MSGR. ROLANDO R. MABUTOL

Date of Birth: June 15, 1954
Date of Ordination: March 18, 1980
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Pedro Magugat, DD

Current Assignments:

Vicar General

Parish Priest – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Guimba, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Canon/ Civil Laws and Marriages

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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MSGR. LUVIMINDO V. SAYSON

Date of Birth: June 21, 1943
Date of Ordination: December 22, 1969
Place of Ordination: Our Lady of Salera Parish, Aliaga Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Vicente P. Reyes, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest- Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Talugtug, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Temporalities and Properties

Chairman – Commmission On Mission and Pontifical Mission Society

Chairman – Commission on Church Heritage

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REV. FR. RENATO R. SANTOS

Date of Birth: December 17, 1962
Date of Ordination: March 25, 1988
Place of Ordination: St. John Evangelist Parish, Guimba Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Diocesan Oeconomus

Parish Priest- St. Sebastian Parish, Muñoz Science City, Nueva Ecija

Chairman- Commission on Health Care Apostolate

Member- Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. BONIFACIO FLORES

Date of Birth: May 24, 1952
Date of Ordination: March 05, 1977
Place of Ordination: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral, Cabanatuan City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Vicente P. Reyes, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – Holy Family Parish, Quezon, Nueva Ecija

Vicar Forane – Vicariate of St. Dominic

Chairman – Commission on Care of Migrants and Itinerants

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. NESTOR E. ROMANO

Date of Birth: September 08, 1960
Date of Ordination: December 08, 1988
Place of Ordination: St. John the Evangelist Church, Guimba, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most. Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Episcopal Vicar on the Laity

Parish Priest – St. Roch Parish, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Integral Formation

Chairman – Commission on Family and Life

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. ROMEO C. NIETES

Date of Birth: June 03, 1940
Date of Ordination: December 21, 1963
Place of Ordination: St. Nicholas Cathedral, Cabanatuan City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Mariano Gaviola, DD

Current Assignment:

Parish Priest – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Licab, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. MENARDO B. NATIVIDAD

Date of Birth: January 30, 1956
Date of Ordination: February 01, 1997
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – Immaculate Conception Parish, Nampicuan,
Nueva Ecija

Vicar Forane – Vicariate of St. John

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. MARCELITO A. PAEZ

Date of Birth: January 16, 1945
Date of Ordination: November 28, 1970
Place of Ordination: Luneta Park, Manila
Ordaining Prelate: His Holiness Pope Paul VI

Current Assignment:

Asst. Parish Priest – St. John the Evangelist, Guimba, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. RUFO RAMIL H. CRUZ

Date of Birth: January 28, 1966
Date of Ordination: February 01, 1997
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Diocesan Schools Superintendent

Chairman – Commission on Schools

Chairman – Commission On Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Affairs

Chairman – Commission on Bible Apostolate

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. EDWIN I. BRAVO

Date of Birth: April 08, 1961
Date of Ordination: December 07, 1993
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – St. Dominic Parish, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Worship and Liturgy

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. RUBEN D. ORTIZ

Date of Birth: February 10, 1963
Date of Ordination: October 6, 1990
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – St. Joseph the Spouse Parish, Rizal, Nueva Ecija

Vicar Forane – Vicariate of St. Joseph

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. JUN E. FLORES

Date of Birth: September 06, 1969
Date of Ordination: May 31, 1999
Place of Ordination: St. Roch Parish, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Chancellor

Assistant Schools Superintendent

Chairman – Commission on Social Communications

Secretary – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. CESAR C. VERGARA

Date of Birth: January 29, 1955
Date of Ordination: March 09, 1980
Place of Ordination: San Sebastian Parish, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most. Rev. Vicente Reyes, DD

Current Assignments:

Episcopal Vicar on Clergy

Parish Priest – St. Joseph the Worker Parish, San Jose City,
Nueva Ecija

Rector – St. Joseph Cathedral

Chairman – Commission on Clergy Formation

Chairman – Commission on Social Action

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. ARLEEN P. RAGASA

Date of Birth: January 21, 1961
Date of Ordination: April 07, 2001
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignment:

