The Liturgical Reception and Canonical Installation of

His Excellency, the Most Reverend

RICARDO LINGAN BACCAY, DD
FOURTH ARCHBISHOP OF TUGUEGARAO

14 January 2020, St. Peter‘s Metropolitan Cathedral

Copyright © 2020 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Office of the Chancellor. All rights reserved.
 MESSAGE

It is my joy to convey my heartfelt felicitations to His Excellency Most

Rev. Ricardo L. Baccay, the priests, the religious, and the lay faithful of
the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

A Bishop continues the mission of the Apostles, preaching, teaching,

and building up communities of those who believe in Jesus;
nourishing them with the spiritual means necessary for their life , and
introducing to them the power that comes from the Gospel of love.

As Archbishop Baccay assumes courageously the responsibilities

expected of him as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tuguegrao, he can
be sure of the prayers and solidarity of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The mission he has said ―yes‖ to is not easy. Yet, he can be confident
that with the help of God‘s grace and the filial collaboration of the
Catholic community of Tuguegarao, His Divine Plan will surely be
brought to completion.

HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church always keep
GABRIELE GIORDANO CACCIA, DD Archbishop Baccay and all God‘s children in Tuguegarao within her
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines mantle of love.

In the name of the Holy Father, I send my blessings and best wishes.
City of Manila
Philippines
Manila, 3 December 2019

3

HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND
SERGIO L. UTLEG, DD
Archbishop-Emeritus
of Tuguegarao
ARZOBISPADO NAT TUGUEGARAO
Rizal St., City of Tuguegarao
3500 Philippines
4
MESSAGE
The appointment of Most Rev. Ricardo Baccay as the eighth Bishop
and the fourth Archbishop of Tuguegarao is significant for a number
of reasons. First, he is the native of Tuguegarao City to be named the
Archbishop of Tuguegarao. Second, all of the four from the
Archdiocese and are Cagayanos and he is the fourth. Third, he is the
first Archbishop of Tuguegarao who underwent a post-Vatican II
priestly formation.
These facts speak volumes about the maturity of the Christian and
Catholic community of the Archdiocese and the Province of Cagayan.
Aarchbishop Baccay will be eminent Pastor of more than a million
vibrant, deeply religious people, fiercely loyal to the Church and
generous in their support. It has its own familiar and peculiar
problems, to be sure, but he will be assisted by an unpolarised clergy,
relatively young and fired with tireless zeal.
The archdiocese is fortunate to be headed by Archbishop Baccay. It is
likewise providential that it is the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao that he
heads. May this ―combination‖ be the catalyst of a bright future for the
maturity of the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and the
Province of Cagayan.
God bless Archbishop Baccay and may the Virgin of Piat shroud him
with her motherly mantle.
Very truly yours in Christ,
 MESSAGE

It is with great honour and joy that I express my sincerest

felicitations to Most Reverend Ricardo Lingan Baccay, DD as he
becomes the Fourth Archbishop of Tuguegarao in a Solemn
Canonical Installation Rites on January 14, 2020.
Archbishop Baccay is the first native of Tuguegarao to become the
Archbishop of this Archdiocese with almost one million Catholics all
over his Ecclesiastical jurisdiction. This appointment is a testament to
a lively a deep faith of the People not only of the City of Tuguegarao
but also of the entire Province of Cagayan.
As the Fourth Archbishop of Tuguegarao, Archbishop Baccay will
continue the memorable legacies for his worthy predecessors, the
late Most. Rev. Teodulfo S. Domingo, DD, Most Rev. Diosdado A.
Talamayan, DD, and Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD and, as everybody
expects will add more to these legacies thereby through the grace of
God, make the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao a vibrant and dynamic
Church in this part of the country. Leading the faithful with care
and compassion, Archbishop Baccay‘s spiritual leadership is a
breather as he takes up the challenges besetting the Church today.
HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND
As the Philippine Church prepares for the celebration of the 500 DIOSDADO A. TALAMAYAN, DD
years of Christianization in 2021, the installation of Archbishop Archbishop-Emeritus
Baccay will definitely inspire the faithful to work for peace and of Tuguegarao
harmony especially to our brothers and sisters of different faith and
religion. This year 2020, we are called to reflect on the theme VILLA DOMINGO RENEWAL CENTER
Dialogue Towards Harmony as we dedicate 2020 as Year of Solana, Cagayan
Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples.
We wish Archbishop Ricardo Lingan Baccay, DD well as he sits as
the new Archbishop of Tuguegarao. May this moment of grace be a
shining inspiration for him to lead God‘s flock. May his Episcopal
Motto, Pater Benignus ad Omnes, Father of Us All, be a reminder and
inspiration for him to be a true Father for all the Faithful of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

In Aedificationem Corporis Christi

5
 MESSAGE

Welcome back kabsat ko ken Kristo!

The moment I heard of your appointment, I began looking forward

to your installation. Indeed you have served the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao well before as Auxiliary Bishop before you were
installed as Bishop of Alaminos. And now you are back with greater
responsibilities. Such is the love that our Redeemer demands of us:
―Do you love me Peter? Then feed my sheep.‖ Saint Augustine
described the implications of our Lord‘s question to Peter so
accurately: ―He inquired about his love, and then he gave him work
to do; for the greater one‘s love is, the easier the work.‖

We, your neighbours at the Diocese of Bayombong are happy and

blessed with your return to the region. We look forward to your
being a partner in our task of mission and evangelization. Indeed the
Church in the region would greatly benefit from your return.

Allow me to use the words of Pope Francis in expressing our prayer

for you.
HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND
―May your teaching, joy, and support to the faithful of Christ be the
JOSE ELMER L. MANGALINAO, DD
fragrance of your life, that with word and example you can build the
Bishop of Bayombong
House of God which is the Church.‖

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Congratulations Apo!

Domus Mariae Reginae Apostolorum
Brgy. Luyang, Maharlika Highway
Bayombong, 3700 Nueva Vizcaya Laetitia in Domino,

6
 MESSAGE

It is with great joy and deep gratitude to God that I warmly

congratulate Archbishop Ric on his recent appointment as the fourth
Archbishop of Tuguegarao. I join the entire flock of the Archdiocese in
welcoming him back home. Although the Diocese of Alaminos has
been his home for more than three years now, Tuguegarao is truly his
HOME because this is where it all happened—from the time that he
was born baptized, and confirmed, to the time he responded to the call
to work in the Lord‘s vineyard as deacon, priest, auxiliary bishop and
now its Archbishop. Tuguegarao is Archbishop Ric‘s world and his
life, to a large extent, has been shaped by the place and its people, the
laity, religious and clergy alike.

Archbishop Ric, you are about to assume a new role in your home as
its Chief Shepherd. Your familiarity and extensive knowledge of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and the journey of your flock through the
years will come in handy and will hopefully work to your advantage
when you buckle down to work with your clergy and pastoral
collaborators towards realizing the vision of the Archdiocese spelled
out in its mission and goals. Never get tired of listening patiently and
lovingly to them. Be with them when they joyfully celebrate their
triumphs and successes with laughter, just as you also grieve and cry
with them if you must, during their moments of failure and sorrow. HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND
Yes, always be ―a kind Father to all‖ - the same guiding principle and DANILO B. ULEP, DD
motto that you have chosen when you began your episcopal ministry. Bishop-Prelate of Batanes

I sincerely assure you of my prayers. May God who has begun the
PRELATE OF BATANES
good work in you bring it to fulfilment by sustaining you constantly
Bishop’s Residence, Basco
with his grace! May the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Piat embrace and
3900 Batanes, Philippines
keep you always under her maternal protection!

7
 MESSAGE

The Diocese of Ilagan, Isabela joins the community of the faithful of

the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao in joyfully thanking the Lord for
sending a new shepherd in Archbishop Ricardo L. Baccay, D.D., who
succeeds Archbishop-Emeritus Sergio L. Utleg, D.D.

As he resumes his episcopal ministry in Cagayan, this time as

Archbishop, we assure him of our fervent prayers and warmest
wishes that he may faithfully fulfill the office entrusted to him
and so become a genuine sacrament of God‘s loving-presence among
us, as well as, an effective herald and instrument of the Lord‘s mercy
and compassion.

We invoke the Lord‘s gracious assistance that in an ever-deepening

union with Jesus Christ the High Priest he may continue to imitate
the Good Shepherd that, gradually being configured to Him, he
becomes for us all an inspiration and model of holiness and Christian
virtues.

We likewise pledge him our full support and collaboration towards

the realization of our region‘s corporate ecclesial vision and mission.
HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND
DAVID WILLIAM V. ANTONIO, DD
May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfilment!
Bishop of Ilagan

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Diocese of Ilagan
Cathedral of St. Michael Compound,
Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Upi,
3301 Gamu, Isabela, Philippines

8
 MESSAGE

The Provincial Government of Cagayan headed by your humble

servant in particular and the Cagayanos in general feel honoured and
with so much pride in our hearts, for having a Cagayano especially
one who is born in Tuguegarao to head the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

Welcome and congratulations Archbishop Ricardo L. Baccay to our

beloved province. We hope that the Church through your leadership
and the Provincial Government of Cagayan would work harmoniously
together for the moral and spiritual transformation of our people to
bring about peace, progress, and unity. May we not be divided in our
quest for a better Cagayan, rather hold on together as we move
towards the development of the North to bring about peace and
contentment to our people.

Rest assured that the Provincial Government of Cagayan will always

be there in support of your endeavors. Let‘s join hands and rally
together to achieve what is best for Cagayan especially our people who
are wanting to be served and given the best of what the Church and
the government could offer them. HON. MANUEL N. MAMBA, MD
Provincial Governor
Again our Congratulations and God bless us all.
Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
OF CAGAYAN
Alimanao Hills, Peñablanca, Cagayan

9
 MESSAGE

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

We join the Catholic community of the City of Tuguegrao and the

Province of Cagayan in congratulating His Excellency Ricardo L.
Baccay, DD in the joyful occasion of his installation as Archbishop
of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao this 14th of
January, 2020.

As the new Shepherd in our Archdiocese, we look up to Archbishop

Ricardo L. Baccay for his meaningful guidance to our flock in today‘s
society that is beset with challenging times and for his leadership in
maintaining unity in our community as a whole amidst religious
diversity.

