LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — Days after Pope Francis’ burial, Catanduanes Bishop Luisito Occiano reflects on the profound blessing of having met him personally.
“I had the honor of meeting Pope Francis twice,” Occiano shared with this reporter.
“The first was during his apostolic visit to Manila in 2015, and the second was in Rome while onboarding new bishops, where we were granted an audience with the Holy Father,” he said.
He vividly remembers Pope Francis’s warm aura, who, despite the rain, remained undeterred in his mission to bless the Filipino faithful.
“In Manila, the experience was both electrifying and profoundly humbling. Despite the heavy rains during the Mass at Luneta, the crowd stood firm, soaked yet smiling, embracing the downpour as part of the grace,” he said.
He continued: “When Pope Francis spoke, his words were simple yet soul-stirring: a father sharing wisdom with his children. In that moment, I saw not just the Pope, but a shepherd who genuinely connects with his flock.”
“He looked tired, but his gaze radiated peace, and his embrace of the poor and the young brought the Gospel to life,” he added.
On September 19, 2024, Occiano once again had an encounter with the Pope, this time in Rome, just a few months after being appointed bishop of Virac in the island province of Catanduanes.
“Our group of new bishops from around the world gathered in anticipation. When Pope Francis entered the room, an awe-filled silence enveloped us,” he said.
Occiano reflected on the Pope’s message to them, emphasizing that he spoke not as an administrator or a distant leader, but as a brother bishop.
“The Pope reminded them to keep the joy of the Gospel alive, to be close to their people, and to care especially for the poor and the priests entrusted to their care,” he said.
Occiano cherished the memory of the Pope’s smile as he blessed his pectoral cross, and the encouraging thumbs-up he received while asking for prayers for himself and the Diocese of Virac.
These brief encounters impacted Occiano’s faith and significantly shaped his ministry.
“These experiences remind me that true leadership in the Church transcends titles or honors; it lies in presence, compassion, and fidelity to Christ,” he said.
“His humility challenges me, his joy inspires me, and his fatherly care strengthens my resolve to serve with love,” he added.
Before he was appointed bishop of the Archdiocese of Virac, Catanduanes on June 25, 2024, Occiano served as the parish priest of San Jose Parish in San Jose, Camarines Sur, and he was a dedicated chairman of the Caceres Commission on Communication for nearly two decades. (PIA Bicol)