Parish Priest – St. James the Great Parish, Lupao, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. ERNIE P. PESIMO

Date of Birth: January 04, 1964
Date of Ordination: November 24, 2001
Place of Ordination: Mary Help of Christians Church, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – St. Andrew Parish, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Justice and Peace

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REV. FR. ROSALITO F. CABANTING

Date of Birth: January 22, 1973
Date of Ordination: December 13, 2002
Place of Ordination: St. Roch Parish, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most. Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – St. Jerome Parish, Baloc, Sto. Domingo. Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Tribal and Indigenous People

Vice Chairman – Commission on Social Action

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REV. FR. ARIEL U. CAPUYON

Date of Birth: April 26, 1975
Date of Ordination: December 12, 2002
Place of Ordination: St. Andrew Parish, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest -St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Carranglan,
Nueva Ecija

Diocesan Liaison on Youth Ministry

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REV. FR. GETTY A. FERRER

Date of Birth: May 11, 1978
Date of Ordination: December 04, 2004
Place of Ordination: St. Joseph Parish, Rizal, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignments:

Parish Priest – Mary Help of Christians Parish, San Jose City,
Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Vocations

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REV. FR. MICHAEL J. GROSPE

Date of Birth: September 14, 1977
Date of Ordination: December 14, 2004
Place of Ordination: Holy Family Parish, Quezon, Nueva Ecija
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, DD

Current Assignments:

Vice Chancellor

Parish Priest – Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Llanera, Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on Catechetics

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REV. FR. REMIGIO G. MALGAPO

Date of Birth: October 21, 1940
Date of Ordination: December 21, 1965
Place of Ordination: St. Nicholas Cathedral, Cabanatuan City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Mariano Gaviola, DD

Current Assignments:

Asst. Parish Priest – St. Joseph the Worker Parish, San Jose City,
Nueva Ecija

Chairman – Commission on the Pastoral Care of Prisoners

Spiritual Director- Cursillo Movement

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REV. FR. PETER ALBINO

Date of Birth:
Date of Ordination:
Place of Ordination: Mary Help of Christians Church, San Jose City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD

Current Assignment:

Asst. Parish Priest – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Guimba,
Nueva Ecija

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Religious Clergy

REV. FR. JAIME J. DUERO, MSC

Date of Birth: December 19, 1950
Date of Ordination: May 01, 1984
Place of Ordination: Cantillan, Surigao del Sur
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Ireneo Amantillo, DD

Current Assignment:

Parish Priest – Sacred Heart Quasiparish, Muñoz Science City, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. DIOMEDES BURGOS, MSC

Date of Birth: April 27, 1969
Date of Ordination: June 18, 2002
Place of Ordination: Surigao City
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Antonieto Cabajog, DD

Current Assignments:

Episcopal Vicar on Religious

Chairman – Commission on Religious

Member – Diocesan Board of Consultors

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REV. FR. RENE MERCADER, MSC

Date of Birth: April 5, 1971
Date of Ordination: November 30, 1998
Place of Ordination: Poor Clare Monastery Chapel, Consolacion, Cebu
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. John Du, DD

Current Assignment:

Parish Priest – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Triala, Guimba, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. SESINANDO CAJUCOM, MSC

Date of Birth: July 16, 1969
Date of Ordination: June 13, 1998
Place of Ordination:
Ordaining Prelate:D

Current Assignment:

Parish Administrator – Sto. Niño Quasiparish, Puncan, Carranglan,
Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. RUDY IBALE, MSC

Date of Birth: June 17, 1970
Date of Ordination: May 2, 1997
Place of Ordination: Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu
Ordaining Prelate: His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal

Current Assignment:

Chaplain – Christ the Worker Chaplaincy,
Central Luzon State University, Muñoz Science City, Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. RICHARD V. BENAVENTE, SOLT