We are truly gratified for His Excellency Ricardo L. Baccay being

chosen and appointed and bestowed a great privilege as Archbishop
of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

ATTY. JOSEPH L. LARA We trust that the Lord be with you in running your duties and we are
Representative one in fervent prayer for you to be continuously blessed with strength
3rd District of Cagayan and wisdom as you go about your tasks in the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao. As we pray for your Excellency, we also humbly ask that
Republic of the Philippines you continuously and strongly pray for your flock to be responsible
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and true Christians.
Quezon City
Again, congratulations and best wishes Your Excellency Archbishop
Ricardo L. Baccay, DD.

10
 MESSAGE

On behalf of the people of the Second Legislative District of Cagayan

Province, we would like to congratulate His Excellency Ricardo L.
Baccay, D.D. in his installation as the new Archbishop of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

Being at the helm of pastoring the Catholic Church in this part of the
country, Archbishop Baccay will truly be an icon of the Christian
faith. His youth and being a true-blooded Ibanag will serve as
catalyst in uniting all our people towards a more Christ-centered life
where everybody lives in harmony with one another.

As we all work for better living conditions for the Cagayanos, we

join the Catholic Church in the pursuit of a more humane Catholic
community where peace and love for our fellowmen reign in our
hearts.

Again, Congratulations!
HON. SAMANTHA LOUISE
VARGAS ALFONSO
Representative
2nd District of Cagayan

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

11
 MESSAGE

Dios nikamu!

In behalf of the Tuguegarao City Government, I would like to extend my

warmest greetings & congratulations to His Excellency Ricardo L. Baccay,
DD on his installation as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao.

As an all-embracing fellowship of believers, the Catholic Church plays a

very integral part in the development of our society. It always seeks to
promote love, justice and compassion and encourages optimism amidst
personal, economic, socio-cultural, environmental and spiritual changes.

ATTY. JEFFERSON P. SORIANO
City Mayor
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Cagayan
City of Tuguegarao
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
To lead the clergy and the laity requires much of selfless, voluntary service
to all the needy through physical and immaculate works of mercy. The
Catholic Church‘s great contribution as provider of education and
healthcare in our developing community is indispensible, making it a
partner of the government in achieving its goals and endeavours.
As you serve the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao as its head, may our
Almighty God bless your leadership with profound wisdom. May Jesus
Christ through the intercession of our dearest Mother Mary, supply you
with ever-flowing compassion and may the Holy Spirit uphold on your
new mandate.

I believe that the development of Tuguegarao City lies not only on

economic growth alone but also by taking into consideration the spiritual
and moral development of Tuguegaraoeños and through that, I look
forward to working with you.

Again, my heartfelt congratulations!

Dios y mevulum nittam ngamin!

12
 His Excellency, the Most Reverend
RICARDO LINGAN BACCAY, DD
A R C H B I S H O P
Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
His Excellency
Archbishop Ricardo L. Baccay, DD
was appointed as the fourth
Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of
Tuguegarao on 18 October 2019 and
was canonically installed on 14
January 2020.
He was born in Tuguegarao City,
Cagayan, on 3 April 1961 to Jacinto
Baccay (+) and Filomena Lingan (+).
He finished his elementary education
at Tuguegarao East Central School in
1974 and entered the San Jacinto
Seminary where he graduated in
1978. In 1980, he received his Bachelor
of Arts in Philosophy from Pontifical
and Royal University of Santo Tomas,
Manila, where he also earned his
licentiate of the same in 1982. He
earned his baccalaureate in theology
in 1986 at the same University and in
2002, he has earned his Master of Arts
in Educational Management at the
Lyceum of Aparri. In 2005, he
underwent a Special Course for
Pastors and Formators at the
University of Saint Mary of the Lake/
Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, USA.
He was ordained a priest by Most Rev.
Archbishop Diosdado A. Talamayan,
DD for the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
on 10 April 1987 at the Metropolitan
Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in
Tuguegarao City.
From 1987 to 1993, he served as the
Secretary of the Archbishop of
Tuguegarao. At that time, he was
concurrently the Director of the
Catechetical Commission until 2006.
In 1993, he was appointed as the
Parish Priest of Saint Dominic de
G uz ma n Pa r i s h, Ca t a g ga ma n,
Tuguegarao City. After his term there,
he was assigned at Sto. Niño Parish
and Shrine, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao
City (1999-2005) to become its pastor.
He was a member of the Commission
on Family and Life Apostolate from
1988 to 1993. In 1989 until 1993, he was
chosen as the Spiritual Director of the
Holy Name Society. From 1999 to
2005, he was appointed as the director
on Mass Media and Communications.
In 2005, he returns to his Alma Mater,
San Jacinto Seminary as its Rector
and the Director of Commission on
Vocations, and two years after, on 3
February 2007, His Holiness, Pope
Benedict XVI appointed him
Auxiliary Bishop of Tuguegarao and
Titular Bishop of Gabala.
He was then consecrated bishop on
10 April 2007 by the Most. Rev.
Fernando Filoni, D.D. Apostolic
Nuncio to the Philippines at the Saint
Peter‘s Metropolitan Cathedral of
Tuguegarao. His co-consecrators
are Most Rev. Diosdado Talamayan,
DD, then Archbishop of Tuguegarao;
and Most Rev. Sergio Lasam Utleg,
DD, then Bishop of Laoag. Already
as Auxiliary Bishop, he became the
Archdiocesan Finance Secretary in
2011-2016. He also became the Parish
Priest of Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish
in Solana, Cagayan in the years 2013-
2016.
At the Catholic Bishops' Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP), Archbishop
Baccay chairs at the moment the

Episcopal Office on Bioethics since
2015. He heads the Commission on
Youth of the Northern Luzon since
2014. Just last December, he was
elected as the Regional Representative
for Northern Luzon on CBCP
Permanent Council. He was also a
member of CBCP Permanent
Committee on Cultural Heritage of
the Church from 2007 to 2009. He was
a member of CBCP Episcopal
Commission on Catechesis and
Catholic Education from 2007 to 2011.
He was a member of CBCP Episcopal
Commission on Seminaries from 2009
to 2013. He was also a member of the
CBCP Office of Bioethics from 2011
to 2015. He also served as the Vice
Chairman on Commission of Youth
from 2013 to 2017, and from 2015 to
2017 he served as a member of the
CBCP Episcopal Commission on
Vocations.
On 20 February 2016, His Holiness,
Pope Francis appointed him as the
third Bishop of the Diocese of
Alaminos in Pangasinan. Serving the
people of the local Church in
Alaminos for three years, on 18 Octo-
ber 2019, Pope Francis appointed him
asthe Fourth Archbishop of Tuguegarao
16
Top-left: Archbishop Ricardo Baccay as a seminarian-student of the Pontifical and
Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Bottom Right: His official portrait for his
episcopal consecration on 10 April 2007 at his home church, the Tuguegarao Cathedral.
Below: Archbishop with the other members of the order of bishops on his episcopal
ordination. Previous Page: Archbishop Baccay’s official portrait for the Diocese of
Alaminos where he served for three years.
“
...he is the first son of
the city (of Tuguegarao)
to have been born,
baptized, confirmed,
ordained as a priest,
”
and ordained as a
bishop here.
in Cagayan following the resignation
o f A r c h b i s h o p S e r g i o L . U t le g ,
D.D. and returning him to the
Ecclesiastical Province of Tuguegarao.
Most Rev. Ricardo Lingan Baccay,
D.D., is the first Tuguegarao-born
Archbishop of Tuguegarao. As such,
he is the first son of the City to have
been born, baptized, ordained as a
priest, and ordained as a bishop. He
is now the eighth bishop of Tuguega-
rao and the fourth Archbishop of this
venerable See.
The Coat of arms of
Hi s E xc e ll e ncy T he Most Re ve re nd
RICARDO LINGAN BACCAY,
Me t ropol i t a n Arc hbi shop of Tugue ga ra o
Fr. Victor Emmanuel Quintos
A Bishop‘s coat of arms is composed
of a shield with its charges (symbols),
a scroll with a motto, and the external
ornamentation. The shield, which is
the central and most important
feature of any heraldic achievement,
is blazoned (described) using a
standardized, traditional vocabulary.
It is described as if the arms were
being worn by the person describing
them, thus the dexter (right) side of
the shield is on the viewer‘s left and
the sinister (left) side is on the
viewer‘s right.
It is customary in many countries
(including the Philippines) for the
coat of arms of the Bishop and those
of his diocese to be depicted together
on the same shield. The episcopal coat
of arms of Archbishop Ricardo Baccay
and that of the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao are depicted side-by-side.
This is called ―impaling‖ in heraldry.
By impaling his arms with those of
his archdiocese, Archbishop Baccay
DD
shows that he is ―married‖ to his
archdiocese with the arms of jurisdic-
tion.
The external ornaments are those
prescribed for an Archbishop according
to the Instruction of the Holy See, Ut
Sive, of March 1969. The shield is
ensigned with a gold (yellow)
episcopal cross. In heraldry, the two-
barred (Metropolitan) cross behind the
shield is the true emblem of
Episcopal heraldry. In addition, above
the shield is a green ecclesiastical hat
called a ―gallero‖ with twenty tassels,
ten on each side in four rows on either
side of the shield, all in green. This
broad-brimmed hat, once worn in
formal processions, is no longer used
but remains a heraldic emblem for
clergy in the Catholic Church. The
reason it is green, and not violet, is that
green was the original color worn by
Bishops.
Below the shield is the pallium, the
white woolen cloth worn around the
neck over the shoulder, in the same
way a sheep is carried by Christ, the
Good Shepherd. The pallium is the
symbol of a special relationship with
the Pope and expresses besides the
authority, that, in communion with
the Church in Rome, the metropolitan
acquires by right in his own
Ecclesiastical Province (cf. CIC, can.
437, §1). The Pope usually personally
gives the pallium to Metropolitan
Archbishops in a liturgical celebration
in St. Peter‘s Basilica on the Solemnity
of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29); this
will be imposed on the Archbishop in
a separate ceremony in his Cathedral.
THE ARCHDIOCESAN COAT-OF-ARMS
The dexter side (viewer‘s left) of the
shield shows the coat of arms of the
Archdiocese. The arms of the diocese
are a combination of charges chosen
to represent the history of the
archdiocese. These arms are composed of a
green field, cut in the middle by a blue
wavy pale to represent the Rio Grande
 is also the titular of the Cathedral of the
Diocese of Alaminos, where Archbishop
Baccay previously served.
On the right side of the shield, on a blue field,
are elements referring to the personal heritage
of the Archbishop. First is the Thomistic sun
above the Dominican cross, which evokes the
education and formation received by the
Archbishop from the Dominican Fathers in
the University of Santo Tomas, besides the
obvious connection of Cagayan being a
former mission area of the Dominicans.
The Archbishop‘s family name, ―Baccay‖ is
etymologically connected to the Ibanag
word ―mangi-bakka,‖ which means to
proclaim, and/or to announce (literally: to
break word) for others. This is heraldically
representedby the―amariong‖(Tagalog: tambuli),

