28 June 2024
Circular Letter no. 1/2024
CIRCULAR ON THE 2024 CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF THE SANTO NIÑO IN THE PARISHES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PALO
To all the Priests of the Archdiocese of Palo,
1. Since June 30 has been decreed by Bishop Teotimo Pacis as a Feast for the entire Leyte on June 1, 1967 – hence Santo Nino de Tacloban, Patron de Leyte – , all parishes, mission stations and mission areas in the Archdiocese of Palo are enjoined to celebrate this Feast.
2. Even if June 30 this year falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time, parishes may still celebrate this Feast in lieu of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. However, the presidential prayers may be taken from Feast of the Santo Nino on the third Sunday of January but the Readings may be taken from the Lectionary for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. White or gold vestments (instead of green) are worn.
3. The use of the Readings of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time this year fits well with the anamnetical content of the June 30 Feast of the Santo Niño of Tacloban – the miraculous return of the image of the Santo Niño and the healings which ensued.
4. In the narration of the events around the June 30 feast, the healings from cholera and other diseases – that GOD HEALS – should be emphasized. Any mention or reference to the “Balyuan” in reference to the June 30 Feast should be avoided and strongly discouraged because it muddles the narrative and the anamnetical content of this very important feast of the archdiocese and the faithful of Leyte.
May the celebration of the Feast of the Santo Niño of Tacloban, Patron de Leyte brings us closer to Him and grant us more blessings.
With my fondest regards and paternal blessing, I am
Devotedly Yours in the Lord,
+JOHN F. DU
Archbishop of Palo
Fr. Gwen Lovelino E. Padagdag
Chancellor