Date of Birth: February 2, 1970
Date of Ordination: October 1, 1998
Place of Ordination: St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Albay
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Jose Sorra, DD

Current Assignment:

Asst. Parish Priest – St. Anthony de Padua Parish, Butao, Cuyapo,
Nueva Ecija

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REV. FR. FERNANDO S. URBANO, SDB

Date of Birth: July 2, 1969
Date of Ordination: December 8, 1999
Place of Ordination: Mary Help of Christians Shrine, Parañaque
Ordaining Prelate: Most Rev. Jesus Mercado, DD

Current Assignments:

Vice Rector/ Spiritual Moderator – Don Bosco Training Center,
San Jose City

Chairman – Commission on Youth

MOST REVEREND

MYLO HUBERT C. VERGARA, DD, MA, S.Th.D

Date of Birth: October 23, 1962

Birthplace: Manila

Father:(+) Emilio P. Vergara
of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Mother: Praxedes M. Claudio
of Pasig, Rizal

Brothers & Sister: John Paul, Emilio III, Romel, Jomel & Mylene Angela

Seminary Foundation:Holy Apostles Senior Seminary,1985-1990
San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, EDSA, Guadalupe, Makati City

Dates of Ordinations:

November 4, 1989 – Diaconal
March 24, 1990 – Presbyteral
June 29, 1996 – Investiture as Papal Chaplain
April 30, 2005 – Episcopal

Diocese

Archdiocese of Manila, March 24, 1990 – Aug. 28, 2003
Diocese of Cubao, August 28, 2003 – April 2005

Education

Grade School and High School
1976 & 1980
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Quezon City

BS in Management Engineering
1984
Ateneo de Manila University

MA in Philosophy
1990
Ateneo de Manila University

Licentiate in Sacred Theology
1994
Loyola School of Theology
Ateneo de Manila University
Granted by Fu Jen Catholic University

Doctorate in Sacred Theology (Summa Cum Laude)
2001
Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas
Espana, Manila

Renewal Programs

1991- Parish Renewal Experience for Priests
Canossa Retreat House, Tagaytay City

1991- Seminar on Teaching Philosophy
Philosophical Association of the Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City

1995- National Consultation on Seminary Formation
Episcopal Commission on Seminaries (ECS-CBCP)
San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex , Makati City

Seminar on Media Awareness
1996
CBCP Media Office

1997- National Colloquium for Rectors and Spiritual Directors
(ECS-CBCP)
Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay, City

1998- Annual Carmelite Forum Seminar
St. Mary’s College, Indiana, USA

1998- Carmelite Studies (Summer Institute)
Washington Theological Union, Washington DC, USA

1998- Solitude Experience (one month)
Notre Dame De Vie, Venasque, France

1999- National Colloquium for Spiritual Directors (ECS-CBCP)
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary, Makati City

2000- International Reunion of Priests (Jubilee of Priests)
Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Ministry Assignments

Parochial Vicar
1990-1991
St. Andrew The Apostles Parish
Bel-air, Makati City

Dean of Studies and Professor
1990-1994
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary

Professor
(1995- 2000) San Carlos Major Seminary
(1994-2000) San Carlos Graduate School of Theology
(1996) Immaculate Conception Seminary (Bulacan)
(1994-2000) Institute of Catechetics of the Archdiocese of Manila
(2004-2005) Recoletos School of Theology

Rector
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary
1994-2001

Parish Priest
2001-2003
Sta. Rita de Casia Parish,
Philam Homes, Quezon City

Parish Priest
2003-2005
Parish of the Holy Sacrifice
University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, Quezon City

Chancellor
2003-2004
Diocese of Cubao

Episcopal Vicar for Clergy
2004-2005
Diocese of Cubao

Special Appointments

Acting Parish Priest
1990-1991
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish

Member of the Presbyteral Council
1994-2003
Archdiocese of Manila

Spiritual Director
1994-1996
Buhay Pagmamahal Program of the Archdiocese of Manila