de Cagayan, on which is displayed a
silver (white) fleur-de-lis representing
Our Lady of of Piat, mother of the
Cagayan Valley.
Other elements in the field include the two
gold keys crossed debruising a gold Latin
cross with its head downwards. These
represent St. Peter the Apostle, titular of
the Cathedral, to whom Jesus entrusted the
keys of heaven and hell (cf. Mt. 16, 13-19)
“
...he commits to a renewed
fidelity to this invitation for
him to be a channel of God’s
goodness and kindness
towards the people entrusted
to his care in the Archdiocese
ofTuguegarao,to the exclusion
which can be seen beneath the Dominican
insignia. Traditionally, it was used by the
town crier to summon the people whenever
some important proclamation was to be
made. In the Archbishop‘s context, it can also
refer to his key duty to ―proclaim the Good
News to the poor.‖ (cf. Is 61,1; Lk 4,18).
THE EPISCOPAL MOTTO
For his motto, Archbishop Baccay has selected
the Latin phrase ―PATER BENIGNUS AD
OMNES.‖ The phrase is taken from Origen‘s

”
De Principiis (1.4.3). Origen used this phrase to
and who was crucified upside down on
Vatican hill. of no one, just as God has describe the nature of God as a good and kind
Father, from whom all creation flows and
Opposite it is the golden sun in splendor, a been a kind father to all. reaches its summit. It also harkens to the
heraldic element commonly associated with
shield, Archbishop Baccay has retained command of Jesus to imitate the Father who is
the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), who
the design made for him when he was in heaven, he who ―makes his sun to rise on
single-handedly evangelized the Cagayan
ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of Tuguegarao, the evil and on the good and sends rain on the
Valley for nearly 300 years. They arrived in
with some additions. His arms draw upon just and on the unjust.‖ (Mt. 5:45) A father
Nueva Segovia (now Lallo) in 1581, and
the heritage of his family, the Baccays, and does not glory in marks of respect, deference
continued to be the sole missionaries in the
that of his place of origin, Tuguegarao. and obedience rendered unto him. His glory
valley until the end of the Philippine Revolution.
is the flourishing of those entrusted to his care
On the center of each green field is a The entire field is divided into two by even when no one applauds for him and he
representation of fire and, at the base are the cross of Saint Peter (the Cathedral‘s receives no recompense.
mountains. The fertile Cagayan Valley, titular as mentioned earlier), debruised In adopting this phrase as his motto,
as well as the high mountain ranges with a representation of fire, which Archbishop Baccay not only affirms and
hemming it on east and west, is represents Tuguegarao. emphasizes God‘s goodness and
represented by green fields and the
On the left side, on a yellow field (which kindness towards humanity and all
mountains drawn in Italian heraldic
symbolizes the Archbishop‘s filial creation. He also sees his vocation in
style. Also, Tuguegarao, the seat of the
devotion to the Holy Father, the Vicar of these lines, i.e., that his episcopal
diocese, etymologically means ―fire at
Christ) are two elements which ministry is a ministry of spiritual
daytime‖ (tuguig, arao): hence the sun
represent his personal devotions: first, fatherhood. With these words, he
and the symbols of fire Recent scholar-
the letter ―M‖ beneath a golden crown, a commits to a renewed fidelity to this
ship suggests, though, that it comes from
representation of Our Lady, to whom invitation for him to be a channel of God‘s
―tugui gari yao‖ which means ―this was
the Archbishop is devoted to under the goodness and kindness towards the
cleared by fire.‖
title of Our Lady of the Visitation of Piat. people entrusted to his care in the
THE BISHOP’S COAT OF ARMS Beneath is a carpenter‘s square superimposed Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, to the
For his personal arms, depicted on the over a bunch of lilies, a representation of St. exclusion of no one, just as God has been
sinister side (viewer‘s right) of the Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, who a kind father to all.
The theology of the
RITE OF LITURGICAL RECEPTION &
CANONICAL INSTALLATION OF A BISHOP1
THE RITE OF RECEPTION
The rite of reception, as reformed
after the Second Vatican Council, is so
ordered to catechize the people of God
about the role and function of the
bishop in the Christian community.
The celebration tries to capture - in
ritual form - the nature of the Church
and the relationship of the bishop to
the Church.
In the rite, the attention is focused on
the place of the bishop in the liturgical
life of the Church. It is important to
note that the Bishop is sent to serve as
shepherd of God‘s people in the
Church, and this shepherding is
manifested in the liturgies he preside.
However, he is not be seen as the
embodiment of the whole church nor
are the liturgies he preside the only
indication of the salvific presence of
God.2
At the same time, the Bishop is a
successor of the Apostles, head of the
local Church entrusted to his care,
and the representative of Christ
himself.3 His functions and duties are
always defined in relationship to
Christ the head of the Church, the
Good Shepherd who laid down his
life for his sheep.4
The rites that inaugurate the ministerial
office of the new bishop highlight the
responsibility that he has to undertake
in the local Church entrusted to his
care. The place where the celebration
takes place is in ―the see‖ of the diocese,
the mother church of the whole diocese
– the cathedral church. It is here that
the bishop presides in the liturgy for
the glorification of God and the
sanctification of humankind. The
faithful ―should hold in great esteem
the liturgical life of the diocese
centered on the bishop, especially in
his cathedral church; they must be
convinced that the pre-eminent
manifestation of the Church consists
in the full active participation of all
God‘s holy people in these liturgical
celebrations, especially in the same
Eucharist, in a single prayer, at one
altar, at which there presides the
bishop surrounded by his college of
priests and by his ministers.‖ (SC 41)5
Saint Paul VI also reminded us that
the Liturgy is first in the life of the
Church.6
The rite of reception takes place at the
door of the cathedral where the newly
appointed Archbishop is received by
the rector of the Cathedral Church.
The doors of the Church are very
symbolic. They are signs of Christ – the
gate or door through which people
come to God and the Good Shepherd
who brings together people in one
sheepfold. (cf. Jn 10:7) From a ritual
point of view, at the door those who
are to be baptized and initiated into the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are
received. And when they have gone
ahead of us in death, they are also
received at the door of the church.
Christ is the true door to eternal life.
Here, it is important to note the
pre-eminent role of the Cathedral. It is
in the Cathedral Church where the
bishop gives fuller expression to his
ministry and exhibits the pre-eminent
manifestation of the local church: there,
he leads his flock in active and
conscious worship, together with his
fellow priests – the presbyters – in celebrating
the memory of the Lord. Not only is it
the home of the diocese, but it
represents tangibly the diocese, always
19

THE CATHEDRA OF TUGUEGARAO
ready for God‘s presence in the midst of
humanity‘s concern for what is ephemeral.
The Cathedral Church, then, ―is a sign of
the unity of believers in the faith that
the bishop proclaims as a shepherd of
the Lord‘s flock.‖7
The Ceremonial of Bishops (1142) states
that ―The rector of the cathedral church
offers the bishop a crucifix to be
kissed.‖ When this is completed, the
Bishop takes the sprinkler of holy water,
and sprinkles himself and those present.
After that, the Archbishop will kneel in
the kneeler prepared for him at the
threshold of the Cathedral for some
moments of adoration before the
20
Blessed Sacrament. Then, he will be
led to the area set aside for vesting, so
that he and the other ministers put on
the vestments for Mass, which is
celebrated in the form of a stational
Mass.8
The symbols in this rite of reception
are very direct. They are preparatory
rites for the celebration of the Eucharist,
which is the heart of the whole
celebration.
The Archbishop kisses the crucifix as a
reminder of his relationship with
Christ, who suffered and died for his
flock. He is reminded and it is
demanded by the very nature of his
office as the shepherd of the flock to
witness to this self-giving love of the
Good Shepherd: ―No greater love
than this, to lay down one‘s life for
his friends.‖ (Jn 15:13)
Then the sprinkling of the holy water
on himself and to the people present,
recalls baptism from which all of us
have been made children of God,
sharers of the universal priesthood.
We are Christians even before we are
ordained as bishops and presbyters.
This gesture manifests the
fundamental bond that the bishop
and the faithful share in the faith; it is
baptism. The greatest Father of the
“ ”
Latin Church, St. Augustine of Hippo
clearly expresses this primordial
...for you I am a bishop,
with you I am a
Christian… (St. Augustine)
relationship: ―for you I am a bishop,
with you I am a Christian. The first is
the name of an office undertaken,
the second a name of grace; that one
means danger, this one salvation.
Finally, as if in the open sea, I am
being tossed about by the stormy
activity involved in that one; but as I
recall by whose blood I have been
redeemed, I enter a safe harbor in the
tranquil recollection of this one; and
thus while toiling away at my own
proper office, I take my rest in the
marvelous benefit conferred on all of
us in common.‖ (Sermon 340)
THE RITE OF TAKING POSSESSION OF THE
DIOCESE OR CANONICAL INSTALLATION
A bishop assumes office in his dio-
cese ritually signified in what the
Code of Canon Law calls the ―taking
possession of his diocese.‖9 He takes
possession‖ of the functions of which
he is to exercise in the diocese,
namely: to be its teacher, high priest
and administrator. It is now
commonly called canonical
installation, that is, to be inducted
into a stall or seat otherwise called
the seating of the bishop to his see to
mark the beginning of his episcopal
servant-leadership or service.
The rite is incorporated within the
Eucharistic celebration for it in the
Eucharist that ―the bishop (becomes)
the point of unity for the Church of the
diocese; when he presides at the
liturgical function, the local church
achieves its maximum unity and
community.‖10
The mass begins as usual. After
reverencing the altar, Archbishop Sergio
Utleg, Archbishop Emeritus, begins the
celebration of the Eucharist and greets
the people of God gathered for this
celebration. After the greeting, he will
address the congregation a nd
introduce the celebration, after which,
he will ask that the Apostolic Letter
appointing a new Archbishop be
gathered Christian community in the
way of the Christ, the Suffering
Servant.12 He is to be a steward, not a
prince; a leader, not a dictator.13 As the
quote often misattributed to St.
Charles Borromeo goes: Pater non
Dominus quia amari appetit non timeri - a
Father, not a Lord, so that his beloved
may seek him without fear.14
In addition, the ―cathedra‖ is a symbol
of the Bishop‘s role as teacher: in his
cathedral church, the bishop occupies
the chair or cathedra which is ―a
prominent sign of the teaching
authority belonging to each bishop in
his own church.‖15 The Ceremonial not
only mentions the bishop preaching
from the chair; it, in fact, gives even
more details: ―unless he decides that
some other way is preferable, the
bishop should preach while seated at
clearly in a liturgy that he celebrates
with his people. Thus, the celebration
of the Eucharist continues in the
usual manner, presided over by the
new Archbishop.
Endnotes:
1
Adapted from “The Seating of the Bishop:
Installation to the Pastoral Ministry as
Archbishop” from the Rite of Liturgical
Reception, Eucharistic Celebration, and
Canonical Installation of The Most
Reverend Florentino Galang Lavarias, DD,
© 2014, Archdiocesan Liturgical
Commission of San Fernando, Pampanga;
with additions and corrections from the
Commission on Worship of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.
2
Jerome P. Theisen, ”Episcopal Liturgy as a
Theological Locus for Ecclessiology” in
Ceremonial of Bishops: A Reader, 4.

