Beginnings of Diocesan Pastoral Assembly

In the Priest Assembly on P.O. II, Fr. Romeo Ner, the Vicar General, described first 25 years of the Diocese, “In the first 10 years of the Diocese and the term of the late first Bishop of Imus, Artemio G. Casas, the first concern was to consolidate the structure of the Diocese and to fulfill its functions and tasks. At the same time, there was no discussion of a diocesan vision or mission, since the focus of the diocese was to ensure that there should be a smooth continuity of various pastoral duties and responsibilities which Cavite used to receive from Manila.” The Diocesan Curia was organized to assist the Bishop in governing the Diocese effectively and efficiently. Circular and pastoral letters were sent to parishes regarding the policies of the Diocese. New parishes were erected like the St. Martin de Porres in Justineville created on February 29, 1963 and Our Lady of Fatima in Binakayan on May 13, 1966. Earlier in 1963, the first Diocesan Convention of the Catholic Action was held at the Infant Jesus Academy in Silang.

On May 27, 1969, Bishop Felix P. Perez, D.D., succeeded Bishop Casas. He governed the Diocese for 23 years. True to his commitment to justice and truth, the first years of Bishop Perez were difficult. He had to fight for the rights and welfare of his new Diocese and his clergy.

The clergy of Cavite has also widened its scope of apostolate by accepting the chaplaincy for migrant Filipinos in Spain, Austria, France, and Italy. Fr. Avelino Sapida has pioneered the chaplaincy for Filipinos in Europe and has recently convinced the Archdiocese of Barcelona to declare the Filipino Chaplaincy as a personal parish. This new form of apostolate has thousands of Filipinos, who remained steadfast in their faith. It also protected their rights while away from their motherland. This chaplaincy may well be considered as the “sixth vicariate” of the Diocese.

When Cavite was separated from the Archdiocese of Manila, the new Diocese was supposed to receive some monetary share from the Philippine Trust & Co. However, Rufino Cardinal Santos, D.D. of Manila refused to give what was due to Cavite. Bishop Perez, a former protegee of the Cardinal and a financial secretary of Manila knew very well what was supposed to be given to Cavite. His strong sense of justice moved him to fight his former superior. A civil court case was filed against the Archdiocese, and with the help of Soc Rodrigo, Cavite won. Cardinal Santos brought the matter to Rome. Bishop Perez, fearless as ever, fought for Cavite’s cause in Rome. Thru the assistance of the Jesuits and thru the intervention of Pope Paul VI, Cavite won again. Bishop Perez made history that Rome sided with a simple and unknown Bishop against a very influential Cardinal of one of the richest archdioceses in the world. The Victory was such a big help to the newly born diocese in terms of finance.

Bishop Perez, known for his liberal and progressive views sought to implement the Decrees of the Second Vatican Council. He tried to democratize the administration by establishing the Senate of Priests. A constitution for the Diocese of Imus was formulated. In 1970, the clergy of Cavite met in Agono, Rizal, to formulate a pastoral plan primarily for the integration of the different Diocesan Commissions. The following years also exposed the Diocese to new and old things requiring both action and decisions. In 1978, the clergy of Cavite gathered at La Salette in Silang for a seminar on management by objectives. Exposure to resettlement and other depressed areas of the Diocese was held. Seminars on social consciousness were made under the supervision of the Institute of Social Order. To enhance the spiritual life of the clergy monthly recollections and annual retreats were also held.

Bishop Perez was perceived to be too shy to have a very warm relationship with all his priests. However, he has always shown genuine concern for the welfare of his priests. Besides the monthly subsides that he gave to poor parishes, the Bishop would go out of his way to procure mass stipends for priests in poor parishes to augment the financial help that he gave. Among his dreams was to build a “Case del Clero” for old and sickly priests. Unfortunately, he died while making his dream come true.

Lay Participation in the Diocese

Responding to the socio-economic needs of the people, livelihood programs and cooperatives of all types were created in some parishes. Many of this livelihood programs still exist to this day. He gave strong support to the social action commission of the Diocese. During his time, the church in Cavite constantly intervened in various agricultural and industrial disputes in favor of the less fortunate like the farmers, workers, fisher folks, and the urban poor. If not all, many priests of the Diocese would be found in labor strikes, political rallies against the former dictatorship.

