In celebration of the first novena mass for the Fiesta sa Mahal nga Patrona sa Maasin, the newly-declared National Shrine — The Our Lady of the Assumption, warmly welcomed and announced on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, its first-ever rector, Reverend Father Mark Vincent Doque Salang.

The installation of the first rector was presided over by Most Reverend Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, and was witnessed by the group of clergy and devotees.

“By this appointment, I grant you all the faculties, rights, duties and privileges, given to this office, by universal and particular law,” according to the appointment letter of the bishop which was read by Father Glenn Tabudlong.

“As part of your duties, you are obliged to see to it that sacred functions are celebrated worthily in the church according to the liturgical norms and transcripts of the law; that obligations are fulfilled faithfully; that goods are are administered diligently; that the maintenance and beauty of sacred furnishings and buldings are provided for; and that muffing whatsoever occurs, which in any way, unfitting to the holiness of the church and the reverence due to God,” the bishop stated.

On the other hand, Father Salang, who kneeled down before the bishop, accepted his appointment effective today, August 6, 2024 until the revocation of the Bishop or his successor.

Rev Father Salang is from Quezon City, Manila.

According to him, his assignment in the Diocese of Maasin for 12 years now, has been a unique and wonderful blessing.