shown and read.11 The Chargé d’Affaires
ad interim of the Apostolic Nunciature
in the Philippines, Mons. Julien Kabore,
will read the translation of the letter in
English, followed by a translation in
Ibanag.
The reading and presentation of the
Apostolic Letter evokes memories of
the ancient Roman practice of the
proclamation of decrees before the
assembled people. Today, this is to be
seen as an expression of the bonds of
unity between the local church and the
universal church, headed by the
Bishop of Rome, the Pope.
When the reading of the Apostolic
Letter is completed, the people will
respond (preferably by singing) with
―Thanks be to God‖ or some other
suitable acclamation. This is the
people‘s expression of their assent to
the shepherd given to them by the
Pope.
Next, the Archbishop is led to his
―cathedra‖ (literally, chair), by the
Archbishop-Emeritus. After the
liturgical reforms of Vatican II, there
has been a renewed understanding of
this important symbol of Episcopal
office: no longer is it to be seen as a
throne from where the Bishop is to
administer power, but a chair from
which he presides over and teaches the
“ ”
3
Ibid., 7.
the chair.‖ 16 4
Cf. Jn 10:11.
5
…a Father, not a Lord, that Cf. St. Ignatius of Antioch, To the
Smyrnians, 8; To the Magnesians, 7; To the
his beloved may seek Philadelphians, 4.
him without fear…
6
Mysterium Fidei, 2.
7
(St. Charles Borromeo) Caeremoniale Episcoporum, ex Decreto
Sacrosancti Oecumenica Concili Vaticani II
Instauratum Auctoritate Joannis Paulis II
The rite of canonical installation ends Promulgatum, typical edition (Vatican City:
with the illustrative gesture of Vatican Polyglot Press, 1984) English trans.
Ceremonial of Bishops (CE) 42; 43.
receiving the greeting of representatives
from various groups and sectors in the 8
CE, 1142.
Archdiocese, particularly 9
CIC, can. 382, §2.
representatives of the diocesan clergy, 10
Theisen, op. cit., 8
religious men and women, members of
the faithful, and as circumstances suggest, 11
CE, 1143.
representatives of the civil authority.17 12
“The “cathedra” should be a chair that
In olden times, this was referred to as stands alone and is permanently installed.
paying ―homage‖ to the Bishop; today, it is Its placement should make it clear that the
to be understood as a symbol of the bishop is presiding over the whole
bonds between the shepherd and his community of the faithful… There is to be
flock, and the respect and obedience no baldachin over the bishop’s chair.” CE,
the people of God ought to render the 47.
chief shepherd of the Archdiocese. As 13
cf. Pope Francis, Admonition to Bishops;
Vatican II teaches: ―the faithful should Titus 1:7
cling to the bishop as the Church 14
Hugo de St. Cher, O.P., Meditations on
clings to Jesus Christ and as Jesus the Gospel of Matthew, 23.
Christ clings to the Father…‖18
15
BB, Chapter 26, 880
In the Eucharist, Sacrosanctum 16
Concilium (41) teaches us that the office CE, 17.
of bishop as teacher, sanctifier, and 17
CE, 1143.
pastor of his church shines forth most 18
Lumen Gentium, 27

21
 COMMITTEES

Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD

Chairman

Fr. Gerard Ariston P. Perez

Fr. Bernard B. Corpus
Over-all Coordinators

Ma. Belen Barias-Lim

Assistant Over-all Coordinator

Accommodation, Reception & Invitation

Ayleen B. Pagalilauan
Fr. Lloyd Q. De Leon
Fr. Paolo Benedict C. Pasinca
Mary Jane W. Donato

Transportation
Fr. Kristian Noel A. Sibbaluca
& Young Clergy

Food
Fr. Bernard B. Corpus

Finance
Fr. Carlos L. Evangelista

Decorations
Fr. Bernice Wynn D. Rio & co.

Liturgy
Fr. Brien Mark C. Catabay
Fr. Victor Emmanuel C. Quintos
Fr. Chate Leir M. Javier
Fr. Bernice Wynn D. Rio
Fr. Severino Ma. T. Bariuan

Program
Fr. Macario L. Malano, Jr.

Traffic, Parking, & Security

Fr. Eustaquio Jaime E. Aggabao
Tuguegarao City Traffic Management Group

Hospitality
Fr. Edgardo D. Baculi
Moises Calucag
Jessieliz Tumbali
Cathedral Lay Organizations,
Movements & Associations
Documentation & Souvenir Program
Fr. Dennis T. Ordillos, Jr.
THE SEAT OF THE FAITH.
The largest of colonial era churches
in Cagayan Valley, the Tuguegarao
Cathedral was built by Fray Antonio
Lobato, OP from 1761-66 in a
unique earthquake baroque style that
would later be the blueprint for most
Cagayan colonial churches. It
suffered heavily during the Second
World Way and was rebuilt through
the efforts of Bishop Constance
Jurges, CICM. In 2013, an extensive
restoration of the interiors to its pre-
war forms and vistas was conducted.

