SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR PARISH
Ilaya, Dapitan City

Rev. Fr. Artemio U. Deo
Parish Priest

Several witnesses said that on 01 November 1957 Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish was officially erected by Msgr. Paguia, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Fr. Paulo Briones was appointed as its first Parish Priest.

Unfortunately, the witnesses could not present official Church documents to support their claim.  They, however, submitted to the authority of the Bishop to decide on their fate.

Acting on this information early in the month of August 2017, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Christopher B. Varquez submitted considerable documents to Most Reverend Severo C. Caermare, D.D., indicating a petition to erect Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Chapel of Ilaya, Dapitan City into a full-fledged parish. Responding to the said petition, Most Reverend Caermare created a team to study and conduct on-the-ground inquiry based on the submitted documents.  The query was established on October 14, 2017 and a general assembly was held at St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Chapel followed.

Providently, a decaying canonical book dated “22 de Octubre de 1958” and signed by Luizdel Rosario, Arzobispo de Zamboanga was uncovered.  It indicated “Parroquia de Ilaya” supporting the claim that Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish was really erected under the supervision of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

The substantial finding was also strongly confirmed by several lay leaders in Ilaya for it was believed that Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish indeed erected according to law.  But a dismal tension, which had nothing to do with hating the Faith put a dark image on the administration of the parish.

There were incidents of stoning the convent, forced labor, threat to life and wounding of Fr. Briones and partisan politics.  The heightening tension between Fr. Briones and several individuals became severe.  Four years after the election of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish (1957-1961), Fr. Briones decided to flee from Ilaya and seek refuge in Barcelona.  He stayed there for a couple of years.  As a result, Masses and other Sacraments were no longer celebrated regularly at Sain Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish.  The absence of Fr. Briones in Ilaya had dwindled the number of Churchgoers and devotees.  The existence of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish had gradually dissipated in the memory of the people in Ilaya remained steadfast.  In 2017, Bishop Caermare assigned Rev. Fr. Alberto Adaza as a resident priest to take care of the flock.

Finally, with a recommendation of the team on December 30, 2017, Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Parish was reestablished, re-consecrated, and re-dedicated to its original status. Subsequently, Fr. Adaza was transferred to Saint James the Greater Parish, Dapitan City and Rev. Fr. Wilson B. Tumapon was installed as the first Parish Administrator after its reestablishment. In his time, the parish celebrates two festivities; 60 years as erected parish and one year anniversaries of its reestablishment.

At present, Fr. Artemio U. Deo was installed on May 25, 2019 as the new parish priest.

SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS PARISH
Polo, Dapitan City

Rev. Fr. Mario Beltran M. Patangan
Parish Priest

Rev. Fr. Teodoro E. Lagutin
Parochial Vicar

Parish History

In the year 2000, Rev. Fr. Elmer G. Jamarolin was appointed by Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, D.D. as Chapel Caretaker of Polo, Dapitan City with an instruction to prepare the place to become a Quasi-Parish. When the Diocesan reshuffling of priests’ assignment, the late Rev. Fr. Noel Saldariega took over.

In December 2010, the quasi-parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus would have been almost 10 years as a quasi-parish when Fr. Joel P. Agad was assigned as Parish Administrator. Ten months later, on the feast of its patroness, October 2, 2011, St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish was erected, the Church dedicated and the first parish priest, Fr. Joel P. Agad was installed.

But the road to the erection of the parish was not a breeze. With only four people during the first mass when the parish administrator arrived, much had to be done. Those four people, three of them convent workers, were asked to pray the rosary before mass and invite people to mass. Confession too was made available each day before the mass. Soon the number of daily mass goers grew and so with the Sunday mass attendance.

By January 2011, the first quasi-parish general assembly was convened gathering about 200 people from most of the barrio chapels to draft the Vision-Mission of the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish. Such signaled the parish journey to its erection. Soon after, pastoral and structural works commenced. The Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council were organized and officers were appointed. The simple formula was the people had to be involved in building the church. But to be involved, they must first want to be involved. This led to one parish pastoral activity after another. There were weekly activities either for children, for the youth, for couples, and for senior citizens. The ministries were organized and all members were given technical training apart from the usually mandated seminar. A monthly on-going formation was also required of all members of the different ministries.

