Big Catholic event in Tarlac today

TARLAC CITY — Archbishops and bishops of the Catholic Church gather here today for the joint launching and celebration of the Eucharistic Year and Marian Year.

Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense said they will collectively pray for "peace, unity and spiritual renewal" as they celebrate two pillars of the Catholic faith — the Eucharist and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary between the Catholic faithful and Jesus Christ.

Aug. 15 has been declared the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The joint religious affair came following the announcement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that 2004 is both the Eucharistic and Marian Year since the two events coincide.

The country’s celebration of the Marian Year will run from Aug. 15 to Dec. 8.

Gracing the religious gathering is Most Rev. Antonio Franco, the apostolic papal nuncio.

The affair will begin at 9 a.m. in this city’s Ninoy Aquino Plazuela. — Benjie Villa