On December 26 of that year, a
traslacion of the image from the
Santo Domingo de Piat Church to
the ermita at the banks of the Chico
River happened. A mass followed
after the procession at the ermita.
That said ermita was soon
abandoned because of the raging
waters of the Chico River and it was
moved it present uphill location.
The second ermita for the Our Lady
of Piat was built by Fr. Diego
Piñero, OP in the 18th century
following the same pattern in 1623.
It was restored in 1875 by Fr. José
Gurrumeta, OP and in 1884, Fr.
Isidro Rodriguez, OP installed a six
square meter portico of wood at the
ermita‘s façade, galvanized roofing
and stained-glass windows. In 1888,
Pope Leo XIII issued certain
indulgences for those who visit the
ermita of Our Lady of Piat. Fr.
Santiago Capdavilla, OP installed a
silver retablo for the image on 1 Sep-
tember 1897 and the image was
clothed with silk and golden acces-
sories. It survived the ravages of the
Second World War and the great
earthquake of 1949.
20
Affectionally called
“Yena” (mother) by her
children, she is the
guide and intercessor
“
for the needs of every
Cagayano faithful.
The ermita would later became the
parish church of Piat after
abandoning the ruined Santo
Domingo church. In 1951, the
”
original image was brought around
the entire Cagayan Valley region to
visit parishes. On 10 June 1954, the
venerated image was brought to
Tuguegarao for the festivities in
connection to her canonical
coronation. On the evening of 20
June 1954, the image of Our Lady
of Piat was canonically crowned as
―Queen of Heaven and Earth‖ at
the Cathedral patio by Archbishop
Egidio Vagnozzi, the Apostolic
Nuncio to the Philippines and it
was witnessed by a multitude
of the Cagayano faithful from all
walks of life. The image of Our
Lady of Piat has underwent
numerous restorations through the
years, for the sake of posterity.
Due to the thousands of devotees
and the faithful who flock to her
shrine, the old ermita was
demolished and the cornerstone
laid for a new larger church on 20
June 1986. This new church which
stands today was finished and
blessed by Manila Archbishop
Jaime Cardinal Sin in 1995 and
barely four years after, it was
elevated by His Holiness, Saint
Pope John Paul II to the status of
―Minor Basilica‖ on 22 June 1999,
the first in the Cagayan Valley
Region. In 2004, the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao celebrated the 400th
anniversary of the arrival of the Our
Lady of Piat in the province of
Cagayan. This year 2020, the
Archdiocese will celebrate the 400th
anniversary of the arrival of Our
Lady of Piat in the Itawes.
Top-left: The ancient Sanctuario de Piat,
Our Lady’s original shrine built atop a hill
eventually gave way for a new larger
structure that would later be elevated to
the status of a Basilica. Above: The de
tallado image of Our Lady sans her
elaborate vestments are stylistically
Goanese according to historians. Its
miraculous that the four century old im-
age whose hands and faces are made of
papier mache survives to this day.
OurLady of Piat
The Our Lady of the Visitation of
Piat is the secondary patroness of
the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
and the Queen of the Cagayan
Valley. Affectionally called
―Yena‖ (Mother) by her children,
she is the guide and intercessor to
the needs of every faithful
Cagayano. Through the years,
many miracles were attributed
through her intercession and these
testimonies were recorded as
early as the Spanish regime. Such
stories bring more people closer to
Jesus through Mary.
Originally known as the Nuestra
Señora del Santissimo Rosario she
originally came from the
Portuguese colony of Macau.
Others say that the image actually
YENA NAC CAGAYAN
came from Goa, India, another
Portuguese colony, because her
stylistic features are similar to
images produced there. In 1604,
the image of Our Lady of Piat
arrived in Manila and was first
housed at the Santo Domingo
Church and Priory in Intramuros,
Manila. That same year, she was
brought to Ciudad Nueva Segovia
(Lal-lo, Cagayan) and was housed
at the church and priory of
Bagumbayan (the present parish
church of Lal-lo). In the 17th
century, the newly opened Itawes
mission was a great burden to the
Dominicans assigned there. The
people instigated revolts and the
missionaries would abandon their
posts out of fear. In 1620, the
image was brought to the town of
Niño Kevin Baclig
Piat and there, the people accepted
the image with great joy. Her
dark skin made her appealing to
the people of the Itawes region. In
1623, the missionary priest of Piat
Fr. Juan de Santa Ana, OP
planned to bring the original
image to Tuguegarao and
commissioned a replica for Piat.
The natives relented and wanted
the original image back to them.
In the end, the priest acceded to
the wishes of his flock. Ownership
of the image was also contested by
the people of Piat and neighboring
Tuao. To avoid further tension, it
was decided that an ermita was to
be built on a cliff between the two
towns overlooking the Chico
River. It was built in Piat but it
faced Tuao.
19
time of Bishop Foley, the patio of
the Cathedral was paved and
installed new set of pews. Bishop
Santiago Sancho was consecrated
at the Tuguegarao Cathedral on 29
June 1917. In 1938, the Cagayan
Valley Atheneum (later Ateneo de
Tuguegarao, and then University
of Saint Louis) was established at
the adjacent convent.
The Cathedral and its adjacent
convent were destroyed in 1945.
It was subsequently restored in a
period of 22 years. Funds came
through the donations from the
faithful of Tuguegarao and the
first to be installed was its
galvanized roof. During the time
of Bishop Alejandro Olalia, the
interiors were renovated and they
installed new sets of retablos. The
belltower of the Cathedral was
the last to be restored. It was
blessed on 12 November 1967 by
Bishop Teodulfo Domingo. The
present bells of the Cathedral im-
ported from Belgium were also
baptized that same day.
Unfortunately, the old convent
was never restored to its former
glory. Instead, it was demolished
and replaced with a modern
two-storey structure. On 21
September 1974, it was elevated to a
Metropolitan Cathedral on the
occasion of the elevation of Diocese
of Tuguegarao as an Archdiocese.
Major restoration of the Cathedral
began in 2013 and as a result, the
ceiling from the time of Bishop
Jurgens and the retablos from the
time of Bishop Olalia were replaced
by the copy of the retablos and the
vaulted ceiling of the Cathedral
based on the photographs from 1917.
It newly-restored Cathedral was
solemnly rededicated on September
20, 2014.
 On this rock
THE TUGUEGARAO CATHEDRAL
Prince Wilson Macarubbo
The mission of Tuguegarao was
founded on 9 May 1604 under
patronage of Saint Peter the
Apostle. The origins of the Saint
Peter‘s Metropolitan Cathedral
goes back to the provisional
structure built by the town‘s first
vicar Fr. Tomas Villar, OP in 1606.
In the course of time, it was
replaced by different construction
materials in order to accommodate
the growing number of people
attending religious services. In
various statistics during the
Spanish era, even before it became
the capital of Cagayan,
Tuguegarao has a larger popula-
tion than Ciudad Nueva Segovia
(Lal-lo). Finally, on January 17,
1761, the construction of the
present Saint Peter‘s Cathedral
commenced under the supervision
16
of Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo
Tomàs, OP. Hornos were built at
the banks of the Cagayan and
Pinacanauan Rivers to facilitate in
the manufacturing of ladrillos (red
brick) and lime. In lieu of taxes,
the faithful were asked to help in
the construction of the church.
The construction ended in 1766
based on the ladrillo insets found
on the Cathedral. The convent
and the cemetery were also built
that time.
Fr. Julian Velinchon, OP made
some modifications on the
convent and he installed a pipe
organ at the choir loft. In 1890,
Fr. Romualdo Aguado, OP
installed inner steel fences around
the church (one of the gates could
still be seen on the way going to
the Archbishop‘s Palace). Fr.
Bonifacio Corujedo, OP installed
tiles on the interior and
established a cemetery outside the
Tuguegarao Centro in 1895 (now
the Old Tuguegarao Cemetery).
Fr. Esteban Guzman, OP managed
the parochial school at the convent
in 1893. On 31 August 1898, the
Philippine flag was hoisted at the
belltower of the church and the
convent was ransacked by the
revolutionaries. In 1907, the
convent became the home to the
Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
which was run by the Sisters of St.
Paul of Chartres (now Saint Paul
University Philippines). On 10
April 1910, the church of Fr.
Lobato became the Cathedral of
the newly established Diocese of
Tuguegarao and Saint Peter,
patron of the diocese. During the
 The See of Tuguegarao
celebrated the centennial
anniversary of its foundation.
1986 2011 2019
1974 2010 Pope Francis appoints Bp. Baccay
The See of Tuguegarao is as 4th Metropolitan Archbishop.
elevated to a
Metropolitan Archdiocese.
SERGIO L. UTLEG, DD
Archbishop of Tuguegarao
2011-2019
DIOSDADO A. TALAMAYAN, DD
Archbishop of Tuguegarao
1986-2011
TEODULFO S. DOMINGO, DD
Bishop of Tuguegarao, 1957-1974
Archbishop of Tuguegarao, 1974-1986
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Mallo y Peñaflor, Domingo. Vignettes
Atabug, Ana Ma. The History of the about Cagayan and Her People. 1978
Church of Tuguegarao, Cagayan. 1967. Cagayan Provincial Day Souvenir
Program. Province of Cagayan.
Collantes, Domingo OP. Historia de la
Provincia del Santissimo Rosario de Malumbres, Julian, OP. Historia de
Filipinas, China, y Tunquin Orden de Cagayan. University of Santo Tomas
Predicadores. Manila, 1783. Press: Manila, 1918.
De Sta. Cruz, Baltazar OP. Tomo Segun- Noche, Manuel M.I. The Dominican
do de la Historia de la Provincia del Missionaries in the Cagayan Valley:
Santo Rosario de Filipinas, Japon, y Chi- Their Missions and Architecture”,
na de las Islas Filipinas. Vallaloid, 1890. Philippiniana Sacra XXXIX, no.117 Ordo Predicatorum, Provinciarum Sancti Rosarii
Filipinarum. Acta Capitulorum Provincialium,
Hornedo, Florentino. On the Trail of Do- (September-December 2004): 533-78. Toma I (1874), II (1877), III (1878). (Colegio de
minican Engineers, Artists and Saints in Santo Tomas: Manila)
Obispado de Tuguegarao. Boletin
the Cagayan Valley and Batanes. Manila:
Eclesiástico de Filipinas 13, year XIII, Pobre-Yñigo, Virgilio. The Colegio de San
University of Santo Tomas Press, 2002.
no. 146 (September 1935): 570-71. Jacinto, Boletin Eclesiástico de Filipinas Vol.
José, Regalado Trota. A Visual Documen- Ocio, Hilario Ma.,OP. Compendio de 69, nos. 758-59 (March-April 1993): 204-17.
tation of Fil-Hispanic Churches-- Part la Reseña Biografica de los Religi-
XIX: The Church of San Pablo Apostol osos de la Provincia del Santisimo Salgado, Pedro, OP. Cagayn Valley & Eastern
in Cabagan Viejo, Isabela. Philippiniana Rosario (Manila: 1895) Cordillera 1581-1898. Volume I. Quezon City:
Sacra LIII, no. 160 (September-December Rex Commercial, 2002.
___________, Eladio Neira, OP, and
2018), 527-88. Gregorio Arnaiz, OP. Misioneros Talamayan, Diosdado. Our Lady of Piat: Ca-
Josue, Ericson M. Out of the depths: Doninicos en el Extremo Oriente. nonically Crowned, Boletin Eclesiástico de
revisiting the epicentre of Aglipaya- Vols. 1 & 2. Colegio de Santo Tomas: Filipinas 29, Year XXXIII, no. 326 (August
nism. Diocese of Laoag, 2012. Manila, 1903. 1955):510-14.
15
 MAURICE PATRICK FOLEY
Bishop of Tugeugarao, 1910-1916
CONSTANT JURGENS, CICM
Bishop of Tugeugarao, 1928-1950
1910
The Diocese of Tuguegarao
is created.
democracy in the country. With a new
government in power, the province
has to move on and start a new
future. It was a difficult transition and
opposition to the new government
would sometimes turn bloody through
military coup. The Archdiocese
intervened during these violent
events, calling for a peaceful, resolute
end to the crisis. From January 20 to
February 17, 1991, the CBCP convened
the Second Plenary Council of the
Philippines (PCP II) in Manila and its
aim was to reform the ways of the
Philippine Church in the spirit of the
Second Vatican Council. That same
year, Archbishop Talamayan convened
the first Archdiocesan Assembly at
the San Jacinto Minor Seminary, in
response to the agenda brought by
the PCP II.
On 22 June 1999, the Shrine of Our
Lady of Piat who was instrumental in
the evangelization of Cagayan, was
raised to a status of a ‗Minor Basilica.‘
On 10 April 2007, Fr. Ricardo Baccay,
then the rector of the San Jacinto
Minor Seminary, was ordained
―Auxiliary Bishop of Tuguegarao.‖
On 10 April 2010, the Archdiocese
celebrated the grand centenary of its
foundation with the theme: "Growing
in Wisdom and Age." On 15 June 2011
Archbishop Talamayan retired from
his post and was succeeded by Bishop
Sergio L. Utleg as the 3rd Archbishop
of Tuguegarao. Known for his
14
Apostolic Administrator,1954-1957
Japan invades
the Philippines.
1917
1928
SANTIAGO C. SANCHO
Bishop of Tugeugarao, 1917-1927
missionary zeal and simple living, he
promoted and defended the rights of
the indigenous peoples. He was also
passionately involved in the
protection and conservation of our
natural environment. On 19 October
2019, Pope Francis accepted the
resignation of Archbishop Utleg and
he appointed Alaminos Bishop
Ricardo Baccay as the 4th Archbishop
of Tuguegarao. Since the elevation of
Tuguegarao as a Metropolitan See,
Tuguegarao was
elevated to the status of
an archdiocese in 1974.
All appointed
metropolitans were
“ members of its own
clergy.
She has always been blessed with
homegrown metropolitan
archbishops—beginning with
Archbishop Domingo of Baggao,
Archbishop Talamayan of Aparri,
Archbishop
Tuguegarao City,
”
Archbishop Utleg of Solana, and
Baccay from
Cagayan. These
four archbishops raised to the office
of metropolitan archbishops, serving
their own presbyterium and local
people, are signs of God‘s graces and
blessings and the Holy See‘s favour to
JUAN C. SISON
1941 1950
1953
ALEJANDRO A. OLALIA
Bishop of Tugeugarao, 1950-1954
the Church in Cagayan. Interestingly,
they are all sons of San Jacinto
Seminary. More importantly, they are
children of Our Lady of Piat! Truly
without doubt, the small seed had
grown into a bountiful tree.
The hounds of war, of invasion, of
pestilence and floods, of schisms and
scandals have beset our valley.
Dreamers and schemers have played
on our land. They have all passed away.
Yet the cross on which the faith of the
people of the Valley was anchored had
withstood the gruelling tests of time.
Like the great steady river whose
water does not seem to run out, so too
will the cross be until all the Rio
Grande runs dry. Like the tree upon
which Jesus had died so that we may
live and bear fruit, this cross which
the missionaries have planted, this
cross that our shepherds have cared
for, this cross that the people have
nurtured… have become a great and
fertile tree that gives life and
refreshment to all who draw close.
Today we reap what have been
sowed through sweat, tears, and
blood, truly daunting if not only for
God‘s grace and our faith in his
fidelity. How we nurture these gift,
gained at the cost of many untold
struggles and pains, will be our
legacy as we continue to live lives
propelled by faith, imbued with hope,
and impelled by pure Love.
the reorganization, reconstruction and
restoration of Church properties of his
diocese. He invited the Jesuits and
they took over the Cagayan Valley
Atheneum which they later renamed
Ateneo de Tuguegarao. He resigned on
6 May 1950 and he died two years
later, on 3 June 1952. He was succeeded
by his coadjutor Bishop Alejandro A.
Olalia as the fourth Bishop of
Tuguegarao at the age of 37.
Bisho p Ola lia co nti nued the
reconstruction effortsand policies of his
predecessor. He invited the Dominican
Nuns of Saint Catherine of Siena to his
Diocese and they worked in Gattaran
by founding the St. Catherine's Academy.
TheItalian Franciscans(OFM) were also
invited by the bishop to work in the
parishes of Northeast Cagayan where
later an order of nuns, the ―Franciscan
Apostolic Sisters‖ would be founded
by Fr. Gerardo Fillipetto, OFM. From
January 7 to 25, 1953, the First Plenary
Council of the Philippines was held at
San Agustin Church in Manila; the
first major accomplishment of the
Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP). On 28 December
1953, he was appointed Bishop of
Lipa With his appointment as Bishop
of Lipa, a sede vacante ensued from 28
December 1953 to 29 April 1957. The
Apostolic Administrator was Msgr.
Juan C. Sison. The sede vacante
witnessed the construction of the
present Bishop's Palace and 20 June
1954, the canonical coronation of the
Our Lady of Piat. It ended when
Msgr. Teodulfo S. Domingo of
Baggao, Cagayan (the parish priest of
Aparri that time) was appointed the
fifth Bishop of the Diocese on 29 April
1957. He is the first ever Cagayano to
be raised to the order of bishops.
On 11 October 1962, St. John XXIII
opened the Second Vatican Council.
Catholic bishops, priests and
observers from the laity and different
Christian denominations attended the
First Session of the Council.
Unfortunately, the good Pope John
XXIII died on 3 June 1963. He was
succeeded by Saint Paul VI on 12 June
1963. It was not clear if the Second
Above. Built atop a picturesque hill in Peñablanca, Cagayan, the San Jacinto
Seminary is the high school seminary of the Archdiocese. Archbishop Baccay is an
alumnus there. Oppostite. The college seminary of the Archdiocese is the Thomas
Aquinas Major Seminary located inside the Lyceum of Aparri, the biggest
archdiocesan school in the Valle founded in 1967 by Archbishop Talamayan..
Vatican Council would continue Tuguegarao. On 1950, the Prelature of
under Paul VI, but the latter decided Batanes Islands & Babuyanes was
to continue the council. On 26 erected. In 1951 it became part of
September 1963, the Second Session Nueva Segovia then on 1974 it returned
was convened and it ended on as a suffragan of Tuguegarao, it‘s
December 4 of the same year. Two mother See. On 31 January 1970, the
more sessions followed: Third Diocese of Ilagan was erected with
(September 14 - November 21, 1964) Bishop Francisco Cruces as its first
and the Fourth (September 14- prelate. The territory of the new diocese
December 8, 1965). Bishop Teodulfo covered the Province of Isabela.
Domingo was one of the Council On 21 September 1974, Saint Paul VI
fathers who participated and elevated the Diocese of Tuguegarao to
attended the sessions of the Council. an Archdiocese with the Diocese of
The Diocese of Tuguegarao was Ilagan, Territorial Prelature of Batanes
patient and careful in implementing and the Diocese of Bayombong as Her
the reforms of the Council. With the suffragan sees. Bishop Teodulfo
reforms brought by the Second Domingo became the first Archbishop
Vatican Council, the Church's mission of Tuguegarao making him the first son
expanded its borders. It became more of Cagayan to be elevated to the honor.
open to the people and it manifested On 31 January 1986, Archbishop
itself as the "Church of the Poor." On Domingo, the longest reigning prelate
7 November 1966, the Territorial of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao,
Prelature of Bayombong was resigned at the age of 75. Auxiliary
established and it covered the Bishop Diosdado A. Talamayan
provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and succeeded him as the sixth Bishop and
Quirino. Its first bishop was Bishop second Archbishop of Tuguegarao. The
Albert van Overbeke, CICM. It was first year of his administration
later raised as a Diocese on 15 witnessed the EDSA People Power
November 1982 severing it from Revolution and the return of
13
Sancho was appointed the second
Bishop of Tuguegarao and its first
Filipino prelate. In 1918, he
established the Colegio-Seminario de
San Jacinto administered by the
Dominicans for the formation of
young men who would become
future pastors in the diocese. From
April 8 to 14, 1923, he convoked the
second Diocesan Synod which was
also held at the Colegio-Seminario de
San Jacinto. On 22 April 1927, Msgr.
Sancho was appointed Bishop of
Nueva Segovia. Tuguegarao was once
again a vacant see for many months
until Msgr. Constance Jurgens was
appointed the third Bishop of
Tuguegarao on 27 January 1928. A
member of the Congregation of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM),
Msgr. Jurgens was one of the order‘s
first nine missionaries to be sent to the
Philippines in 1907. He was first
assigned to Bontoc as its missionary
priest. Later, he was appointed Parish
Priest of Bayombong. He was later
sent back to Holland and was
assigned as rector of the seminary
there. There he worked until he was
appointed Bishop of Tuguegarao. The
people of Tuguegarao loved him for
being close to them in their needs. His
12
missionary experience in the
Philippines helped him in his
administration of the Diocese. It was
also during his time that the
Dominicans, with exception to Fr.
Julian Malumbres, OP, left the
mainland Cagayan for good in 1932
and the Colegio-Seminario de San
Jacinto was closed. Seminarians were
instead sent to the seminario in Vigan.
From 27 to 28 August 1935, he presid-
ed over the third Diocesan synod
which was held at the Tuguegarao
Cathedral. He was known to have
invited other congregations, apart
from the CICM in running the other
parishes of the Diocese. The shortage
of diocesan priests were still
prevalent in those days. The
reputation of Msgr. Jurgens as the
"teaching bishop" made him publish
pamphlets of the Catechism for
children and in 1938, he opened the
Cagayan Valley Atheneum, an
exclusive school for boys with the
help of his fellow CICM confreres and
diocesan priests.
The episcopacy of Msgr. Constant
Jurgens covered the latter part of the
so-called "Peacetime" period. People
enjoyed the gayest moments of their
lives. On the other side of the globe,
World War II was imminent. Soon, this
same war will make the Philippines pay
the price for being an ally of the
Americans.
On 7 December 1941 Pearl Harbor was
attacked by the Imperial Japanese Air
Force. The next day, on the Solemnity
of Immaculate Conception, the
Japanese began their attacks in the
Philippines and invaded the northern
areas of the country, including
Cagayan. Tuguegarao, the seat of the
diocese, was occupied by December 11.
The invaders imposed harsh
restrictions. Curfew was in place and
whoever was suspected of being a
guerrilla or its supporter meted a death
sentence. In the years 1941-1945, the
faithful suffered not only from the
hands of the Japanese but also of
hunger and sickness. These maybe the
people‘s bitter moments but their faith
remained strong, hopeful for a brighter
future through the aid of their
dedicated clergy who tirelessly
ministered to their needs, both bodily
and spiritually, even during these dark
times.
In the years 1943-1945, the tides of the
war changed. The Japanese had
destroyed the shipyards at Pearl
Harbor, but they had failed to destroy
the naval repair yards and fuel storage
tanks and soon the Pacific fleet was up
and running again. As a result, the
Japanese unleashed their vengeance
towards defenceless civilians by killing
everyone along their path and they
would loot and burn properties, even
an entire town or barangay. Many
Church properties were not spared. The
Cathedral and other churches in
Cagayan were destroyed during the
fighting. In the end, on 15 August 1945,
the Japanese surrendered and the war
was finally over. The Second World
War brought many horrors and
sorrows among the Cagayanos. Many
were killed, injured and properties
were destroyed or lost. The Diocese of
Tuguegarao was one with the people in
those terrible three years and eight
months of terror and bloodshed.
On top of Bishop Jurgen‘s agenda was
the strain on his physical health. On
horseback and canoe, he travelled his
vast territory which extended from
Northern Tarlac in the south,
Northern Nueva Ecija in the southeast,
Pangasinan in the southwest up to the
north, in the Batanes Islands;
encompassing the Mountain Provinces,
Ilocandia, and the Cagayan Valley.
These travels took him months to
complete. A companion of his, Fr.
Daniel Gerke recalled: ―Everywhere
scenes of destruction and desolation
confronted us…parishes were vacant,
churches destroyed, and people were
deprived of the comforts of religion.‖
The dilemma for the pastors of the
flock in Northern Luzon is further
aggravated by the rise of Protestantism
brought about by the Thomasites (The
new educational reform by the
American brought in an army of
mostly Methodist teachers). In
response, the Apostolic Delegate
Ambrose Agius, OSB wrote to the
different religious congregations from
Europe and the United States to send
some of their personnel to the
Philippines. Moreover, the Spanish
Patronato Real ceased to exist; thus, the
Vatican began to be directly involved
in the Philippine Church affairs. On
17 September 1902, Pope Leo XIII
issued the papal bull Quae Mari Sinico
which laid down the reforms
needed for the Philippine Church.
In 1901, the Dominicans returned to
Tuguegarao and opened the Colegio de Above. St. Peter’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao before the war that brought
San Jacinto, an exclusive school for it to it’s knees and after the extensive restoration project in 2013.
boys beside the Ermita de Piedra de Oppostite. Photos of the Cathedral taken after the destructive Second World War by
San Jacinto. Fr. Ricardo Vaquero, OP the now defunct Cagayan Studio. The churches which did survive the war, would
was its first rector. In 1907, the Saint eventually be heavily damaged or brought down by a devastative earthquake four
Paul of Chartes (SPC) sisters arrived years later in 1949.
in Tuguegarao and opened the Colegio document actually decreed the plans and the foundations of the
del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (now Saint erection of the Dioceses of Tuguegarao, Diocese. He presided the First
Paul University Philippines) at the Zamboanga, Lipa, Calbayog and the Diocesan Synod from April 16-19,
convent of the Tuguegarao Cathedral, Territorial Prelature of Palawan. 1912 which was held at the Colegio
a school exclusive for girls and it was The new Diocese of Tuguegarao de San Jacinto. On September 6, 1916,
only open for boys until the Second under the patronage of St. Peter the Msgr. Maurice Patrick Foley was
Grade. Finally during the consistory Apostle, was carved from the Ancient appointed Bishop of Jaro (where he
of April 10, 1910, the decree Nova See of Nueva Segovia, and it covered would eventually die in office on
Diocesum Circumscriptio in Insulis the entire Cagayan Valley Region, August 3, 1919) and a month-long
Philippinis was signed by the Secretary including the Babuyanes. Msgr. vacancy followed. Msgr. Estanislao
of the Consistorial Congregation Maurice Patrick Foley was appointed Mendoza became the diocesan
Cardinal Gaetano de Lai and finally its first prelate on 1 September 1910. administrator.
implementing Quae Mari Sinico. This His episcopacy laid the structural On 5 February 1917 Msgr. Santiago C.
11