While pastoral works were progressing, Church major renovations commenced. The landscape of the church vicinity also transformed with the constructions of the Parish Formation House, additional toilets, multi-purpose work area, three-room guest house and the paving of the back area. The initial landscaping of the parish grounds was done by the little hands of the hundred children who attended the summer catechism school. Inspired by St. Therese, they transformed the barren area into a garden. The used to be swampy area was reclaimed and gave the parish more land area. Fr. Joel P. Agad also worked overtime to get the lots where the church and the convent stand donated. Land titles and deeds of donation were all worked out before the erection of the parish.

After the erection of the parish, pastoral work even got busier involving more parishioners. Evident was the massive increase of mass goers including non-parishioners. By the end of 2011, two English masses and two Cebuano masses were celebrated every Sunday and morning daily masses in Cebuano, Tagalog, English and Latin.

The parish was also dedicated to the patronage of St. John Marie Vianney as secondary patron for the many little many parish miracles, especially the conversion of sinners and the return of many to the Church, through his intercession.

This is the beautiful story of Polo Parish –that small parish with thirteen chapels, dedicated under the patronage of St. Therese of the Child Jesus who is popular for her little ways.

Today, a gallery of saints is erected beside the triumvirate grotto that had also been remodeled when Fr. Randy Tic-ing was installed as second parish priest in June 2014. The guest room has also been extended with additional multipurpose room and another multipurpose structure was built behind the convent. Fr. Tic-ing also built a new parish office and improved the landscape of the parish grounds.

Priests Assigned in Polo

 Parochial Territories/Jurisdiction

Baranggay/Chapel                                      Patron Saint                             Feast Day

1. San Vicente                                  San Vicente Vincent Ferrer         January 28
2. San Roque (sitio of SanVicente)      San Roque                                August 14
3. San Pedro Peter                                                                                      June 29
4. Owaon Sto. Nino                                                                                    January 16
5. Antipolo Our Lady of Good Voyage                                                   January 24
6. Tamion Sto. Nino                                                                                   January 14
7. Diwaan Holy Family                                                                             January 11
8. Calangres (sitio of Diwaan)      Our Lady of Miraculous Medal  November 27
9. Bababon (sitio of Diwaan) Joseph                                                        March 19
10. Palali-Sampaguita (sitio of Diwaan) Sto. Nino                                  January 4
11. Sulangon Augustine                                                                                August 28
12. Bua-an San Roque                                                                                   August 16
13. Polo Therese of the Child Jesus                                                            October 1

Past and Present Parish Priests, Administrators and Parochial Vicars

2000 – May 2008                     Rev. Fr. Elmer Jamarolin
                                                   Chapel Caretaker
Administrator, Quasi – Parish

May 2008 – October 2010    Rev. Fr. Noel Saldariega
Administrator, Quasi – Parish

January 2011 – May 2014    Rev. Fr. Joel P. Agad
                                                  Administrator (January 2011 – September 2014)
1^st Installed Parish Priest (October 1, 2011 – May 2014)

May 2014 – May 25, 2019    Rev. Fr. Randy B. Tic-ing
2^nd Parish Priest

May 26, 2019-Present         Rev. Fr. Mario Beltran M. Patangan
                                                 Parish Priest

                                                 Rev. Fr. Teodoro E. Lagutin
                                                 Parochial Vicar

 

 

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH
Sta. Filomena, Dipolog City

Parish Priest: Rev. Msgr. Joel S. Montederamos, V.G.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR LADY OF  FATIMA PARISH

Founding of the Chapel. One moonless night sometime in 1933, the late Rafael Jabonillo who lives in Galas Gamay, a sitio of barrio Galas also known as Galas Dako, in his deep slumber dreamed about a wooden statue of Santa Filomena being kept in a wooden chest locally known as “kaban” of a certain friend in sitio Baybay. In his dream, Rafael Jabonillo, was said to have been requested by the blessed lady to build a chapel for her. Rafael woke up profusely perspiring, and pondered upon the revelatory significance in his dream.