Secretary
1992-1996
Bahay-Pari Multi Purpose Cooperative

Acting Director of Bahay- Pari
1999
Renewal Center for Priests of the Archdiocese of Manila

Assistant to the MASF Remittance Team
1999-2001
Archdiocese of Manila

Assistant Executive Secretary
1994-1999
Episcopal Commission on Seminaries (ECS-CBCP)

Executive Secretary
1994-1999
(ECS-CBCP)

Assistant Director
1999-2000
Intensive Renewal Program for Priests
Episcopal commission on Clergy (ECC-CBCP)

Chaplain
1999-2000
Intensive Renewal Program for Priests
Episcopal Commission on Clergy (ECC-CBCP)

Spiritual Director
2000-2003
St. John Mary Vianney Association
of the Archdiocese of Manila

Chaplain
2000-2001
Sto. Niño de Paz Chapel
Greenbelt, Makati City

Member, Board of Trustees
2000-2003
Good Shepherd Parish Academy
Fairview Park, Q.C

President
2002-2005
Radio Veritas Global Broadcasting System, Inc.

President
2002-2005
Radio Veritas Foundation, Inc.

Corporate Secretary
2002-2005
Philippine Radio Educational and Information Center, Inc.

District and Vicariate Education Priest Coordinator
2001-2003
Ecclesiastical District of Cubao

Board Member
2001-2003
Pius XII Catholic Center Foundation, Inc.,

Board Member
2000-2003
Philippine Realty Corporation

Board Member
2002-2003
BPI Family Bank

School Director & Vice-Chairman of the Board
2003-2005
Parish of the Holy sacrifice Outreach Program

Acting Parish Priest
2004
Parish of the Holy Cross
Krus na Ligas, Diliman, Quezon City

BLEST ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
A Joint Pastoral Letter on Justice and Peace
of the Dioceses of Cabanatuan and San Jose, Nueva Ecija
Pastoral Letter No. 1
Series of 2007

Dearly beloved People of God:

Peace be with you!

How blest are the peacemakers,
they shall be called sons of God! (Mt 5:9)

As we enter into the threshold of another new year, we your bishops sincerely convey to each of you our prayerful greetings and best wishes for another grace-filled year.  Aware that we are pursuing a difficult and challenging journey, we therefore renew our God-given commitment to be your shepherd and guide. Thus, at this point we wish to share with you our thoughts and longings, our prayers and wishes for a lasting peace in our province and in our country.

As the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines reminds us: “We live in the worst of times. We live in the best of times. But only if crisis is made to become kairos. And we seize the grace of the moment and respond to its challenge. As we should, always, in faith.” (PCP II, #1).  Indeed, during the past year we have been through a lot of difficulties but not without our share of abundant blessings.  Even those moments of sufferings and national disasters have truly become shining opportunities for solidarity and loving service. But the previous year ended with man-made tragedies too that greatly shocked the nation and our moral sensitivities.  For instance, without ignoring the many dismal killings of journalists and members of militant groups in the country, we are all aware of the cold bloodied murders of Congressman Luis Bersamin Jr. of Abra and of our kababayan, Barangay Captain Augusto Santiago of Cabanatuan City.  Perhaps, we have also heard about the attempt made in the life of Councilor Rueda of Gapan City which resulted in the death of his companion.  Such brazen acts and devilish intent only fan the flames of violence and division, and unfortunately negate all our efforts to promote justice and peace.  Surely, they have no place in a Christian and civilized society like ours.  More importantly, these matters constitute for all of us an urgent concern as we approach the election season.

Without closing our eyes to the blessings and the many good things that we have received in the past year, we consider it urgent and timely to address once again the issue of violence and injustice in our society, lest we compromise the value of peace and justice by our characteristic tragic indifference and disturbing silence.  We all have a duty, both as citizens of this world and as subjects of God’s kingdom, to denounce the works of darkness and sow the seeds of peace and justice. The Catholic Bishops wrote in 1987: “Peace is the fruit of justice (Is 32:17) patiently, consistently, and unceasingly pursued. It is the work of everyone…Peace is from the heart. We cannot build peace by way of force and violence nor by way of manipulation and deception – and injustice… Peace has to be built on the values of the Kingdom of God, on Gospel values and on the authentically human values of justice and truth, of freedom and love.” (The Fruit of Justice is Peace, A Pastoral Statement of the CBCP, 26 January 1987).