Lay participation has been very much promoted through the years. Parish councils were organized in parishes to help the priests in their parochial tasks. Formation for building Basic Christian Communities were held. Social investigation, community building, and other leadership skills training programs were provided to lay leaders. Moreover, programs on family life – marriage encounters, marriage enrichment, marital counselling were promoted. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, great emphasis was given to socio-economic and political awareness of the people. Elections were always times for heightening the political consciousness of the people. Vote Care and PPCRV groups were formed during election times to insure an honest and clean election returns. Priests, as well as lay leaders, were oftentimes too involved in the political proceedings.

In the field of liturgy, systematic and thorough trainings were given to extraordinary ministers of the Word and the Eucharist. Today, there are more than 1,500 lay ministers in the Diocese serving various capacities like conducting bible services, bible study groups, providing holy communion, proclamation of the Word of God during liturgical and para-liturgical services. Choirs were better trained. Some priests have composed beautiful religious songs that have been sung in many parishes in Cavite. A more systematic training of altar boys was also given due importance. The Commission on Liturgy usually prepares homilies for special occasions especially during Christmas and Lenten seasons.

One of the most organized forms of ministry in the Diocese was the catechetical instruction. The Diocese has over 700 highly trained catechists. Some catechists were trained in Catechetical Schools while some were trained in Imus by Salesian Fathers who offered courses in Theology.

Catechists in the parishes are not only teaching in public schools; they are also involved in community-based catechism and pre-sacramental instructions. There is an ongoing formation for the catechists to make sure that they are updated. Another sign of good lay participation was the rise of various religious movements. In the late sixties and the seventies, the Cursillo Movement became so popular in the Diocese. There were also the Focolare Movement, Charismatic Movement, the Neo Catechumenate, PREX, and other groups. Even traditional mandated organizations have increased in their membership. One of the best examples of these is the Knights of Columbus with Councils established in so many parishes.

Of special concern is the youth. From 1977-78, the first batch of seminarians for Pastoral Year organized a youth group in Kawit which would be known as BINHI. Fr. Gilbert Urubio, one of the first seminarians, came up with the concept of organizing a diocesan youth program. On February 22, 1986, Fr. Gilbert, together with the Cenacle Sisters, organized the diocesan youth consisting of representatives from the different vicariate of the Diocese. When Fr. Gilbert Urubio left for Belgium, Fr. Joey Demoy and later Fr. Jessie Palileo took over the youth apostolate.

Silver Jubilee of the Diocese

On April 26, 1987, the Diocese of Imus celebrated the silver jubilee o its canonical erection. A year before the celebration, a program was launched in October 1986 with the theme “Paunlarin ang Maka-Diyos, Makatao, at Makabayang Tipanan ng Diyos at Sambayanang Kabitenyo.” During this time, a lot of activities in the area of family life, youth formation, and parish leadership training were held. Tipanan, a sort of leadership training and formation on the faith program and a speaker’s bureau, was organized. Tipanan seminars were held in the vicariates to be echoed to the parishes. The Diocesan Pastoral Center was created providing relevant reading materials and formation kits for lay people.

Moreover, during the tenure of Bishop Perez, 16 more parishes were created. From four vicariates, the Diocese had to be reconstituted into five vicariates to facilitate the supervision of around 44 parishes in Cavite. There was also a rapid increase in religious communities both for men and women. Most of these houses were built in Tagaytay City. Today, there are around 59 religious houses all over Cavite province. Mostly retreat houses, formation houses and communities, they are directly involved in pastoral work and education. There are also boys’ town schools and houses for the unwed mothers.

“On April 26, 1987, the Diocese of Imus celebrated the silver jubilee of its canonical erection. A year before the celebration, a program was launched in October 1986 with the theme “Paunlarin ang Maka-Diyos, Makatao, at Makabayang Tipanan ng Diyos at Sambayanang Kabitenyo.”

Devotions in Cavite

In 1990, Bishop Perez initiated the preparation for the celebration of the tricentennial of the enthronement of the Virgin de la Soledad the Porta Vaga, once the patroness of the entire province of Cavite and a major Marian devotion in Cavite. The Bishop was an ardent devotee of the Virgin. According to the late Msgr. Baraquiel Mojica, many times the Bishop would come to San Roque Church even during wee hours of the night to pray before the icon especially when he was troubled or when there is a major decision to be made. On April 11, 1991, the year-long celebration was opened by the Bishop. One of the highlights of this celebration was the visit of the original image of the Jesus Nazareno of Quiapo. It was quite historic, for it was the first time that the original image of the Nazareno was brought to a place outside of Manila. Bishop Perez is a devotee of the Nazareno being from Quiapo himself.

