Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga

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Archdiocese of Zamboanga

Archdiocesis Zamboangensis

Arquidiócesis de Zamboanga (Chavacano and Spanish)
Arkidiyosesis ng Zamboanga (Filipino)
Archdiocese of Zamboanga coat of arms.svg
Archdiocesan coat of arms
Location
Country Philippines
TerritoryZamboanga City
MetropolitanZamboanga City
Statistics
Area1,638 km2 (632 sq mi)
Population
- Total
- Catholics (including non-members)		(as of 2010)
735,000
570,000 (77.6%)
Parishes27 (with one quasi-parish)
Schools5
Information
DenominationRoman Catholic
Sui iuris churchLatin Church
RiteRoman Rite
EstablishedApril 10, 1910 (as diocese)
May 15, 1958 (as archdiocese)
CathedralImmaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral
Patron saintNuestra Seňora del Pilar
Current leadership
PopeFrancis
Metropolitan ArchbishopSede Vacante
SuffragansDiocese of Ipil
Territorial Prelature of Isabela
Auxiliary BishopsMoises M. Cuevas
Apostolic AdministratorMoises M. Cuevas[1]
Vicar GeneralRev. Msgr. Maximo A. Campo, S. Th. D.
Map
Jurisdiction of the metropolitan see within the Philippines.
Jurisdiction of the metropolitan see within the Philippines.
Website
Website of the Archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Zamboanga (Latin name: Archdiocesis Zamboangensis) is a Catholic archdiocese in the Philippines. Its present jurisdiction includes Zamboanga City, with suffragans in Basilan (Territorial Prelature of Isabela) and Zamboanga Sibugay (Diocese of Ipil). It became Mindanao's first diocese in 1910, and was established as the second archdiocese of Mindanao in 1958. Today, the archdiocese covers a land area of 1,648 square kilometers and has a population of 442,345, of which 81 per cent are Catholics. The archdiocese includes 27 parishes and one quasi-parish served by 49 diocesan and 18 religious priests. There are also 51 religious sisters working in the archdiocese. Following the death of Romulo T. Dela Cruz on December 10, 2021, Auxiliary Bishop Moises M. Cuevas is currently seated as the Apostolic Administrator since August 2021.[2]

History[]

From 1607 to 1910, the entire island of Mindanao was under the Diocese of Cebu and Jaro. On April 10, 1910, Pope Pius X created the Diocese of Zamboanga and gave it jurisdiction over the whole island of Mindanao, including the adjacent islands of the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Cagayan de Sulu.

The Catholic faith was brought to Zamboanga by Jesuit missionaries Melchor de Vera and Alejandro Lopez in 1635. The efforts of the Spanish authorities to subdue the Muslims resulted in reprisal raids in Zamboanga and the Visayan Islands. In 1636, Fort Pilar, in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar, was constructed by priest-engineer Fr. de Vera. Jesuit Frs. Francesco Palliola and Alejandro Lopez died as martyrs in their efforts to win the tribespeople through diplomacy. The establishment of Fort Pilar gave birth to the future city of Zamboanga.

On January 20, 1933, Pope Pius XI divided Mindanao into two areas. Southern Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago became under the jurisdiction of Zamboanga. Northern Mindanao became under the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro. In 1951, Cagayan de Oro became an archdiocese, the first in the island of Mindanao. All episcopal jurisdictions in Mindanao and Sulu, including Zamboanga, became suffragans of this archdiocese.

The Diocese of Zamboanga was further divided when the Prelature Nullius of Davao was established and separated in 1949, the Prelature of Cotabato in 1950, the Prelature of Isabela, Basilan in 1963 and the Prelature of Ipil in 1979.

Zamboanga was established an archdiocese on May 15, 1958 by Pope Pius XII. As an ecclesiastical province, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga included Zamboanga City and had as suffragans the Prelature of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Prelature of Isabela in Basilan and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo. Its titular patroness is Our Lady of the Pillar, and its secondary patron is Saint Pius X.

The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines adopted the Community of Disciples as the prime model of the Church, with focus on being a Church of the Poor. The challenge for the archdiocese in Zamboanga is to incarnate the vision of PCP II.

An Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly was held early in 1995, formalizing preparations for the Second Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly of Zamboanga in 1996.

Among the Catholic institutions in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga are 2 colleges, 6 secondary schools, 6 elementary schools, and 8 kindergarten schools. Charitable and social institutions include a leprosarium, 5 free clinics, 1 orphanage and 1 child center.

In 2010, the Zamboanga archdiocese celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment as the first diocese in Mindanao with a commemorative mass on April 12, 2010. The 50th or golden anniversary of its establishment as an archdiocese (1958-2008) was part of this celebration.