Later in the morning, Rafael related to his brothers and a sister who resided nearby about his dream. Subsequently, he went to his friend in Baybay an adjacent sitio, and found the 12-inch wooden image of Santa Filomena placed in a wooden chest or “kaban”.

The story of Rafael’s  dream and the good intention of the Jabonillo family to build a chapel for the blessed lady spread out in the neighborhood  of over twenty families in sitio Galas Gamay. The small community, in a concerted effort, contributed generously their time and brought indigenous materials like nipa and bamboo to build the first chapel on the very lot where the present Santa Filomena church now stand. The original site was a portion of the share lot owned by the late Rafael Jabonillo who in his time executed the deed of donation thereof. Celebration for the feast of Santa Filomena was then held every August 10^th where after the holy mass a banquet follow at almost every household.

In fact, during fiesta celebrations, according to oral history, selection for fiesta queen were held. There were also stage plays performed by homegrown talents dramatizing the life of Santa Filomena.

Rebuilding of the chapel. Lamentably, postwar years found the chapel ruined and dilapidated. Nevertheless, the residents who were professed Catholics rebuilt the chapel using this time lumber materials and G. I roofing – although the flooring was still the soil ground. When galas Mibang Association was organized in 1960 headed by Beder Morandarte, with the support of the PACD (Presidential Assistance on Community Development), the chapel was improved and expanded to accommodate the increasing population in the area. Earlier , the wooden icon of Sta. Filomena was replaced by a larger one due to the reason that the original wooden statue has become rotten and decayed. It was Nelia Opulentisima who donated the new statue.

Our Lady of Fatima in Barangay Sta. Filomena. In 1961, Galas Gamay aspired to become a barrio. Incidentally, at almost the same time, the Vatican withdraw recognition of Santa Filomena in the roster of saints, it was said. So the movers of sitio Galas Gamay striving for a barrio status recommended to then Mayor Virginio Lacaya that if ever approved, Galas Gamay be renamed Barrio Santa Filomena, in honor and in memory of their patroness who was then withdrawn in the roster of saints by the Vatican.

In 1962, owing to the turn of events, the patroness saint, Santa Filomena, was replaced by Rev. Fr. Nicasio Patangan with the Our Lady of Fatima as the patroness of the newly created barangay Santa Filomena, with August 13 as its feast day.

It may be well to note that in February 14, 1961, the Sacred Congregation of the Rites decreed that the feast of Sta. Filomena is to be taken off from the Liturgical calendar which created an air of apprehension among believers. In 1964 when Supreme Pontiff Paul VI was in India, he was asked by the bishop of Misore, “what was required concerning the decree of February 14, 1961….?” the pope answered, “Continue as before and do not upset your people.” At a later time, devotees of Sta. Filomena resumed their feast day celebration every August 10^th until the present time.

Chapel Leadership. In the beginning chapel leadership was voluntary and in accordance with ones decision. It was Rafael Jabonillo who first headed the chapel until his demise in a later year. He was succeeded by his brother, Alejandro; then followed by Andres Lopez, Conception Canturias, Andres Dacua, Pablo Canturias, Fortunato Carpitanos, and Sabino Reluya.

When the Sta. Filomena Catholic Chapel Association was organized, leadership of the chapel was then chosen thru election, Pablo Canturias was first elected as chapel president; then followed by Zoilo Sy. It was during the incumbency of chapel president Zoilo Sy that the chapel of Santa Filomena was concreted and expanded to become quite imposing and turn into a most sought – after chapel of Dipolog parish as venue for wedding ceremonies. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the local parishioners and to Roberto Uy (who later became City Mayor of Dipolog), his brother Godofredo “Pedoy” Uy, Mrs. Arsenia Uy, and Ms. Lilian Young who generously helped in expansion and beautification of the Santa Filomena chapel being relentlessly pursued by Zoilo Sy, who in fact, acquired additional parcel adjacent to the original lot providing the chapel area with much larger premises. The newly acquired lot was then owned by Ignacio Jabonillo.