Time and again, our bishops have reminded us that only by prayer and action can the values of peace and justice be pursued more authentically and realistically.  As divine gifts, we must untiringly beg God to give them to us; as a duty and responsibility, we must devotedly commit ourselves to the service of peace and justice. But then again, these values need willing apostles and genuine promoters.  As the Catholic Bishops wrote: “Only continual conversion, constantly renewed moral commitment to justice and reconciliation and constantly examined political commitment to just social structures, can generate justice and brotherhood…A society of justice and peace can be created and can survive only if we are willing to make the needed sacrifices, and exercise continual vigilance.” (Exhortation against Violence, A Joint Pastoral Letter o the Philippine Hierarchy, 7 October 1979).

In light of these considerations and in conjunction with the saving mission of the Church, it becomes necessary once again to address ourselves to all who are concerned with the problems that threaten the very foundations of peace and justice in our province and in our country.  Therefore, in all humility and impelled by the charity of Christ, we particularly address ourselves thus:

We call on our people, and all men and women of faith: Let the Prince of Peace dwell in your homes and in your hearts!  As Pope Benedict XVI said: “Only in welcoming God can mankind find humanity and peace.” Help build bridges of understanding and harmony, sow the seeds of trust and mutual support among the people.  Help educate the citizenry in choosing the suitable candidates during elections.  Do not support politicians and candidates who use guns, goons and gold.

We call on the Clergy, the Religious and Lay Leaders: Heed the summons of the Prince of Peace in confronting the spiritual barrenness and the many disturbing problems of this age. Nurture the seeds of peace and justice to their full growth and empower our people to be credible signs of unity and truth. Keep in mind the words of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI: “…if peace is to be authentic and lasting, it must be built on the bedrock of the truth about God and the truth about man.”

We call on our Government Officials: As the duly elected guardians and promoters of the common good, be credible guarantors and dispensers of justice and peace that will truly bring about the settlement of dangerous disputes in our communities.  With fairness and wisdom, pursue the peaceful conclusions of political and personal hostilities and rivalries.  Once and for all, we ask you to treat and accept the voice of the people with the highest respect. Never manipulate citizens for your own agenda.  You are mandated to serve the people with integrity and respect.  You must and you can stop political killings in the country!

We call on the Military and Law Enforcers: Having been particularly tasked to protect the Filipino people and the Constitution, help solve the political killings and hostilities with fairness and dispatch and bring to justice the perpetrators and brains of these evil acts.  Dismantle the structures of violence and deceit, and remember to respect human rights in the disposal of your duties.  Never let fear reign in the hearts of the civilians.  Do not allow yourselves to used for political gains.  Help in solving these useless deaths of civilians caught in the crossfire of politics.

We call on Civil Societies and Cause-Oriented Groups: With courage and vigilance, help promote, preserve and protect the values of peace and justice in our province and in our country.  As His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI urges us: “Peace is an irrepressible yearning present in the heart of each person, regardless of his or her particular cultural identity. Consequently, everyone should feel committed to the service of this great good, and should strive to prevent any form of untruth from poisoning relationships.” Use your influence and resources in fighting the evils brought about by greed and the insatiable lust for power by a few.

Finally, because we believe that it is incumbent upon us all to pursue and guarantee the values of peace, let us unceasingly pray that God may rain down justice on his people and lead our every step into the way of peace.  Let us listen to the exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI:“In view of the risks which humanity is facing in our time, all Catholics in every part of the world have a duty to proclaim and embody ever more fully the ”Gospel of Peace”, and to show that acknowledgment of the full truth of God is the first, indispensable condition for consolidating the truth of peace.” (Message for the World Day of Peace 2006)

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, La Virgen Divina Pastora, and the great Patriarch St. Joseph, obtain for us all the graces we need throughout this new year and in the years ahead.  May their prayers and our sacrifices bring us healing, justice, harmony and peace.

