THE PIONEERS

CICM PIONEERS
1. Rev. Fr. Pieter Dierickx, CICM (1862-1946)
• Appointed by CICM General Government as Superior to the new mission to the
Philippines – Most senior among the first batch – Spent 10 years as a missionary in China
CICM in the Philippines by JLO - As a man of peace, he was described as a prudent and
patient leader who remained serene in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties of their
mission.

2. Rev. Fr. Florimond Carlu. CICM (1875-1950)

• Former professor in a college for several years before going to the Philippines for
mission - He was revered and well-loved parish priest Of the Baguio Cathedral – Provided
health care services for his mission assignments - Known as the "San Roque of the
Philippines" – Famous in the area of education — initiated the establishment of trade and
vocational schools (e*. cloth sewing and weaving, rattan crafting, and shoe making) -
Known as the "builder" — he was instrumental in the construction of many famous
structures that are well known today. One of them is the "twin towers" of Baguio City. The
Baguio Cathedral.
This is the reason why a street near the Baguio Cathedral was named after him. - Another
trademark of Fr. Carlu as a parish priest is the formation of the youth. He was instrumental
in forming the first youth choir of the parish, the St. Patrick choir.

3. Bro. Christian Hulsbosch, CICM (1877-1950)

• Only brother among the group who dedicated 43 years in the Philippine mission -
He built many churches and mission posts that remain as beautiful witnesses to his common
sense and zeal. - He became the procurator of the mission in the Philippines — he was
described as a prudent and wise procurator.

4. Rev. Fr. Constant Jurgens, CICM (1879-1952)

• Only Dutchman among the pioneers - He became the Bishop Of Tuguegarao. -
He shared their family business — manufacturing of
margarine and other products — in supporting his missionary projects. - While in Bontoc,
he with the help of Fr. Sepulchre, initially constructed a dormitory for boys, which
eventually became a school where the students were offered Christian education.
He was one who initiated the beginnings of Saint Mary's University in Bayombong,
Nueva
Vizcaya. - He is well-known in the area of catechism - published an Ilocano version Of
catechism entitled "Katekismo ti Doctrina Kristiana" - He put up silk-worm industry in
Bontoc.

5. Rev. Fr. Jules Sepulchre, CICM (1880-1912)

 • Founded the mission station in Bauko, Mountain Province – In Bontoc, a
commemorative bust was constructed for Fr. Sepulchre. With his great influence, there were
people who used the pioneer's surname for their own as a gesture to expressed their high
regard and respect for him. - Died from a treacherous fever - His tomb can be found in front
Of the communion rail of Sta. Rita church in Bontoc.
His tomb was covered with an engraved stone with the following dedication “Deo
templum, sibi sepulchrum aedificavit” (He built a temple for God and a “sepulchre for
himself)

6. Rev. Fr. Albert Dereume, CICM (1881-1953)

• Lived his zeal among the people of Itogon, Benguet - Devoted his first years of
apostolate to the working class and to vocational instruction. His interest was primarily
directed to the education of the youth. – His main thrust in education was the creation and
organization of vocational schools. - Follows the motto "Everything for everyone" Can be
described as the friend and confidant of the youth.

7. Rev. Fr. Vandewalle, CICM (1879-1968)

• Became parish priest in Baguio, Bayombong, Solano, Bontoc, and Tagudin -
Appointed as Superior procurator, Vice-provincial and provincial Council member – In
Baguio, he performed the duty of a Rector to the Scheut house and became the first
Apostolic prefect Of Mountain Province in 1933.- His last appointment was in Belgium
where he was the Rector of the Mission House in Torhout.
In the absence Of Catholic schools, he taught in public schools and grabbed every
opportunity to instruct people by preaching. - He, together with the mayor Of Bayombong,
Nueva Vizcaya, agreed
to organize an association — "Bayombong Farmers Association" — that would help the
people recover from the poor harvest during that time. - Editor of several missionary
magazines like "The Little Apostle of the Mountain Province".

8. Rev. Fr. Henri Verbeeck, CICM (1879-1938)

• He started the CICM mission in La Trinidad, Benguet and eventually became the first
parish of what is known today as San Jose Parish. - As a missionary, he put himself at the
service of the poor. A leader and unifier by way of his preaching and teaching.

9. Rev. Fr. Seraphin Devesse, CICM (1883-1945)

• The youngest among the pioneers - Known as "Vessius" to his companions - In Baguio, he
built the
first Catholic church named the St. Patrick church. From that small church later grew the
Baguio Cathedral we know today. - He also established another church in Campo Filipino in
the same city. From this church soon emerged what is now the St. Vincent Church.
He was also responsible for opening the first Catholic mission school using the
sacristy of the church he put up along Session Road, Baguio City. That school was the
beginning of what is Saint Louis University. – He was assigned as a parish priest in
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya and built a Catholic school there. - He also became a parish priest
Of Santiago, Isabela and he, together with his assistant Rev. Fr. Laurent Decaestecker,
CICM, was executed there by the Japanese.
Distinguished himself as a man of dialogue — he was an ecumenical pastor where
he succeeded in uniting as one people the Catholics, Aglipayans, and the Protestants in
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.