The spouses Wilson Cardenas and Perla Cardenas took turn in managing the chapel as president, respectively, when the Sta. Filomena Chapel Pastoral Council was organized in place of the Sta. Filomena Catholic Chapel Association. This was followed by Raul Sy, then by Guillermo Dequito. Raul Sy was re – elected as chapel president in 2009 that Raul Sy launched a signature campaign indorsing a petition along with some – requirements relative thereof, to Most Reverend Jose R. Manguiran, bishop of Dipolog Diocese, seeking to make Santa Filomena as quasi – parish. Quasi parish is the step to become a parish.

Sta. Filomena canonically erected as a Quasi – Parish.  More than a year after the petition was submitted, more particularly during the fiesta celebration on August 13, 2011, in the concelebrated mass, Bishop Jose Manguiran canonically erected Santa Filomena as a Quasi Parish comprising the chapels of San Roque in Sta. Isabel ; Medalla Milagrosa in Mibang and the entire territorial civil jurisdiction of barangay Sta. Filomena. Rev. Fr. Cesar D. Tinga, Cor Jesu Seminary rector, was designated as Quasi Parish administrator. Another chapel was  however erected in 2015. The Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church at Ramos Village.

CPC replaced with PPC/PCL. In December 2011, election was held for the members of the first regular Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), replacing the Chapel Pastoral Council. Damon Alo, was elected vice president while the parish priest is automatic chairman of the PPC in accordance with the diocesan policy. In conformity with the policy, the elected vice president will act as chairman of the Parish Council of the Laity. Brod. Damon Alo was re – elected as PCL Chairman in 2013 and served his second term up to 2015. He was succeeded by Michael Garces, who was elected as PCL chairman and served as such until December of this year, 2017.

Observance of Fiesta Celebration modified. Later development was made when Rev. Fr. Cesar D. Tinga, parish priest, proposed to amend the fiesta celebration from August 13 to May 13 taking into consideration that the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared in Cova da Iria in Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917. The apparition is said to have appeared six times up to October 13  but never on August 13. The Our Lady of the Rosary reappeared to the three children on August 19 in Valenos, a village near Fatima, due to the kidnapping incident that happened to them and interrogating as  to the secrets of the Fatima which they refused  to reveal as it was not the time yet. Also considered is the fact that the feast celebration of Santa Filomena is continuously observed by its devotees making two fiesta celebrations within a matter of days. Moreover, the month of May is vacation time and students who are schooling locally or elsewhere could have the luxury of time to attend fiesta activities.

In deference therefore to the devotees of Santa Filomena, who are mostly old – timers in the parish, its August 10 celebration is still being continued to be celebrated and is dedicated as a Basic Ecclesial Community day or BEC Day.

Canonical erection as Parish. Finally, Santa Filomena was conically erected as a full – fledged Parish on May 13, 2012 by Most Rev. Jose R. Manguiran, D.D., bishop of Dipolog Diocese, with Rev. Fr. Cesar D. Tinga appointed as its first parish priest. The Our Lady of Fatima is the primary patroness saint while Santa Filomena is the secondary patroness of the new parish. With his appointment, Fr. Tinga immediately started one of his missions to build a bigger building structure  to be called Parish Church of Santa Filomena with its patroness Saint the Our Lady of Fatima. With his untiring efforts, and with the help of the parishioners, benefactors, donors and sponsors, and by the grace of God, in a span of 5 years, an imposing building, costing about 12M proudly stood in its grandeur as the Sta. Filomena Parish Church, fully air-conditioned and installed with CCTV cameras. The Parish Church was consecrated to its patroness Saint the Our Lady of Fatima on December 8, 2015.

In running the operations and affairs of the Parish Office, Rev. Fr. Tinga is presently assisted by the Parish Management Staff (PMS) composed of  Finance Officer Nelly O. Bogo, Parish Secretary Jojo Taleon, Cashier Nelly Bagarinao, and Clerks Merlita Bulabon  and  Venna Castillon-Ligutom.