Signed and given in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, on this 25th day of January 2007, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle.

+ SOFRONIO A. BANCUD, SSS, DD   + MYLO HUBERT C. VERGARA, DD
Bishop of Cabanatuan                         Bishop of San Jose, Nueva Ecija

THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE

DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE

NUEVA ECIJA

On the upper crest are two lilies, a crown, a staff, a mallet and a square, all symbols of the Royal Carpenter, St. Joseph, the Patron of the diocese. The lilies signify his purity; the staff, his being head of the Holy Family; the crown, his lineage from King David; and the mallet and square, his lowly but honest source of livelihood. The blue color background stands for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Spouse of St. Joseph.

On the lower crest is the image of the Pantabangan Dam, cut out from the deep green Sierra Madre giving life and color to verdant ricefields. The Pantabangan town was submerged and became the reservoir from which flows water that produces electricity and irrigation not so much for itself as for its neighboring towns. Thus, the Pantabangan Dam symbolizes the life of sacrifice and self-giving that the Diocese of San Jose is called to live so that others may have life.

The Franciscan Fathers took over from the Agustinians and continued the work of evangelization. Later on, the diocesan clergy, helped by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, carried on the apostolate.

The Diocese of San Jose is located approximately 160 kms. north of Manila. It is bounded by the Sierra Madre mountains in the east and the Caraballo Mountain ranges in the north.

The people of San Jose are mostly tenant-farmers. Population is around 578,643. Agricultural in nature, the diocese’s major source of income come from producing rice, corn, sugar cane, coconut, mongo, onions, fruits and vegetables.

The Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija, was created on February 16, 1984 by Pope John Paul II and canonically erected on July 14, 1984. Its territory was taken from the Diocese of Cabanatuan which at the same time of the division comprised the entire province of Nueva Ecija.

Sixteen parishes, out of 41 parishes of the Diocese of Cabanatuan were adjudicated to the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. Eighty percent of the people are Roman Catholics and the rest of 20% are distributed into different sects and denominations.

The Most Rev. Florentino F. Cinense, DD, was appointed its first residential bishop on July 14,1984. When appointed co-adjutor bishop of Tarlac, he remained as Apostolic Administrator of San Jose, until the appointment of his successor the Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD, on July 25,1987. Bishop Leo M. Drona had been a Salesian of Don Bosco for twenty nine-years prior to his Episcopal appointment. He is the first Filipino Salesian priest as well as the first Filipino Salesian Bishop. In June 2004, Bishop Drona was transferred to the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna as its third bishop. He was succeeded by the Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara who was installed as the third bishop of the Diocese of San Jose de Nueva Ecija on May 14, 2005.

The youth welcomed the cross on September 11 amidst heavy rains. The welcome was led by the youth of the cathedral who danced and sang the theme song the Asian Youth Day drenched in rain. The Welcome Mass was held in the Cathedral and was presided by its rector, Fr. Cesar Vergara together with some members of the clergy headed by the Vicar General, Msgr. Rolando Mabutol. The Mass was followed by a Taize Evening Prayer and a vigil.

The rains did not hamper the spirits of the youth in welcoming the cross and celebrating the saving love of our Lord Jesus Christ through a youth gathering held on September 12, 2009 attended by less than a thousand young people from the different parishes and schools of the diocese. It culminated with a grand procession from the KofC clubhouse to the Cathedral. Even if it’s raining, the youth did not falter in their desire to show the people their love and faith in Jesus.

The visit of the Cross ended with public veneration in the whole morning of September 13. The Cross was then transferred to the Diocese of Tarlac with a grand farewell ceremony and a motorcade organized by the youth of St. John Parish in Guimba.