There are still other major devotions and shrines in Cavite which have become center of pilgrimages. Sto. Niño de Ternate, whose origin dates back to the 17th Century, was most visited by bus-loads of pilgrims. Tata Usteng or St. Augustin of Tanza, Cavite, which is venerated at the Sta. Cruz Parish Church has a wide base of devotees. In the upland area of Cavite, there exists a unique painting of the Siete Arcangeles, a well-known devotion in the area. The image is located in one of the side altars of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Indang.

Diocesan Synod

In his desire to make the decrees of the Second Vatican Council applicable to Cavite situation, Bishop Perez envisioned the holding of a Diocesan Synod. In one of the brain storming sessions, Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a well-known canonist, was invited to share his opinion on the advisability of holding a Diocesan Synod. The Archbishop advised the group to wait until the Second Plenary Council of Manila is finished. In the priest assembly held at La Salette on October 14, 1991, the Committee on Synodal preparation was formed. Appointed to the said Committee were Fr. Pedro Arigo and Fr. Inocencio Poblete, Jr., the Episcopal Vicars, together with Fr. Romeo Ner as chairman of the Pre-Synodal Committee. Fr. Efron Bugayong, the Chancellor, prepared the timetable for the sub diocesan synod.

The Death of Bishop Perez

Unfortunately, Bishop Perez passed away on February 29, 1992, leaving behind the plans for the Diocesan Synod due to be convened the following year. For almost a year, the Diocesan position was left vacant. The Very Rev. Pedro Arigo, the Vicar General for upland Cavite, was elected as the Diocesan Administrator. Despite the absence of a bishop, the Diocese of Cavite ran smoothly. As an administrator, Fr. Arigo could not push through with the plans left behind. He was just to maintain the status quo. While waiting for their new bishop, the Young Clergy of Cavite organized themselves to raise funds for the seminary and sick priests of the Diocese. The clergy started practicing for the concert as early as August 1992. In February 1993, a series of concerts was held.

The Third Bishop of Imus

By March 1993, the news of the appointment of a new Bishop for the Diocese of Imus was received. Finally, on April 1, 1993, the third Bishop of Imus, Most Rev. Manuel C. Sobreviñas was installed by the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Gian Vincenzo Moreni at the Imus Cathedral.

Immediately after his installation, Bishop Sobreviñas began to visit the different parishes of the Diocese. He likewise instituted some reforms like reorganizing certain structures of the Diocese. The Presbyteral Council was separated from the Board of Consultors. On October 18-20, 1993, the Imus Clergy held an Assembly at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay to discuss the implementation of the Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines. The Assembly produced various resolutions on worship, formation, ecumenism, community of disciples, and being church of the poor.

In 1994, the same group of young Caviteño clergy organized another series of concert to augment the funds raised earlier. The singing priests of Cavite were able to raise a good amount for the trust fund. In just a short time, Bishop Sobreviñas has erected new quasi parishes and pastoral centers to cater to the fast-increasing number of people in Cavite. More religious houses have also been established in Cavite.

Even after the death of Bishop Perez, the Youth Ministry continued. The Diocesan Youth Program took its definitive form in 1994. Cavite’s youth participated actively during the World Youth Day Celebration in Manila in 1995. The DYP organized a formation program called “Barkadahan.” It facilitated the establishment of Parish Youth Councils in different parishes. The activities of the Diocesan Youth Program were cut short by the untimely death of its Spiritual Director, Fr. Jessie Palileo. On January 4, 1997, youth representatives from different parishes were gathered to assess the situation of the youth in the province to revitalize the diocesan youth, the Diocesan Youth Commission was created with Fr. Auggie Baas as the director. Various formation programs, especially in preparation for the Great Jubilee, were given to the youth.

On September 25-27, 1995, the clergy of Cavite, together with the bishop, held a Pastoral Conference at the Canossa House of Spirituality in Tagaytay City. With the help of facilitators from the Asian Social Institute, the clergy tried to analyze the socio, economic, political, and cultural situations which have changed the face of Cavite. With the rapid industrialization and migration of people from different provinces, Cavite’s landscape has greatly changed. After long discussions were held on how to respond to the needs of the people and how to proclaim the Word of God and the teachings of the Church in the light of these new situations, the clergy came up with a Diocesan Vision Statement, which has to be validated on the level of the vicariates and parishes on the part of the lay people: “Bagong Kabite: Isang maunlad, maginhawa, at malayang Sambayanang Kristiyano na Makakalikasan, Makakapwa, Makabayan, at Maka-Diyos.”