Past and Present parish priest, administrator and parochial vicars.
= Rev.  Fr.  Cesar  D.  Tinga
=Rev. Msgr. Joel S. Montederamos, V.G.-May 30, 2019 – present

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Bishop of Dipolog

MOST REV. SEVERO C. CAERMARE, D.D.
Third Bishop of the See of Dipolog

 

Epsicopal Ordination
By David Capacio, FY 3
The Mahogany Publication
The Official Publication of Saint Mary’s Theologate, Gango, Ozamis City

On the Thirtieth (30th) day of October in the Year of the Lord Two Thousand and Fourteen (2014) at Nine (9:00) o’clock in the Morning, Thursday, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Dipolog City, was the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration of Episcopal Ordination and Canonical Taking-Possession of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Severo Cagatan Caermare, D.D., as the Third Bishop of the See of Dipolog.  He was conferred by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Giusseppe Pinto, D.D., Titular Archbishop of Pandosia, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines as the Principal Consecrator, His Excellency the Most Reverend Jose A. Cabantan, D.D., Bishop of Malaybalay as Co-Consecrator and His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jose R. Manguiran, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Dipolog as Co-Consecrator also together with His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I., D.D. as the Homilist.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Dipolog City was filled with bishops, clergy, religious, lay faithful, family members, friends, parishioners, visitors and people from the different dioceses of DOPIM (Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan and Marawi), other dioceses and places.  The preparation of the said big event was led by the Very Rev. Fr. Joel S. Montederamos together with the supports of the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Dipolog.  In the Eucharistic celebration with full gladness, excitement and joy for Most Rev. Severo C. Caermare to be consecrated as the new bishop of the See of Dipolog, Msgr. Emigdio Socias made the reading of the mandate of Apostolic See that commanded his episcopate.  In the homily of His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I., D.D., he emphasized that the laying of hands of the Consecrators, pronouncing the prayer of consecration will let the Holy Spirit transform Most Rev. Fr. Caermare forever in which our human minds cannot understand.  He stated that Bishop Caermare’s ministry is truly a tremendous mystery and a gift because through him, Christ Himself as the High Priest, sanctifies His people, through him,  Christ Himself as the prophet, proclaims the Father’s reign of as King, leads His people on the way to eternal happiness in the Kingdom of God.  He then challenged Bishop Caermare that in his life and ministry, he must always be for the poor and to follow constantly the way of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.  He ended his homily with the aphorism of Pope Francis that goes, “The bishop will sometimes go before his people pointing the way and keeping their hope vibrant, at other times, he will simply be in their midst with his unassuring and merciful presence and yet at other times, he will have to walk after them, helping those who lag behind and above all allowing the flock to strike out on new paths”, and then giving the blessing of the Blessed Mother of God and Jesus Christ to guide him to become a Good Shepherd.  by then, Archbishop Giusseppe Pinto, D.D., expressed also a message of thanks for the 27 years of service rendered by Bishop Emeritus Jose R. Manguiran, D.D. to the See of Dipolog, offering his life to God and for the Church as a father and a pastor and urging Bishop Caermare to never lose his wonder of the plan of God.  After the message of Archbishop Pinto, Bishop Caermare went down and turned around the aisle of Cathedral to bless the people.  Subsequently, the new ordained Bishop Caermare delivered his message starting to express his motto, “Benedicam Dominum Semper” which means “I will bless the Lord always” adapted from Tobit 4, 19 and Psalm 34, 1.  He expressed his message with full of joy and gratitude and a little undeniable tense.  As the youngest bishop in the Philippines in his time, he was determined enough to conquer his human limitations and difficult cross of responsibilities through the love and care of God and taking these challenged to be more confident, more faithful, more zealous and brave in his ministry believing that everything happens for a purpose of increasing his firmness of faith.  He stressed that Pope Francis’ values and ways of being pastor will be the sources of his inspiration to be a shepherd who always carries the smell of the sheep.  Thus, asserting on the point that authentic power is service, he assured everyone that he will be a collaborator for good governance, fairness, justice and peace and will not hesitate to criticize and condemn the evils that come from the abuse of powers.  He said, for us he will be a bishop but with us he will be a friend, father and a brother.  He ended his message by thanking everyone and with a song, avowing to God, “Thank you for choosing me from all the rest, though I’m far from being the best, but most of all I thank you, for loving me.”

“Because of You” by Fr. Dagpin

Pahimangno! PAGBANTAY SA BITIK SA PANGDAUT

by: Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, D.D.