Suffragan Diocese and Territorial Prelature[]

List of Bishops and Archbishops[]

Ordinaries[]

The Diocese of Zamboanga (1910-1958)[]

The Archdiocese of Zamboanga (1958-present)[]

  • Luis del Rosario, S.J. (see above 1958-1966)
  • Lino Gonzaga y Rasdesales (1966-1973)
  • Francisco Raval Cruces (1973-1994)
  • Carmelo Dominador Flores Morelos (1994-2006)
  • Romulo Valles (2006-2012)
  • Romulo de la Cruz (2014-2021)[3]

Auxiliary Bishops[]

  • Leopoldo Arayata Arcaira (1961-1966), appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Malolos
  • Jesus Yu Varela (1967-1971), appointed Bishop of Ozamis
  • Antonio R. Tobias (1982-1983)[4]
  • Moises M. Cuevas (2020-present),[5] appointed Apostolic Administrator of Zamboanga (2021-present)[1]

Facts and Information[]

  • The city's primary patroness is Our Lady of the Pillar, whose shrine is located at the old Fort Pilar. Her feast day is October 12, the city's official holiday.
  • Bishop Michael O'Doherty was the first bishop of the diocese in 1910 until he was appointed Archbishop of Manila in 1916.


Directory for the Archdiocesan Clergy of Zamboanga (As of December 2021) [6]
Name Present Designation Vicariate
Most Rev. MOISES CUEVAS, D.D. Apostolic Administrator of Zamboanga;

Episcopal Vicar for Schools and Seminaries,

Sacred Heart Center, R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. LORENZO ALBIAR, JR. Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Ayala;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Legion of Mary

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. LOUINO ALEJANDRO Parish Priest, San Isidro Labrador Parish, Talon-Talon Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ARMAND AQUINO Chancellor, Centro Pastoral, Puerto del Sol, Camins Ave.;

Administrator, Santuario de la Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar,

Petit Barracks, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Msgr. LUIS ARANETA Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Putik;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, St. Joseph’s Festival of Fathers

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JECHONIAS BACOLOD Parish Priest, Divine Mercy Parish, Divisoria;

Director of the Healing and Exorcism Ministry;

Spiritual Director, Pastor Bonus Seminary, Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ, St., Tetuan

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. PHILIP BALAGON Parish Priest, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Curuan;

Archdiocesan Director of the Catechetical Apostolate

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. OSCARLITO BISNAR Parish Priest, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Tetuan;

Procurator, Pastor Bonus Seminary, Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ, St., Tetuan;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on the Youth

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. RICARDO BORBAJO Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Parish, Pasonanca;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, El Shaddai Ministries

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MATEO CAAY Parish Priest, St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina Parish, Cabatangan;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on Missions

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JOSE FILMORE CALIBO Parochial Vicar, Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,

La Purisima Street, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Msgr. MAXIMO CAMPO, V.G. Vicar General;

Vice President for Finance,

Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School, Inc., Tetuan;

Curia Moderator, Centro Pastoral, Puerto del Sol, Camins Ave;

Chairman, Archdiocesan Properties Development Office (APDO)

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. FERDINAND CANDIDO Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish, Mampang;

Vicar Forane for the Central Vicariate;

Assistant to the Custodian on Archdiocesan Properties;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Divine Mercy Apostolate;

Chairman, Archdiocesan Cemeteries Management Office (ACMO)

Central Vicariate
Msgr. DOMINADOR DAGONDON, H.P. Retired N/A
Rev. Fr. SERGIO DELA NOCHE, JR. School Director, St. Joseph School, Inc., Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City Schools and Seminaries
Msgr. ARNOLD DELA SERNA, P.C. Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish,

Nuñez St., Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MARIANO DELAS PEÑAS Parochial Vicar, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Tetuan Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JONATHAN DUKA Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Holy Souls,

New Providence, Nassau, Bahamas

On Mission
Rev. Fr. JUDE DUNCOMBE Parish Priest, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Putik;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Catholic Faith Defenders

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. BERNIE EDAYAN On Study Leave N/A
Rev. Fr. REYNALDO FRANCISCO Parochial Vicar, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Tetuan Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. RIZALINO FRANCISCO, JR. Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy;

Administrator, Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,

La Purisima Street, Zamboanga City;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director,

Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Children of Mary

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. HILARIO GADOR Secretary to the Apostolic Administrator;

Resident Priest, Sacred Heart Center, R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JEROME GALLOS Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bunguiao;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Catholic Women’s League

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ELLERY ROY GALVEZ Administrator, Nuestra Señora

La Virgen del Pilar Retreat & Formation Center, Mercedes;

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Ransom Parish, Mercedes;

Custodian on Archdiocesan Properties

Eastern Vicariate
Msgr. PETER GARCES, H.P. Resident Priest, Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,

La Purisima Street, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MICHAEL GEMENTIZA Parochial Vicar, Purification of Our Lady Parish, Sta. Maria Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JEOFIE HANDUGAN Vicar Forane, Western Vicariate;

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Labuan;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on Basic Ecclesial Communities;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on Indigenous People

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. FRANCIS EDWIN JACINTO Parish Priest, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Guiwan;

Director for the Commission on Buildings and Architecture

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ARGEO JUSTOL Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Bolong;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ROWIN LIM Parish Priest, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Sangali Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JOEL MALCAMPO Parochial Vicar, Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,

La Purisima Street, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JOMEL MANALO On Study Leave N/A
Msgr. CRISOLOGO MANONGAS Parochial Vicar, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Tetuan;