convent of Alcala Church and nearby
towns. There, the revolutionaries
would do all sorts of maltreatment on
the Spanish Friars. In 1899, the friars
were allowed to return to Manila on
orders from General Aguinaldo and
that same year, the Philippine-
American War broke out. At two
o‘clock in the afternoon of 11
December 1899, Daniel Tirona
surrendered to American Captain
Bowman McCalla in Aparri onboard
USS Newark. Cagayan was now
under the rule of a new colonial
master: the Americans.
The first quarter of the 20th century
was a difficult period in the life of the
Church of Nueva Segovia (which
until 1910 comprised of almost the
entire Northern Luzon.) Many parishes
left by evicted Spanish friars were
taken by renegade native secular clergy
who defected to the newly established
Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). In
Ilocos Norte which was worst hit, all
except one priest remained in the
Catholic fold. He was later murdered
in his rectory. It is interesting that
Aglipay, who would later become the
schismatic church‘s Obispo Maximo
was the former Ecclesiastical Governor
of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia
before they defected! The movement
decried the abuses closely associated
with the Spanish religious in the
10
country, the persecution and kerbing
of native clergy. They clamoured for a
Filipino native clergy for the Filipino
Church. Many people joined the
bailwick and defected into the new
church having been told that there is
absolutely no difference in the
religion. Roman Catholic properties
were overtaken by the Aglipayans,
and non-Filipino priests evicted from
their parishes. The then 37-year old
Bishop Denis Dougherty, who has
just been appointed Bishop of Nueva
Segovia in 1903 could never have
known what awaited him in Northern
Luzon: a diocese in ruins. This total
stranger had to troubleshoot a clergy
in schism, a rebellious people,
abandoned mission churches,
dilapidated temples, and empty
coffer and a seminary dismantled and
despoiled, many books were taken as
Everywhere scenes of wrapping paper in shops. The new
bishop had to repair the Cathedral
destruction and and his episcopal residence with the
desolation confronted chapel converted into a stable for
horses by a revolutionary general.
us…parishes were As he began visiting his territory, the
bishop whose orientation was that of
vacant, churches a seminary professor has to face
“
destroyed, and people
were deprived of the
challenges and hardships that are not
in the books. After mastering Spanish
and familiarizing the various local
comforts of religion. languages and dialects and provincial
idioms in his diocese, he had to bear
”
probably crafted by a Goanese sculptor,
was ―muy morena.‖ The people did not
want a dark skinned Madonna, they
wanted it to be made of precious
ivory as was vogue during the period.
The image was then brought to their
mission to Cagayan in the same year.
In their mission, they always brought
an image of Our Lady as their
companion in their missionary work.
When they found the people of the
Itawes difficult to pacify and
evangelize they brought her from
Lal-lo to Piat in 1620 as a common
mother to all. That is why she was
called ―Yena Tam Ngamin.‖It must
have been her dark complexion, but
for whatever reason, the image
resonated with the people‘s hearts.
Throughout the centuries, countless
miracles have been attributed to her
intercession that have truly put her on
the hearts of the Cagayanos, leading
them closer to Jesus her Son.
Now the Cuidad Nueva Segovia‘s
principal port, Aparri, was some 611
nautical miles away from Manila.
With the average speed for Spanish
galleons at this period of 5 knots, 6-7
knots on good days, it takes a week at
the very least to reach Aparri from
Manila. Because of this, communications
and transportation are challenging. So
does effective civil administration.
Thus in 1755 during the episcopacy of
Bishop Juan Fuentes y Yepes, both City
and See of Nueva Segovia was In 1856, the other towns of Cagayan declared after three centuries, or was
transferred to the flourishing Spanish and Nueva Vizcaya were taken out it? Ironically, no Filipino delegation
City of Villa Fernandina founded and formed a new province and its was present in the Treaty of Paris
nearly a century and a half earlier by name was Isabela with Ilagan as its deciding the fate of this young nation
Salcedo who was first to sight and capital. It was a new beginning that fighting for emancipation. Through it,
explore the Cagayan coastline. It was gave people more opportunities to Spain has surreptitiously sold the
much closer to Manila and was less progress and enlightenment. In 1892, Philippines together with Cuba and
wantingof creature comforts.The old city the Dominicans opened the Colegio de Puerto Rico to the US Government for
reverted back to its old name, Lal-lo. Santa Imelda, an exclusive school for 20 Million Dollars. Meanwhile, the
The Province of Cagayan until 1839 girls. Parochial schools were also opened in Philippine revolutionary forces under
covers the entire Cagayan Valley and each pueblo for the catechism of children. the leadership Col. Daniel Tirona
parts of the Cordilleras (now the With the start of the Philippine entered Cagayan on 25 August 1898
provinces of Kalinga and Apayao). In Revolution looming in Manila and and they capitulated the port town of
the year 1839, the Province of Nueva nearby provinces, the Spanish Aparri and its nearby towns. This
Vizcaya was formed with Camarag Government started to become signalled the end of Spanish regime
(now Echague, Isabela) as its capital, unpopular among the masses. The in the province of Cagayan. They
which was later transferred to people supported the government of captured Bishop Jose Hevia de
Bayombong. That same year, the President Emilio Aguinaldo. On 12 Campomanes, OP and his Dominican
provincial capital of Cagayan was June 1898, Spain lost control of the confreres and other Spanish friars and
transferred from Lal-lo to Tuguegarao. Philippines and independence was nationals who were incarcerated in the
9
 SAN FRANCISCO DE CAPILLAS
The Dominican Protomartyr of China
was a pastor of souls to the faithful of
Tuao, Nassiping (now a barrio of
Gattaran), Lal-lo, and Aparri before he
wore his martyr’s crown.
Right: Our Lady of the Visitation of
Piat in her canonical coronation
regalia, 20 June 1954.
efforts, the creation of the Diocese of ty of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila and Ibañez Alonso; all martyrs of the faith.
Nueva Segovia through Pope Clement abroa It is also important to
mention that some of the Dominicans Toward the end of the sixteenth century,
VIII was reaped. The vast territory
who served Cagayan are now growing suspicions between the
stretches from Cagayan to Tarlac and
venerated as saints and blesseds of Portuguese colonial masters in Macau
Nueva Ecija, including Batanes and
the Roman Catholic Church: St. and the Spanish friars there grew so
some parts of Pangasinan. The
Francisco de Capillas, China‘s agitated that the Portuguese Viceroy of
Diocesan seat was first located in
Protomartyr, St. Lucas del Espiritu India expelled the Spanish Dominicans
Ciudad Nueva Segovia. Its first bishop
Santo, St. Alfonso Navarrete, Blessed and instead of taking the gruelling
was Bishop Miguel de Benavides, OP,
Luis Flores, Blessed Domingo voyage back to Spain they instead
the founding Father of what is now
Castillet, Blessed Jordan Anzalon, went to Manila in 1604. They brought
the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Blessed Pedro Vasquez, Blessed with them an image of Our Lady of the
Benavides stayed in Cagayan from
Angelo Ferrer Orsucci, Blessed Holy Rosary which they first
1596 until 1598 because he was
Inocencío Diez, Blessed Maximino enshrined in Santo Domingo Church
appointed Archbishop of Manila. He
Fernandez Mariñas and Blessed Pedro in Intramuros. Alas, the image, most
was succeeded by Bishop Diego de
Soria, OP. De Soria was known to
have pacified and baptized the Chief
of Pata, Siriban and other of his
subjects. At the time of the foundation
of the see, more mission pueblos were
established throughout Cagayan and
for the Dominicans, it was not without
difficulty. Fr. Pedro Salgado, OP, said
that ―the conversion of Cagayan was
unlike the earlier attempts of the
missionary in the islands fraught with
hardship and suffering.‖ As a result,
some of these missions were
abandoned and even transferred
because of the terrain and the hostile
attitude of the people. Despite these
difficult circumstances, other missions
became progressive parishes thanks
to the cooperation of the community
under the guidance of the Dominicans.
In the three centuries of Spanish
occupation, Cagayan was under the
total spiritual administration of the
Dominicans. They evangelized the
people not only through catechisms
and the sacraments, but also through
the technologies and techniques
wh ic h he lped i mpr o ve th eir
productivity. Noteworthy of these
Dominican Friars, a true builder Fray
Antonio de Lobato, the great builder
of the Tuguegarao Cathedral; they
opened roads and built bridges, they
opened sc ho ols, ma ny o ther
Dominicans made extensive studies
on the life and the language of the Opposite page. Gilded illustrations from the Boxer Codex depicting the early
people of Cagayan. Their outputs inhabitants of Cagayan Valley. Bottom Left. The Sancta Maria, the oldest Catholic
were later published as books and bell in the Far East was forged in 1595. It hangs in the belfry of San Jacinto Parish
academic journals and they are now in Camalaniugan, Cagayan north of Lal-lo.Below. A 1860 print of the Santo Domin-
stored in the archives of the Universi- go Church in Lal-lo, one of the three churches of the ancient Cuidad Nueva Segovia.
7
It was this success that encouraged
Carreon to establish the first Spanish
settlement in Lal-lo, which he
renamed Nueva Segovia in 1582. Fray
Salvatierra, Manila Bishop Domingo
de Salazar, OP‘s right-hand man, was
its first missionary priest. But Fray
Salvatierra and his confreres were not
really missionaries to Cagayan,
rather, military chaplains, furthermore
he was there in the expedition as an
observer for Bishop Salazar, he did
not stay long. He was replaced by the
Augustinianswho administered Nueva
Segovia for roughly a decade. On 29
June 1583, the province of Cagayan
was established with its capital in
Nueva Segovia. In 1594, Governor
General Luis Perez Dasmariñas
petitioned the Dominican provincial
superior to send missionaries to the
Cagayan Valley in order to evangelize
the people there. During the Provincial
Chapter of 13-14 June 1594 held in
Manila, the Dominicans accepted
Cagayan under their administration
and they sent two missionaries: Fr.
Tomas Castellar, OP and Fr. Diego de
Soria, OP. The two men arrived in
Cagayan that same year and they
encountered numerous difficulties
along the way. Such was the situation
that these men were about to give up
and were ready to leave Cagayan for
good. At that time, four Dominicans
arrived in Nueva Segovia via the Port
of Pata to reinforce their missionary
6
“When are you, white
men, going to leave us
in peace?” asks the
natives. The
missionaries would
“
reply, “As long as there
is water in your great
river, we are going
to stay.”
enterprise: Fr. Miguel de San Jacinto,
OP, Fr. Ambrosio Martinez de la
Madre de Dios, OP, Fr. Antonio Soria,
OP, Fr. Domingo de San Blas, OP (a
Dominican brother) and an unnamed
”
Dominican brother. It was indeed an
answered prayer for these two men of
God. They administered the missions
of Nueva Segovia, Camalaniugan,
Abulug and Pata (now parts of
Claveria and Sanchez Mira).
Their efforts were not without
hurdles. Sans firepower but with no
want of guts, local chieftains rallied
their men to confront the ―white
men‖ armed with nothing but natives
swords, lances, spears, and bow and
arrows. The tenacity of their
resistance made them stand out in the
eyes of the Spaniards as the fiercest
and more bellicose among all the
natives of the islands. When the
superiority of weaponry tilted the
balance in favour of the Spaniards,
the native chieftains moved their line
of defence to the mountains or went
upstream to seek alliances with other
tribes. The harassment of the Spanish
military forces continued unabated
yet sporadic, while the missionaries
continued in the by-lines to seek out
the natives in their small clearings,
working through the children and
women, catechizing them, and
baptizing them. Yet the pestering had
made the missionaries not a little
similar to their white military
companions that the natives would
repeatedly ask them, ―When are you,
white men, going to leave us in
peace?‖ To which the missionaries
would reply, ―As long as there is
water in your great river, we are
going to stay.‖
And stayed they did, notwithstanding
the difficulties of the task before
them. True they neither had to work
through an intricate caste system as
they did in India nor disguise as
Confucian scholars or brahmins, but
the challenge lay in their having to
master diverse languages in Cagayan,
get used to different climates and
difficult topographic conditions.
Swiftly, in 1595 the first fruit of their