After months of preparations, the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija marked its 25^th year of canonical erection with a solemn mass on July 14, 2009, led by the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

Themed Ika-25 Taong Anibersaryo, Hamon sa Patuloy na Pagpapalaganap ng Damayang Kristiyano, the opening of the year-long jubilee festivities was held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker, San Jose City.

Twenty nine other prelates including San Jose, Nueva Ecija Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Bishop Florentino Cinense, first bishop of San Jose and current Bishop of Tarlac, Bishop Leo Drona, SDB, the 2^nd bishop of San Jose and current Bishop of San Pablo and Bishop Oscar Solis, a native of San Jose and currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, USA, concelebrated the Eucharist.

The clergy from the Dioceses of San Jose, Cabanatuan, Tarlac and Cubao also joined the celebration.

A Jubilee Message from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was read by Bishop Sofronio Bancud of Cabanatuan during the Mass.

Bishop Vergara read the declaration officially opening the Jubilee Year of the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija from July 14 2009- July 14, 2010.

Three churches were designated as official pilgrimage churches during the year-long jubilee celebration. They are the Cathedral  of St. Joseph the Worker in San Jose City, St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Carranglan, St. Jerome Church in Sto. Domingo and St. Roch Church in Cuyapo.

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit any of the Jubilee Churches provided they observe the necessary requirements needed to receive the indulgence.

The Diocese also distributed plaques of appreciation towards the end of the mass. Among those cited were the papal nuncio, the former bishops and two lay persons, Mr. Jayson Alejo who won the logo making contest and Mr. Francisco Beni who topped the song writing contest.

Among the faithful who graced the occasion were representatives of different sectors and parishes of the diocese. Government officials headed by the Governor of Nueva Ecija, Aurelio Umali, Representatives Cherry Umali and Joseph Gilbert Violago also attended the celebration.

Jubilee Preparations

Preparations for the jubilee have been going on since 2007. Bishop Vergara formed and AdHoc Committee headed by the Vicar General Msgr. Rolando Mabutol to oversee the groundwork for the jubilee celebrations. The committee heads and members are composed of priests, religious nuns and lay leaders. The AdHoc Committee meets once a month to plan for the occasion.

Upcoming Celebrations

The year-long jubilee festivities also provided a means for the diocese to thank the different sectors which journeyed with the bishopric through the years.

A monthly celebration will highlight the different sectors and their contribution to the growth of the diocese: August, Religious; September, Catechists; October, Indigenous People/ Community Based Health Program; November, Schools; December, Damayang Kristiyano; January 2010, Parish Workers and Lay Leaders; February, Clergy and Seminarians; March, Mandated Organizations; April, Youth; May, Farmers; June, Parish-wide celebrations.

A synthesis of the year-long celebrations will be the culminating activity of the jubilee on July 14, 2010 (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

On October 1 2009, at the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy which left thousands of families in Metro Manila and nearby provinces homeless, the Diocese of San Jose sent its first batch of relief goods collected from the faithful. It was loaded in a ten wheeler truck filled to capacity with 342 cavans of rice, 158 boxes of canned goods, 133 big boxes of instant noodles, 12 big boxes of mixed groceries, 49 bags/boxes/sacks of clothing’s, 10 boxes of mineral water, 14pcs mats, 1 box mosquito net, 1 big box of slippers, 2 plastic bags/ boxes of diapers.

Help was also extended to the parishes of the diocese which were affected by the second typhoon (Pepeng) which hit the Philippines three times in two weeks.

Help is still pouring in, with volunteers helping in the repacking of goods which are still coming. But we need more because there are still more needing relief goods.

We implore your generous heart to help us and give donations (in cash or in kind) to the Diocese of San Jose Social Action Commission.

For donations, please get in touch with Fr. Cesar Vergara at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (044) 511 2054 or (044) 511 1371.

Let us be united in helping our brethren in need. Let us keep alive the spirit of brotherhood and bayanihan!

