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Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Diocese of Tagum invites all to its Silver Jubilee
FINALLY, after a year of preparation, the Most Reverend Wilfredo D. Manlapaz, DD, SThD, the Clergy, the Religious and the Faithful of the Diocese of Tagum cordially invite you to a solemn Eucharistic Celebration on the dual occasion of the Silver Anniversary of the Canonical erection and elevation of the Prelature "Nullius" of Tagum into a Diocese and the Dedication of the New Christ the King Cathedral at 9:30 in today at the New Christ the Cathedral, Dr. J. Gonzales Avenue, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
So says the invitation card distributed to friends, patrons, and even the missionaries who had worked in the "Lord's vineyard" in that area of southern Mindanao scores of years ago.
The celebration, though, will not take a day only. The preparation, opened in a religious ceremony last October 24, 2004 to coincide with the death anniversary of the Most Reverend Joseph W. Regan, MM, DD, Bishop of Tagum when it was still a Prelature, will be capped with a Triduum. This means an offering of the Holy Mass everyday for three days from October 8 to 10, with each day dedicated to a portion of the theme, "We remember. We give thanks. We celebrate."
As conveyed by the theme, the occasion has involved all individuals and groups that have been part of the birth and growth of the diocese. All through the past year, more than 30 diocesan apostolates and church-recognized organizations in the diocese joined in the preparation by conducting their own jubilee celebration. Along with the different schools and private groups and establishments, they will also sponsor the liturgical ceremonies during the Triduum.
The first two masses during the triduum will be presided by bishop sons of the diocese: Most Rev. Generoso Camina, DD, PME, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Digos; and Most Rev. Romulo Valles, DD, Bishop of Kidapawan. On the third day, the Most Rev. Ramon Villena, DD., who once served as Auxiliary Bishop of Tagum and is noiw Bishop of Bayombong, will celebrate the mass.
On October 11, delegations will come from all the parishes of the diocese and the eight vicariates are to be allotted 100 seats each inside the church during the liturgical ceremonies. The Most. Rev. Pedro Dean, DD., the first bishop of the diocese and is now the Archbishop of Palo, will be the homilist. A number of bishops will also grace the affair.
Awards will be given to the bishops, benefactors, LGU's, and religious congregations. Also to receive commendations will be the Lay workers who have served the diocese for 25years or more. Most of all, five GKK (Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban or the Basic Ecclesial Communities, as it is known on the national level) leaders and parish workers from each of the 32 parishes will be honored during the celebration.
The Diocese of Tagum is located in southeastern Mindanao comprising the provinces of Davao del Norte (except for Samal Islands) and Compostela Valley as well as a part of the northern portion of Davao City. Canonically erected and elevated as a Diocese on October 11, 1980, it became Prelature Nullius in 1962 under the pastoral care of the Foreign Mission Society of America more popularly known as Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Before their coming in 1958, the area was served by the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec (PME) from 1939. The area was also part of the mission of the Society of Jesus (SJ) and trhe Recollect Fathers from the 19th century on to the early years of the 20th century. While their mission was to Christianize the natives of the place, the missionaries' efforts were also turned to tending to the flock coming in from Visayas and Mindanao during the good part of the 20th century.
It is through their guidance that parishes, schools, chapels, organizations and projects were established within the area. Among the most significant results of the foundation laid by the missionaries are the promotion of vocation to priesthood and religious life among the youth and the active participation of the laity in the church activities and in the formation of their spiritual life. Having made GKK as prelature thrust as early as 1976, Tagum takes pride in being among those who started the formation of the Basic Ecclesial Communities as a way of being Church in our country.
Thus, the Silver Jubilee is a celebration not only of the 25th year after Tagum became a diocese. It is a grateful and joyful remembering of all the times, events and persons who in their own way have contributed to the making of what the Diocese of Tagum is now. It also hopes to pave the way for the People of God of the Diocese of Tagum to envision the future of the Church in the area and as part of the universal Church.
On this joyful day, the Diocese of Tagum wishes to share all these with everyone and all.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (October 11, 2005 issue)
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