Till the River
runs dry
A History of the Evangelization of Cagayan
Niño Kevin Baclig
It has been said that Spain conquered
the whole Philippines by the sword
and by the cross. The first waves of
colonizers did not come with halbergs
or muskets or gunpowder alone.
Armed by nothing else but their faith,
it was the missionaries who truly
conquered the Philippines more than
anyone else. This is even more true
for Cagayan. Known affectionately by
its people as a ―smiling land of
beauty,‖ Cagayan Valley‘s wealth of
blessings has attracted many
dreamers and schemers through the
centuries. Though their swords and
mortars, cannons and muskets have
long gone, the cross remains, planted
firmly on its soil and stands proud
amidst the tumult of centuries. It has
outlived the test of time in Cagayan,
and now yields much fruit.
After a successful pacification
campaign in Laguna de Bay, and
4
Watercolor on paper, 1720, Juan Luis Acosta
Archivio General de las Indias, Seville, Spain
Zambales, Pangasinan and Ilocos
where he founded the town Villa
Fernandina (now Vigan), Juan
Salcedo, the grandson of Miguel
Lopez de Legaspi, Manila‘s conqueror,
set sail back to Manila using the
northern coastal route passing
through Tular (now Abulug), and
Masi (Old Pamplona) in 1572. He may
well perhaps be, the first white man,
the first Catholic, to step on Cagayan
soil. His greeting of an embrace to the
chieftain of Abulug however was
interpreted as something sinister, and
he left without results. Often gut feel
can be premonition of things to come.
True that Spanish historians would
often extol their noble intentions to
hoist high the Christian standard in
distant lands. But beyond that façade,
Salcado and his men were also eyeing
for gold, mesmerized as they were at
the abundance of it in their South
American colonies. Upon reaching for
Right. El Rio Grande de Cagayan (detail)
the first time the mouth of the
Cagayan river, he was met by the
chieftain of Camalaniugan who
prevented him from exploring any
further inland. Unprepared for a
battle, they left.
It was a year shy of a decade since
this first landing that Juan Pablo
Carreon would finally be able to create
a foothold in Cagayan. Upon orders
of Governor Gonzalo Ronquillo de
Peñalosa, he set sail to where Salcedo
left, tired and battle-timid, to drive off
a band of Japanese pirates led by
Taifusu. With his small army were
two men of the cloth, Fray Cristobal
de Salvatierra, a Dominican, and Fray
Francisco Rodriguez, an Augustinian.
Unobservedly, in the dark of night, a
hundred and thirty eight Spanish and
Filipino men deployed at the banks of
the Cagayan river. At early dawn the
battle broke out. They won. The year
was 1581.
Features
2
THE PASTORAL STAFF
Get to know the story the pastoral staff to be used by
Archbishop Baccay on his installation as Tuguega-
rao’s fourth Archbishop.
4 16
TILL THE RIVER RUNS DRY ON THIS ROCK
Hearken to the saga that is the evangelization of Learn more about this eighteenth century
Cagayan Valley and its many joys and sorrows, but masterpiece of architecture that is the Mother
not sans God’s grace and fidelity, through the Church of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and of
centuries. Cagayan Valley.
14 18
SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK OUR LADY OF PIAT, YENA NAC CAGAYAN
The story of Cagayan Valley is not complete without
Get to know the pastors of the Church in Cagayan
the abiding presence of Our Lady of the Visitation of
from the time of its inception as a Diocese in 1910
Piat who has accompanied her children in Cagayan
through the time it became an Archdiocese to the
for centuries, and for all of time.
present.
3
 EDITORIAL STAFF
Fr. Dennis T. Ordillos, Jr
Executive Director
Niño Kevin D. Baclig
Executive Editor
Julian Erldric D. Cababa
Copy Editor
Fr. Victor Emmanuel Quintos
Prince Wilson A. Macarubbo
Lordan T. Lagda
Ronald B. Addatu
Anthony Paul C. Paddayuman