The COAT OF ARMS of

His Excellency
MOST REVEREND
MYLO HUBERT C. VERGARA, DD

The symbols on the right shield represent the Diocese of San Jose where the new Bishop is called to serve. It is situated in the province of Nueva Ecija which is also the birthplace of his deceased father. On the upper crest are two lilies, a crown, a staff, a mallet and a square, all symbols of the Royal Carpenter, St. Joseph, the Patron of the diocese. The lilies signify his purity; the staff, his being head of the Holy Family; the crown, his lineage from King David; and the mallet and square, his lowly but honest source of livelihood. The blue color background stands for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Spouse of St. Joseph.

On the lower crest is the image of the Pantabangan Dam, cut out from the deep green Sierra Madre giving life and color to verdant ricefields. The Pantabangan town was submerged and became the reservoir from which flows water that produces electricity and irrigation not so much for itself as for its neighboring towns. Thus, the Pantabangan Dam symbolizes the life of sacrifice and self-giving that the Diocese of San Jose is called to live so that others may have life.

The symbols on the left shield represent the personal vocation history of the Bishop. The twelve stars symbolize the Holy Apostles, the patron saints of the Holy Apostles Senior Seminary where he received his priestly formation and training. The blue Marian monogram over a white background on the upper crest symbolizes Mary, the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Manila where he began his pastoral ministry and of the new Diocese of Cubao where he served as Chancellor and subsequently as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. Ordained during the Marian Year in the Philippines, the bishop entrusts his priestly life and ministry to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The central figure depicts the core principle of his priesthood. The lamb hanging dead on the cross symbolizes Jesus Christ, priest and victim. The red background signifies the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ as proof of His unconditional love for His people. The Bishop sees his priesthood as patterned after the sacrifice of Christ. Just like Jesus Christ, the “meek lamb led to be slaughtered,” so shall he offer his life as sacrifice for the people he is called to minister. It must be providential that the new Bishop was the Pastor of the Parish of Holy Sacrifice in the University of the Philippines prior to his appointment and is ordained bishop in the Year of the Eucharist, a grace-filled year to remember Jesus’ offering of His Body and Blood. The symbol is actually taken from the old seal of his home parish in Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City, the Good Shepherd Parish, to remind him to pattern his new ministry after that of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

The three symbols in the lower crest represent the saints who nurtured his faith and brought inspiration to his priestly life and ministry. The lance symbolizes the oblation of Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of Ateneo de Manila University where he received his academic training. Ignatius taught him the value of discernment, of doing everything for the greater glory of God. The mountain is reminiscent of Mount Carmel and signifies the three Carmelite doctors of the church, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Therese of the Child Jesus, whose spiritual doctrine has motivated him to a life of prayer and contemplation. The sun with a face symbolizes Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas where he completed his ecclesiastical doctoral studies. Thomas’ theological insights not only allowed him to have a personal encounter with God but also brought him to a more enlightened faith in Him. These three symbols signify the three gifts – discernment, prayer and faith – he wishes to bring with him in his new ministry and pass on as gifts to his flock. The yellow color emanating from these symbols signifies the light that shines forth from the holiness of these saints and the light that the Bishop hopes to bring to his own people in the Diocese of San Jose.

The Bishop has chosen for his motto Jesus’ mandate to Simon Peter, “Feed my lambs” Pasce Agnos Meos (John 21:17). In the peak moments of his priestly life and ministry, he has always found himself being led by the Spirit to these words of Jesus. These words bring him back to that personal and intimate encounter of Simon Peter with the Risen Lord who calls him to articulate his love and commitment to Him. “Simon Peter, do you love me?” “Lord, you know my heart. You know that I love you.” And to perfect that articulation the Lord summons him to translate it to action: “Feed my lambs.” The Bishop believes that it is on this same loving relationship that he is called forth by the Lord to accomplish the work of his ministry as bishop and it is the same Risen Lord who summons him to express his deep love and commitment to Him through his pastoral care of the priests and the local church entrusted to him.