Director for the Archdiocesan Apostolate on the Laity;

Director for the Archdiocesan Commission on Sacred Music;

Project Administrator, Curuan Water System, Curuan

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. FERDINAND MARQUEZ Vicar Forane, Eastern Vicariate; Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Vitali Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JEFFREY MIRASOL Parish Priest, Holy Trinity Parish, Pasonanca;

Director of the Archdiocesan Apostolate on the Liturgy;

Director of the Social Communications Apostolate

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MARK IVAN MONJARDIN Dean of Seminarians and Dean of Studies,

Pastor Bonus Seminary, Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ, St., Tetuan

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. EZEQUIEL MONTELLANO Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Ransom Parish, Mercedes;

Archdiocesan Director of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. JUPITER MORALES Resident Priest, Archdiocese of Davao N/A
Rev. Fr. CANTICO CRESENCIO MUÑOZ Judiciary Department Moderator, Centro Pastoral,

Puerto del Sol, Camins Ave., Zamboanga City;

School Chaplain, St. Joseph School, Inc.,

Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. JOVELITO PALERMO Chaplain to the Prisons and Hospitals Apostolate;

Assistant Administrator, Santuario de la Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar,

Petit Barracks, Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. FROILAN PENUELA Economus and Human Resources Director,

Centro Pastoral, Puerto del Sol, Camins Ave.;

Parish Priest, St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish,

Nuñez St., Zamboanga City

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ROGENE PERVANDOS Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Vitali;

Administrator, Quasi-Parish of the Queenship of Mary, Tictapul

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. TEOFILO PIMENTEL Parish Priest, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Manicahan;

Director of the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Couples for Christ

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. WILLIAM QUIAMJOT Parish Priest, St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Kemp Road,

New Providence, Nassau, Bahamas

On Mission
Rev. Fr. GILBERT ERIC QUIQUI Rector and Vocation Director,

Pastor Bonus Seminary, Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ, St., Tetuan

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. RENE RIVERO Chaplain to the Prisons, San Ramon Penal Colony, San Ramon Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ Parish Priest, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, Tugbungan;

Archdiocesan Director of the Apostolate for Migrants and Itinerant People

Central Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ADRIANO RUIZ, JR. Parish Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Ayala;

Administrator, Euntes Formation House, Sinunuc;

Chairman, Archdiocesan Pandemic Response Office (APRO)

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MERCEDITO SALATAN Parish Priest, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, Southcom Village;

Station Manager, DXVP Radio Verdadero

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. SULPICIO SOLIVA, JR. Administrator, St. Vincent Ferrer Chapel, Talisayan;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Knights of Columbus

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. RONALD SUBINGSUBING Parochial Vicar, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Curuan Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. ELMER SUMILE Vice President for Academics and Research,

Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School, Inc., Tetuan;

Director on Health Care for the Clergy

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. LEH TAIB Vice President for Administration and Human Resources,

Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School, Inc., Tetuan;

Administrator, Casa Clerico, Tetuan;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Daughters of Mary Immaculate International

Schools and Seminaries
Rev. Fr. ROMEO TOCOP Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag Parish, Tumaga Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MICHAEL UFANA On Medical Leave N/A
Rev. Fr. AMADO JOSE VAÑO Spiritual Director, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar Retreat & Formation Center, Mercedes;

Assistant to the Director of the Healing and Exorcism Ministry

Eastern Vicariate
Rev. Fr. BEN VILLAFLORES Parish Priest, Purification of Our Lady Parish, Sta. Maria;

Archdiocesan Spiritual Director, Mother Butler’s Mission Guild

Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MARCIANO VILLAGRACIA Parish Priest, San Roque de Montepellier Parish, San Roque Western Vicariate
Rev. Fr. MEDALENO VIODOR Parish Priest, Assumption of Our Lady Parish, Culianan;

Director for the Archdiocesan Apostolate on Social Action

Eastern Vicariate

Feasts Proper to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga [7][]

August 21 – Memorial of Saint Pius X, pope and secondary patron of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga

October 12 – SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR (Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar), Patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga

See also[]

  • Roman Catholicism in the Philippines

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Pope names Bishop Cuevas as Zamboanga's apostolic administrator". CBCP News. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
  2. ^ "Zamboanga's Archbishop De la Cruz dies at 74". CBCP News. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  3. ^ "Archbishop Romulo Tolentino de la Cruz [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  4. ^ "Bishop Antonio Realubin Tobias [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  5. ^ "Pope Francis appoints Fr. Moises Cuevas auxiliary bishop of Zamboanga". Manila Bulletin News. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  6. ^ ""New Pastoral Assignments for the Year 2021-2027"".
  7. ^ Diwa (ed.), Fr. Genaro (2020). ORDO 2021: The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Celebration of the Eucharist for the Dioceses of the Philippines, Cycle B, Year I. Intramuros, Manila: Episcopal Commission on Liturgy (CBCP); Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission of Manila. pp. 158, 188.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Missing or empty |title= (help)

Coordinates: 6°54′32″N 122°04′34″E / 6.9089°N 122.0760°E / 6.9089; 122.0760

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