JOSE S. PALMA, DD, SThD
Archbishop of Palo

August 21, 2010

My dear sisters and brothers:

Greetings of peace!

The landmark of the Catholic faith in the Archdiocese of Palo (Leyte, Philippines) is our Lord’s Transfiguration Cathedral. Reconstructed in the early 1960’s (after demolishing an old structure) the present edifice has been witness to many historic events in the archdiocese and in the whole island of Leyte. Many are the leaders and dignitaries who sought light and comfort within her walls and numerous are the parishioners and visitors whose lives are fashioned by her influence.

Today our cathedral seeks your support to restore its grandeur. The fifty-year old structure badly needs repair of its roof and ceiling, replacement of electrical installations and communication system, and major renovation of its sanctuary and belfry. The total estimate of said project is 26.8 million pesos.

Initial donations especially from past year’s hermanos and hermanas mayores generated already around five million pesos. Our scheme of exacting quotas from 65 parishes, 13 mission stations, 1 quasi-parish, and one chaplaincy all over the archdiocese is expected to generate 15 million in two years. Yet obviously we need support from all Leyteños and their friends to finish the project.

This appeal comes at a time when our Archdiocese will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) as a diocese on November 28, 2012. We believe our dream of a transformed cathedral is a fitting act of thanksgiving and a worthy manner of glorifying God for the gift of the jubilee.

In this regard may we ask you to keep in touch with various associations of Leyteños and secure a brochure about our cathedral renovation. We appreciate if you can write your check in favor of RCAP, Inc – Cathedral Renovation. You may deposit at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Account Number 1123-2226-91 (Peso); Account Number 1129-0165-21 (Dollar). All contributions will be acknowledged with a receipt.

Let us be united prayers that our endeavor will be responded with joyful and generous hearts. May everything we do give glory to God and make us grow in holiness and become faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ. Invoking the Lord’s bountiful blessings upon you all, I remain

Devotedly yours,

+ JOSE S. PALMA, DD, SThD
Archbishop of Palo