           Ania-ay balita gikan sa “Office of Human Life International Philippine Chapter”, kansang director mao si Dr. Josef Bullecer.  Si Dr. Bullecer nagbalita ngadto sa Mindanao Family and Life Convention didto sa Butuan, Febrero 2012 mahitungod sa baksin (Vaccine – Vacination) nga giduso sa Philippine Health Department.

           Ang baksin para sa hangga (rubella); ang baksin para sa bayo-ok (mumps); ang baksin para sa tipdas (measles) dili kasaligan, magpahamtang og kada-ot.  Ani-a ang mosunod nga rason:

 Agig balik-tan-aw sa nahitabo niadtong tuig 1995, ang CWL, sa Pilipinas nagpasaka og sumbong atubangan sa Korte Suprema batok sa paggamit sa Anti-Tetanus program nga giduso sa UNICEF pinaagi sa Department of Health.  Ang Korte Suprema naghukom ug nagmando nga ipa-undang ang anti-tetanus program tungod kay ang baksin nga anti-tetanus nagdala ug B-HCG.  Mikabat sa tres milliones ang nakadawat sa maong baksin, kadaghanan kanila mga babaye nga nag-edad sa dose anyos hangtud sa 45 anyos.  Ang tumong sa maong baksin mao ang pagbabag sa kapasidad sa pagpanganak (sterilization).

           Daghang klase sa vaccines nga gipakita ni Dr. Bullecer sa video Footage;  ako lang lakbitan ang tolo ka klase nga baksin nga makapalisang kanato  kay gi-apil sulod sa baksin ang hilo: 1.) Biothrax.  2.) DPT. 3.) DTAP.  Kining tolo adunay sagol nga chemical nga FORMALDEHYDE (sa comun nga pinulongan-Formalin). Sa publikong pagsabot, ang “formalin” gigamit para sa pagbalsamar sa patay.

Didto sa America usa ka US Congressman, Mr. Dan Burton nagpa-injection sa iyang apo; ang vaccine adunay sagol nga preservative MERCURY (Thimerosal).  Ang resulta – ang bata nagsakit dayon sa AUTISM. Ang puntari-a sa Mercury mao ang “neuro” sa otok ug ang nervous system.

 Ang ilhanan sa AUTISM mahubad diha sa taras sa bata: kon ang bata mawad-an sa kapasidad sa pagtuon, ug sa pagpaminaw.  Ang Mercury mao ang chemical nga gigamit sa tigmina og bulawan ;  ang mercury makatabang sa pagseparar sa bulawan gikan sa ubang minerales.

           Ngano nga gi-apil diha sa vaccine ang mercury, formalin ug aluminum? Ang tubag nila mao kini : Kining mga chemical makatabang sa pag-preservar sa vaccine.

           Unsa ang baroganan sa Ulohang Simbahan sa Roma mahitungod sa Vaccination?

           Sa Junio 9, 2005, ang Pontifical Academy for Life naghimo og pagtuon kabahin sa “Moral Reflections on Vaccine prepared from cells derived from Human foetuses. “ Ang unod sa pagtuon nagatug-an kanato nga adunay ubang baksin (vaccine) nga nagdala og “Cells nga kinuha gikan sa gilaglag nga gisabak.“ (Cells from aborted foetus). Ang resulta sa maong pagtuon sa Pontifical Academy gipasaka ngadto sa Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith; ug kining Congregation for the Doctrine nagkondenar sa pagprodukto og “Vaccine nga kinuha gikan sa gilaglag nga gisabak.”

Diversity is Innate in Nature

By: Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, D.D.

Our planet-earth is endowed with diversity of sceneries and
diversity of life-forms whether invisible or visible:
Where there is diversity, there is beauty;
Where there is diversity, there is unity;
Where there is diversity, there is identity;
Where there is diversity of culture, there is relationship;
Where there is varied sound-wave, there is symphony.
Diversity is God’s decree innate in nature.