“ By March 1993, the news of the appointment of a new Bishop for the Diocese of Imus was received. Finally, on April 1, 1993, the third Bishop of Imus, Most Rev. Manuel C. Sobreviñas was installed by the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Gian Vincenzo Moreni at the Imus Cathedral. Immediately after his installation, Bishop Sobreviñas began to visit the different parishes of the Diocese. He likewise instituted some reforms like reorganizing certain structures of the Diocese. The Presbyteral Council was separated from the Board of Consultors.”

A New Caviteño Bishop

On March 5, 1996, Cavite was honored by His Holiness Pope John Paull II with the appointment of one of its vicar-general as Apostolic Vicar of Palawan. Fr. Pedro Arigo was the first member of the Cavite clergy to be raised to the episcopate. While there were several Caviteño bishops before him, these bishops were never assigned in Cavite. On May 18, 1996, Bishop Arigo was ordained by Jaime Cardinal Sin, D.D., as Bishop. He had the title of Vicar Apostolic of Palawan and titular Bishop of Mactaris. He was installed in Palawan on June 4, 1996 by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Appointment of Priests

On August 1-15, 1996, the Second Provincial Council of Manila was held. As a suffragan diocese, Cavite sent priests and lay people as delegates of the Diocese of Imus. The council focused itself on the significance of ministries in the church.

One of the most significant events in the Diocese of Imus was the first general reshuffle of priests’ assignment. Even during the time of Bishop Perez, the issue on reshuffle and term of office of parish priests had been discussed. In 1981, there was a decision to have a five-year term, then it was changed to six years. In 1991, Bishop Perez sent a circular letter starting the implementation of the six-year term.

On May 25, 1993, a committee on implementing guidelines for the reshuffle of parish priests was created. In 1997, when the implementation was imminent, certain quarters in the clergy expressed their opposition to the implementation. After a long process of heated and difficult deliberation on the matter. Bishop Sobreviñas came up with a circular letter on June 30, 1997.

“I finally came up with the decision, all priests of the Diocese of Imus will receive their paper of appointment on July 14, 1997, and upon receipt of appointment, they will all transfer to their respective places of assignment. And therefore, anything to the contrary notwithstanding. With this, the norm is hereby promulgated and therefore begin to oblige for 14 days effective June 30, 1997.”

On July 14, 1997, all the priests of the Diocese of Imus were summoned to the Cathedral and together, they took possession of the new parishes assigned to them. Then cluster by cluster, the priests move to their new assignment.

“ On March 5, 1996, Cavite was honored by His Holiness Pope John Paull II with the appointment of one of its vicar-general as Apostolic Vicar of Palawan. Fr. Pedro Arigo was the first member of the Cavite clergy to be raised to the episcopate. While there were several Caviteño bishops before him, these bishops were never assigned in Cavite. On May 18, 1996, Bishop Arigo was ordained by Jaime Cardinal Sin, D.D., as Bishop. He had the title of Vicar Apostolic of Palawan and titular Bishop of Mactaris. He was installed in Palawan on June 4, 1996 by the Apostolic Nuncio.”

Diocesan Pastoral Assembly

On August 18, 1997, the “recognition of the decrees of PCM 11 was issued by the Apostolic See. On August 30, 1997, His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, D.D., the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Manila, issued the Decree of Promulgation of PCM 11, “Wherefore, in my capacity as the Metropolitan of Manila and concurrently the President of the PCM 11…I do hereby solemnly promulgate the Decrees of the Second Provincial Council of Manila.” The Conciliar decrees became effective and acquire binding force for the People of God in the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila that is for the Christian faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila, Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan, Dioceses of Malolos, Imus, San Pablo, and Antipolo.

The Holy Father declared that the Year 2000 is to be celebrated as a Jubilee Year. It was to be the end of the second millennium and the start of the third millennium. In preparation for the Great Jubilee, the Pope had decreed that 1997 be dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Diocese of Imus, it was celebrated with the Glorious Cross visiting the different parishes of Cavite. Seminars were held, and the celebration ended with a Diocesan Eucharistic Congress. 1998 was the year dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The celebration was ushered in with thematic masses for the Simbang Gabi. It ended up with the preparations for the First Diocesan Pastoral Assembly.

