TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – In a simple act of fraternal generosity on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Most Rev. Roberto “Bobet” Mallari, the fourth Bishop of Tarlac, received an altar stone containing relics of Saint Sebastian and Saint Bartholomew the Apostle from Bishop Emeritus Florentino Cinense at the Bishop’s residence in Tarlac.
Bishop Cinense, who served as the second Bishop of Tarlac from 1988 until his retirement in 2016, personally presented the consecrated stone, accompanied by a formal document certifying its authenticity and consecration during the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The relics of Saint Sebastian and Saint Bartholomew mirror the intertwined roots of Tarlac and the neighboring town of Magalang in Pampanga. Historically, Tarlac was once under the parochial administration of the Augustinian friars from Magalang, with Magalang under the patronage of Saint Bartholomew and Tarlac under the protection of Saint Sebastian.
This shared heritage dates back to 1686, when Augustinian missionaries from Magalang first established a mission outpost in what is now Tarlac. The settlement eventually became an independent parish in 1727, and despite a brief reunification with Magalang in 1757, it later secured permanent autonomy paving the way for the elevation of its mission church into the San Sebastian Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of Tarlac today.
Bishop Mallari, a native of Masantol, Pampanga, expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that the relic stone serves as a tangible link to the diocese’s Augustinian origins and a reminder of the enduring bond between the two ecclesiastical territories.
Bishop Emeritus Cinense, now retired but still deeply involved in the spiritual life of the diocese, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the transfer was an act of affection and support for the current bishop’s leadership.
For the Diocese of Tarlac, the relic stone is more than a historical token—it is a silent witness to centuries of faith, resilience, and the unbroken chain of shepherding that continues to guide its 1.2 million Catholics.
Bishop Mallari has recently launched his official Facebook page, “Bishop Roberto “Bobet” Mallari,” featuring updates on diocesan activities, reflections, and pastoral messages. The faithful are encouraged to follow the page for timely updates and spiritual nourishment.