But some men of hyper-voltage pride intend to delete God’s decree
by imposing their own decree on similarity:
Where there is similarity, there is monotony;
Where there is similarity, there is monopoly;
An obsession for uniformity is monopoly;
One world government as dictated by Globalization is monopoly.
One world market economy as promoted by Global capitalism is monopoly.
One town, one product (OTOP) is monopoly.
Mono-cropping practice in agriculture is monopoly.
Mono-culture is monopoly.
When politics is monopolized by a clan (i.e. similar blood line), there is a case of dynasty.
Dynasty is a resurgence of the imperial families of the ancient times.
As usual, dynasty is more loyal to its consanguinity than to the citizenry.
Dynasty is contradictory to DEMOCRACY.

To impose man’s decree on similarity is anti-nature, anti-God,
To acknowledge and to practice God’s decree on DIVERSITY is pro-God,
pro-nature, pro-life.

VOCATION @ DIGITAL AGE

Fr. Severo C. Caermare
Rector Saint Mary’s Theologate Seminary
Gango, Ozamiz City

Vocation @ Digital Age

“Can any thing good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) This is the cynical question of Nathaniel, when told by Philip, that he had met the one whom Moses wrote about and the prophets proclaimed. With a similar tone and sense of negativism, we ask: Will there be vocations in the Digital Age?
Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the 48th World Day of Prayer for Vocations recognizes the difficulty and challenge in finding vocations for “the voice of the Lord seems to be drowned out by other voices.” These are voices that are loud to hear and so strong that they cannot be ignored: internet, cellphones, iphones…etc. These instruments have helped us shape our means of communication. But they also define our ways of establishing relationships and building fellowship. While, these technologies have made us closer to those who are far from us, yet we can’t deny they make us farther those who are close to us by enclosing ourselves in a virtual world. They have grabbed our time and stolen our moments for God and for one another. “Don’t let Wifi make your prayer dry”, a call made by the Pope himself.
Remaining hopeful the Pontiff said that “the Lord does not fail to call people at every stage of life to share in his mission and to serve the Church in the ordained ministry and in the consecrated life.” It is in these circumstances that he reminded everyone that every Christian community, every member of the Church has the responsibility for promoting vocations, thus the theme of the upcoming celebration on May 15, 2011, is “Proposing Vocations in the Local Church.”
It is essential that every local Church become more sensitive and attentive to the pastoral care of vocations, helping children and young people in particular at every level of family, parish and associations –as Jesus did with his disciples –to grow into a genuine and affectionate friendship with the Lord, cultivated through personal and liturgical prayer.”
In this same message (February 10, 2011) then the Pontiff added a strongly worded call to priests “to testify to their fellow priests”, in order to provide a rich soil for the seeds of a priestly vocation.
Holding on to the hope that God will never leave his people without a shepherd, with faith-filled awareness of every Christian role in nourishing priestly vocations, we echo the Apostle Philip’s response: COME AND SEE! With joined hands and concerted efforts, it is our prayer that God may give us, formators and all agents of formation “the ability to foster vocations, a hallmark of the vitality of a local church” in this digital era.

Clergy Congress

Diocesan Clergy Retreat

Where “Ars” You?

By: Rev. Fr. Severo C. Caermare
Rector Saint Mary’s Theologate Seminary
Ozamiz City
Published by: The Mahogany, the Official Publication of Saint Mary’s Theologate, Gango, Ozamiz City

Speaking about Ars Sur Formans, France or simply Ars, means speaking about St. John Vianney, whose name is identified with the parish where he ministered while he was alive.

With the proclamation of the “Year for Priests” during which the life and catechesis of St. John Vianney serve as points for reflection, perhaps more than ever, we have a growing desire to visit Ars where the incorruptible body of St. John Vianney is displayed and to tread on the holy ground where the saint successfully “sowed the love of God.” To visit Ars could mean: to witness, first hand, “holiness in action” (the impact of a holy priest in a parish) and eventually experience conversion.

I have been to Ars (thanks to the DOPIM bishops) but I have never been a parish priest. The title “parish priest” has been so elusive since I was ordained a priest. Influenced by the thought that the fulfillment of a priest is to become a parish priest, I keep asking myself: “Where is my Ars? “Where ‘Ars’ you? “When would I become a parish priest?”

I am quite sure that I’m not alone with this feeling. We who are assigned to institutions long for a day when our appointments expire and a parish assignment be given. But what if it does not happen? Are we left sulking and discontent with our priesthood?