In 1998, a working committee was created to initiate the brainstorming of ideas regarding the celebration of a Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA). On March 5, 1998, the first meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Consultation was held. A series of meetings were held, and on July 20-21, 1998, a Consultation Seminar among the clergy at Canossa Retreat House was also held. The DPA Commission was established. Then a Pre-Diocesan Pastoral Assembly Consultation Seminar was held in the different parishes of Cavite between September and October 1998. And from November 12-13, 1998, a seminar and workshop was conducted in Tagaytay City on the formulation of a Vision Mission Statement. It was facilitated by the Social Pastoral Institute. Finally, on February 22-27, 1999, the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly made up of the bishop, the clergy, the religious, and the laity was celebrated at the Development Academy of the Philippines. It was the first of such assemblies held after 36 years of the canonical erection of the Diocese. During the celebration, the sight of the Bishop, the clergy, the lay people, and religious discussing on how to make the Church relevant and responsive to the needs of the time was a sight to behold. It heightened the sense of being a Church.

In October 2001, a weeklong Diocesan Pastoral Planning was held in La Salette Retreat House, Silang, Cavite with selected members of the clergy, the religious, and the laity working together. The sessions and the workshop were facilitated by the people from SAIDE. The result was presented for a series of consultations by parish, vicariate, sector, commission, religious, and other church groups and movements.

Most Rev. Manuel C. Sobreviñas, D.D., retired from his post as local ordinary of Imus. Since then, he would be known as bishop Emeritus of Imus. Despite his retirement, Bishop Sobreviñas would always be part of Diocese. The new Bishop, together with the clergy, requested him to stay in Cavite. His presence reminded them of fidelity to priestly commitment. He would oftentimes be seen with the more senior priests. However, Bishop Maning is beyond age barrier. for he would always enjoy the company of young clergy. The young clergy fondly calls him, “Lolo Bishop.”

The Fourth Bishop of Imus

Long before the actual retirement of Bishop Sobreviñas, the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Reverend Antonio Franco, D.D., visited Cavite and held a dialogue with the Imus Clergy regarding the prospective successor of the bishop. It was a unanimous request that someone who is a Caviteño himself should be the next bishop of Imus.

On October 22, 2001, Cavite was especially blessed with the appointment of a new bishop from among her sons. Father Luis Antonio G. Tagle, the Rector of Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol and Parish Priest of Imus Cathedral was appointed by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II as the fourth Bishop of Imus. Bishop Chito, as he is fondly called by people, possesses extra ordinary intellectual capacity. Being so young, he is full of life and zeal in the ministry. His loving and accepting personality has endeared him to the clergy and laity alike. He would see to it that he is present in every Diocesan affair, town fiestas, and other special occasions. Fulfilling his duties as rector of the Diocesan Seminary and the Cathedral, he still finds time to teach in several seminaries outside of Cavite. He gives conferences and retreats not only in Cavite, but also in other parts of the Philippines. He has time to act as mediator and arbiter in many labor and church conflicts. While busy with so many Diocesan concerns, he finds time to extend his services to the wider church of the Philippines and abroad. He is indeed Cavite’s contribution to the Universal Church. A Bishop who, despite his very tight schedule, would never lose personal and loving touch, whether they be priests, lay leaders, religious, laborers, youths, fishermen, or ordinary folks.

In May 2002, people who participated in the Diocesan Planning were once again convened in Kawit, Cavite to synthesize the results of various consultations. A pre-final draft was prepared which was presented in the final gathering of lay, religious, and clergy of the Diocese. Three Fridays of June were used for the presentation of the draft of various apostolate and ministries.

On June 21, 2002, the last session was spent on approval of the document. Eventually, it was turned over to the Drafting Committee who would prepare the Final Draft to be approved by the Bishop. On October 15, 2002, Bishop Chito Tagle presented the final draft of the Diocesan priorities made up of five apostolates and 22 ministries to the people who have gathered in Imus on the occasion of the Anniversary of the of the Dedication of the Cathedral.

To this day, steps are continuously taken for the final implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. One of the processes involved is the discernment of CHARISM among the clergy and the lay leaders so that all the apostolates and ministries will be properly manned. Plans for the reconstitution of the different VICARATES of the Diocese are also being discussed to facilitate the implementation of the PASTORAL PLAN.

With the rich historical and spiritual legacy of the Catholic faith in the Diocese of Imus, which spans four centuries and counting on the unwavering faith of its parishioners all over the province, the Bishop and the Clergy of Cavite stand on a new threshold of pastoral work dedicated to strengthening and deepening further Catholic faith in the face of the magnitude of recent social, economic, political, moral, and other developments and changes that are set to test more than anything else, the spiritual and moral psyche of Cavite’s faithful.