. Angel Ti-I Hobayan,” Trance said in his message posted on the social media account of the diocese.
“We enjoin our parishes and mission centers to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the mass for his eternal repose. And we extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives and to all the faithful of the Diocese of Catarman,” the bishop added.
The cause of death of Hobayan was not disclosed except that he died while confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City at around 2:30 am Saturday (March 11). His interment will also be announced later.
Hobayan, who was from Taft, Eastern Samar, was ordained as priest on March 25,1955 and as bishop on March 5,1975.
He was installed as bishop of Catarman on March 11,1975 until March 10, 2005.
The provincial government, through Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, joined in condoling the family and relatives of the late bishop and the entire diocese.
“The provincial government is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Monsignor Angel T. Hobayan, our bishop-emeritus in the Diocese of Catarman. We extend our sincere condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Catarman,” Ongchuan said in a statement.
“The people of Northern Samar will always be thankful to God for sending us a teacher of peace and humility. We trust that the merciful Lord would grant him eternal rewards in His presence,” he added.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