Having visited Ars during the feast of St. John Vianney, where Holy Hour, confessions, a procession of the Eucharist were prominent, opened to me many realizations. Ars may not be too far away. It is not somewhere out there. Much more it is not necessarily a parish. It is right at our doorstep, the place where our bishop assign us: whether in schools seminarians, chancery or other religious institutions. They are our “Ars.” As Ars is the mission territory of St. John Vianney, our individual assignments are our place of mission, where through our preaching and witnessing, we sow the seeds for love of God.

Ars is where we are called to live out our vocation in an intimate union with God and become an apostle of conversion.

The great saint did not begin well: he had to face hostile priest in the neighborhood, to go through the ordeals of spiritual life, a target for opposing villagers and he even felt so unworthy of his charge that he tried to run away from his parish three times. Yet his love overcame his inner sufferings.

With St. John Vianney, patron of all priests (diocesan and religious) assigned in a parish or other ministries may we attain holiness not by doing great and extraordinary things for the Lord but by doing ordinary things yet with great love and devotion in dispensing our priestly duties wherever we may be. Ars is where we are now!

The sailor who chose to be a fisher of men

WHO WOULD EXPECT SOMEONE WITH A GROUCHY VOICE AND a stern look to be a priest, much more someone who has been journeying towards holiness? Such is Msgr. Edgar Mula Agura, fondly known to many as Msgr. Agura. At first glance, one wouldn’t know that behind that facade is a faithful and generous priest.

Born on February 9, 1951, the eldest among ten siblings (8 boys and 2 girls) Msgr. Agura graduated his elementary studies at Miputak Elementary School, Dipolog City and finished his unforgetable high school years at Zamboanga del Norte Provincial High School or ZDNPHS (now known as ZNNHS). As the eldest in the family, Msgr. Agura was tasked to look after the financial needs of the family so he took up Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering at Cebu School of Arts and Trade. He finished the course in two years and worked as a seaman for two years while trying to discern if he really is for the sea or for God. Msgr. Agura chose the path to holiness and a path which will lead him to a life long of happiness a path to priesthood.

With no one to ask about what life in the seminary is like, he entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary seminary in Tagbilaran City, Bohol to finish his Philosophical Studies without any idea what he was about to thread. He just knew that he had to start from here. After two years of non-stop struggle against the odds of life inside the seminary, he graduated in 1975 and pursued his Theological studies at REMASE Davao City and graduated in 1980.

Unlike his early college years at the marine school, Msgr. Agura struggled during his seminary years especially in the rigidity of academic formation. During those trying moments, Msgr. Agura shared that it was his strong prayer life and a vision of success that helped him through those trying moments.

Fresh from the seminary Msgr. Agura went back to his beloved city and was ordained on April 19, 1980. Just like any other young priest, he was assigned to be a light to a suffering parish, a parish so remote (during his time) that he felt that he needed all the support from the people around him to succeeded-the parish of Sergio Osmeña.

One of the problems that he needed to bear is the road going to Sergio Osmeña which he described as unbearable. It took him one day of foot travel to reach his parish. After serving at Sergio Osmeña, he was assigned in Liloy in 1984 as an assistant parish priest at the Cathedral for four years and another four years in Dapitan. In 1997-2000 Msgr. Agura was assigned as the Parish Priest of Salug, then in the Parish of Galas in 2000-2004 and in the parish of Siocon in 2004-2009. At present he is the parish priest of Polanco.

Just like other priests, Msgr. Agura considers teaching the people about morals and laws of the church as his biggest achievement that he had done in his priestly life. He is known to many, however, also as a priest who has a very generous heart. Msgr. Agura definitely knows how to give, not just himself, but also what he has.

If he were to give advice to young priests or seminarians, it would be “Never abandon your spiritual life for this is your anchor against all evil in the world.”

A priest who answered God without any hesitation and became a solid model of holiness, Msgr. Agura continues his great journey to serve the people-teaching and being a Model to all

Research by: Sem. Denric Sarceno-Pre College of CJS Seminary
& Sem. Hansson Labisig, P1 of CJS Seminary