3rd bishop of the Catarman Diocese
(CBCP)
TACLOBAN CITY– The people of Northern Samar, led by their provincial government, have extended their congratulations to Bishop Nolly Buco following his appointment as the new bishop of the Diocese of Catarman by Pope Francis on Oct. 18.
“We are truly blessed to have Bishop Buco, a seasoned and esteemed canon law expert, entrusted with the pastoral care of our diocese. His wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to serving the Church will undoubtedly steer the Diocese of Catarman towards continued growth and spiritual nourishment,” said the provincial government in a statement issued on Oct. 18.
“We look forward to his guidance as he shepherds our diocese toward a future filled with faith, hope, and charity. May his leadership inspire us all to deepen our spiritual journey and strengthen the bonds of unity within the Catholic community,” the statement continued.
Bishop Buco’s appointment comes as the Diocese of Catarman is to mark its golden anniversary on March 11 next year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the province of Northern Samar.
Buco, 60, is currently the auxiliary bishop of Antipolo and was named as the apostolic administrator of Catarman on December 8, 2023, following the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Trance due to health reasons.
He is the third bishop of Catarman since it became a diocese nearly 50 years ago, on Dec. 5, 1974.
Ordained a priest for Antipolo in 1993, Buco, a canon law expert, has served the diocese in various capacities, including as its judicial vicar.
In July 2018, he was named auxiliary bishop of Antipolo and was ordained to the episcopate on Sept. 8 of the same year.
In the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Buco serves as head or judicial vicar of the National Tribunal of Appeals, a body that handles marriage nullity cases in the country.