Writers & Researchers
Niño KevinD. Baclig
Digital Artist
John Leonard R. Dimain IV
Peter Paul Valdepeñas
Maria Tan
Fr. Victor Emmanuel Quintos
Frederick Allauigan Allam (Cagayan Studio)
Paul Lopez
Photo Contributors
PATER BENIGNUS AD OMNES is a
special publication by the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao,
Office of the Chancellor on the
occasion of the Rite of Liturgical
Reception & Canonical Installation of
Most Reverend Ricardo Lingan Baccay,
14 January 2020.
THIS MAGAZINE IS NOT FOR SALE.
Copyright © 2020 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Office of the Chancellor.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
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brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain non commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests,
write to the publisher
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
Rizal St., Tuguegarao City, 3500 Philippines
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
Tel. - Trunkline: (078) 846-1705
Email: chanceryrcat@yahoo.com
Printed in the Philippines by
GOLDEN PRESS
2
W
THE PASTORAL STAFF
The pastoral staff identifies the bishop as the shepherd of the
flock. He uses the staff to manifest his office in the particular
church (e.g. presiding at liturgies, pronouncing blessings,
and preaching (CF. CE 57, 59). The pastoral staff surpasses
all other episcopal insignia of the bishop, first because of its
ancientness (first used in the fifth century and was widely
used from the sixth century) and that which it symbolizes,
which are the clearest duties of the bishop, namely, to know and
care, to lead and guide, to protect and correct the flock.
The staff pictured at the right is an heirloom staff first used by Bishop
Constant Jurgens, CICM, who was Bishop of Tuguegarao from 1928
to 1950. It was then handed down to his successors up to Archbishop
Teodulfo Domingo, the first Archbishop of Tuguegarao and the last
one to use this staff.
The staff is heavily influenced by Gothic elements. At the
end of the crook is an image of Virgo Potens, who was also
referred to by many French and Belgian missionaries as
Regina Missionum – Queen of the Missions. Here, Mary is
represented as she showed herself during the Second
Apparition of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, on 27
November 1830 – looking up to heaven, with a globe
representing the world in her hands.
Special thanks to :Archbishop-Emeritus
Diosdado A. Talamayan, DD, Archbishop-
Emeritus Sergio L. Utleg, D., Golden Press,
Ma. Belen Barrias-Lim, Fr. Fredel Go Agatep,
Cagayan Museum & Historical Research
Center, Cagayan Heritage Conservation
Society, Laureta Decena-Malbog,
Pater Benignus
ad omnes
L
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
Rizal St., Tuguegarao City, 3500 Philippines