Between January 27th and February 10th 2020, as Primus of the Orthodox Old Roman Catholic Communion, Metropolitan Jerome visited the missionary diocese of the Philippines. During his visit he consecrated the Most Revd Joash Jaime as an auxiliary bishop and visited the parishes of Bacoor, Cavite and Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Ahead of the Episcopal Consecration at Candlemas, Metropolitan Jerome was invited to consecrate and bless new sacred vessels and church furniture gifted to the bishop-elect and the parish church.
The episcopal consecration took place at the Parish of Jesus the Divine Mercy in Bacoor, Cavite on Candlemas, February 2nd 2020. Assisted by Bishop Rommel Banag the diocesan bishop, Metropolitan Jerome consecrated Bishop Joash Jaime supported by some two hundred faithful. The traditional foremas of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary with blessing of candles and procession began the ceremonies, followed by the episcopal consecration.
Metropolitan Jerome’s birthday occurred during the Visitation and the local faithful joined him for an impromptu pool party and videoke session at his hotel!
On Septuagesima Sunday, Metropolitan Jerome visited the Parish of San Isidro the Worker in Santa Rosa, Laguna Province and received the parish into communion and oversaw the canonical possession of the parish by the diocese. Striking his crozier three times upon the closed doors of the church, they were opened and the Archbishop was greeted by lay-leaders of the parish whom he then formally introduced to Bishop Banag through the shaking of hands. Mass followed.
Following the Mass, Metropolitan Jerome was entertained by the children of the parish with song and dance. While guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet of local dishes prepared by the faithful, Metropolitan Jerome visited and blessed the homes of some other of the faithful accompanied by the parish priest, Fr Portez.
A full report of the Archbishop’s Visitation will be published soon in a special edition of The Old Roman.