Filipino Dominicans turn over Calayan Mission to Friars Minor

Br. Reginald Zamora, OP

After 403 years of missionary service in the Babuyan Islands, the Dominican Province of the Philippines has formally turned over the Island Missions of Calayan, Babuyan Claro and Dalupiri to the Franciscans.

On July 13, 2025, Tuguegarao Archbishop Ricardo Baccay, D.D., led the turn-over ceremony followed by the Holy Eucharist at the St. Bartholomew Parish Church in Calayan. He was accompanied by the Vicar General, Msgr. Gerard Perez, and Fr. Dennis Ordillos, Jr., Chancellor of the Archdiocese. 

The Dominican delegation was led by the Promoter of Missions, Br. Jomar Sibug, OP. Together with him were Br. James Alamillo, OP, Vicar of the Babuyanes, Br. Rommel Olivar, OP, Parish Priest of Calayan, and Br. Reginald Zamora, OP, Parochial Vicar.

The Calayan Mission was received by the Franciscans through Fr. Ruben Irece, OFM, a native of the Babuyan Islands who was born in the Dominican Island Mission of Camiguin and was a graduate of Religious Education in Siena College, Quezon City. He was installed as the new Parish Priest during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

The entire celebration was attended by the whole parish together with the representatives from the local government. The festivities were concluded by the blessing of the commemorative marker and farewell program during lunch. We pray for the Babuyan Islands as they enter a new phase in their spiritual journey.Br. Reginald Zamora, OP

After 403 years of missionary service in the Babuyan Islands, the Dominican Province of the Philippines has formally turned over the Island Missions of Calayan, Babuyan Claro and Dalupiri to the Franciscans.

On July 13, 2025, Tuguegarao Archbishop Ricardo Baccay, D.D., led the turn-over ceremony followed by the Holy Eucharist at the St. Bartholomew Parish Church in Calayan. He was accompanied by the Vicar General, Msgr. Gerard Perez, and Fr. Dennis Ordillos, Jr., Chancellor of the Archdiocese. 

The Dominican delegation was led by the Promoter of Missions, Br. Jomar Sibug, OP. Together with him were Br. James Alamillo, OP, Vicar of the Babuyanes, Br. Rommel Olivar, OP, Parish Priest of Calayan, and Br. Reginald Zamora, OP, Parochial Vicar.

The Calayan Mission was received by the Franciscans through Fr. Ruben Irece, OFM, a native of the Babuyan Islands who was born in the Dominican Island Mission of Camiguin and was a graduate of Religious Education in Siena College, Quezon City. He was installed as the new Parish Priest during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

The entire celebration was attended by the whole parish together with the representatives from the local government. The festivities were concluded by the blessing of the commemorative marker and farewell program during lunch. We pray for the Babuyan Islands as they enter a new phase in their spiritual journey.