SOME priests in Cebu expressed support about the approval of the proposed plan to add two more dioceses in Cebu or "Sugbuswak."
In an interview with Rev. Fr. John Ion Miranda, OSA, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, he said the creation of new dioceses within its ecclesiastical jurisdiction is a sign of a flourishing faith because they can now reach out to more people in the remote areas of Cebu.
"Sugbuswak" seeks to split the archdiocese into three dioceses: the Cebu archdiocese as the mother church, a diocese in the north, and a diocese in the south.
"It's a new beginning. Ang pag create og (The creation of) new dioceses dinhi sa (here in) Cebu is a sign of flourishing sa pagtuo (faith), a kind of development," Miranda said.
He added that the "Sugbuswak" plan is a symbol of synodality or journeying together, which is important in making an efficient pastoral management and improved pastoral care for the people.
"It's a kind nga gipaduol nato ang simbahan ngadto sa katawhan (of bringing the church closer to the people), especially the northern part of Cebu and southern part of Cebu. It's a sign of synodality bitaw sa simbahan ang pag journey (of the church in journeying) together," he said.
Rev. Fr. Benjie Herrera, parish priest of Santa Monica parish in Barangay Cawayan, Dalaguete town, southern Cebu, said he is not opposed to the "Sugbuswak" plan, but there should be a proper and thorough study in terms of the finances needed to support the proposal.
"I'm not against it, but proper and careful study should be made thoroughly, particularly concerning finances," he said.
On July 9, 2023, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma announced the approval of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to the "Sugbuswak" plan.
By January, a detailed version of the archdiocese's division plan is expected to be sent to the Vatican for examination and approval by the Pope.(CNU Interns Camille Erika Butas and Judie Liza Alantoson)