The Laoag Clergy

NEW BLOGSITE!

Visit St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Marcos, Ilocos Norte.

The CHRONOS: Monthly Diocesan Schedule for FEBRUARY 2009

July 26: Laoag's foundation anniversary and St. Anne Parish fiesta

Today, the Diocese of Laoag celebrates her 48th birthday. Today, too, is the launching of activities in commemoration of the diocese's golden anniversary in 2011.

Let us pray for our diocese. Let us pray for the increase of faith and the deepening of love and commitment to God and the Church.

Happy fiesta to the Piddiguenos!

Click here to read CBCP news on the launching.

July 25: Fiesta greetings!

Today is the feast of St. James the Greater.

Happy fiesta to our brothers and sisters in Solsona and Pasuquin!

Cadaratan Church: A Miracle in Progress

Cadaratan Church: A Miracle in Progress



The Dream Church of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cadaratan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

The Dream Church of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cadaratan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

Foundation for the church-construction project in Cadaratan, Bacarra put up!

The construction of the OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH CHURCH started anew, September 8, the birthday of Mama Mary. Very crucial in this project is the financial consideration being tacked by the whole parish community. To address this concern, we, the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, together with our newly-appointed parish priest, Rev. Leonardo L. Ruiz, planned to put up a FOUNDATION for the continuation and completion of the construction of the parish church.

The Foundation is chaired by our beloved Bishop, Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, D.D. and the members of the Board include Victor R. Bolosan, M.D., Rosalina R. Javier, Flordelina T. Cadelina, Eugenia M. Mendoza, Emilia B. Agonoy and Dante Subia, all from Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Registration of the Foundation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is under way.

Architects and Engineer: Arch. Coleen Cajigal and Arch. Joemar Bolosan, Engr. Eduardo Cid.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED. For those who wish to send their donations directly through the bank, this is our bank: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Batac Branch, Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. DOLLAR ACCOUNT NUMBER: 158881300038; Account Name, Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, D.D., Victor R. Bolosan, M.D. and Flordelina T. Cadelina. PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT: 158881300020, with the same above-mentioned account name.

The Happy Priests

The Happy Priests
The clergy during their annual retreat with Bp. Mylo Vergara of the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija as retreat master at Betania Retreat House in Baguio City, November 10-13

HELP BUILD THE CHURCHES OF OUR YOUNG PARISHES!

ST. JOHN BOSCO (BARESBES, DINGRAS)
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER (CARASI)
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (DAVILA, PASUQUIN)
OUR LADY OF FATIMA (CADARATAN, BACARRA)
ST. ROSE (STA. ROSA, SARRAT)

OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP (PANCIAN, PAGUDPUD)

For financial assistance or donations in-kind, please contact the Bishop or the Curia at (077)770-5210, or Fr. Lorenzo Torreflores (Baresbes, Dingras) at 0917-5701085, Fr. Danny Devaras (Carasi) at 0920-5537806, Fr. Lester Menor (Davila, Pasuquin) at 0915-7879701, Fr. Leo Ruiz (Cadaratan, Bacarra) at (077)670-3801, and Fr. Anthony Dimagiba (Sta. Rosa, Sarrat) at (077)782-2031, Fr. Antonio Calautit, SVD (Pancian, Pagudpud) at 0918-5228902.


Listen to DZEA-CMN Radio Totoo, 909 khz!

Pray for your priests. They need your prayers as much as you need theirs.

Pray for your priests. They need your prayers as much as you need theirs.
The clergy of Laoag with the lone cardinal of Thailand and the bishop of Changmai

Foundation for the church-construction project in Cadaratan, Bacarra put up!



The construction of the OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH CHURCH started anew, September 8, the birthday of Mama Mary. Very crucial in this project is the financial consideration being tacked by the whole parish community. To address this concern, we, the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, together with our newly-appointed parish priest, Rev. Leonardo L. Ruiz, planned to put up a FOUNDATION for the continuation and completion of the construction of the parish church.

The Foundation is chaired by our beloved Bishop, Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, D.D. and the members of the Board include Victor R. Bolosan, M.D., Rosalina R. Javier, Flordelina T. Cadelina, Eugenia M. Mendoza, Emilia B. Agonoy and Dante Subia, all from Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Architects and Engineer: Arch. Coleen Cajigal and Arch. Joemar Bolosan, Engr. Eduardo Cid.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED. For those who wish to send their donations directly through the bank, this is our bank: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Batac Branch, Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. DOLLAR ACCOUNT NUMBER: 158881300038; Account Name, Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, D.D., Victor R. Bolosan, M.D. and Flordelina T. Cadelina. PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT: 158881300020, with the same above-mentioned account name.

When man becomes a god

You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with honor and glory.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.(Ps. 8,6-7)

Such is the dignity of man. To him is entrusted the care of creation, the expression of God’s love. And this free act of God of choosing man to be the steward of all his works is consequent upon his (man’s) being fashioned after the divine image and likeness.

God is omniscient. Sharing in God’s goodness, man is thus gifted with knowledge so that he may be able to accomplish the holy task of stewardship over creation. Nevertheless, he is not given to eat of the Tree of Knowledge (Gen. 2,9). He may taste of the fruit of any of the trees in the garden except of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the middle (Cf.Gen 2,16). God does not let man eat of it by reason that it is the sort of fruit reserved only for God.

The knowledge which God gives man is more than adequate for him to carry out his task. Be that as it may, the prospect of becoming as God or as knowledgeable as he is (Cf. Gen. 3,6) intrigues him and appeals to him. But there is a sort of knowledge that only belongs to the economy of God. Now, man wants to cross the boundaries into the divine realm and mess with the affairs of God in the process. Quite unfortunately, he employs this knowledge not according to God’s designs but to his mere selfish follies.

With this sort of knowledge at his disposal, man, indeed, becomes a god . . yet without a heart, without compassion, without understanding, without respect for life – that singular gift of God. Yes, man as god loses the divine image and likeness.

It is very appalling how this godless god places his rule over the produce of God and puts life under his feet. Man tramples upon life as well as God's reproductive designs; life is reduced to a machine, a commodity, a toy on the hands of mindless minds and heartless hearts, a specimen on the laboratory table, a by-product of exploratory ventures, a mere deliverance of frail human choice.

O, when will man remember God and be truly man – again – and in prayerful admission, pronounce:

Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.
Nor was my frame unknown to you
when I was made in secret.
Your eyes have seen my actions;
in your book they are all written (Ps. 139,13.15a.16a) [?]


(by Fr. Tom Pascua)

DZEA Vision-Mission and History

VISION-MISSION

Realizing the intense power of Broadcast Media in the promotion of Renewed Integral Evangelization and aware of the social responsibilitiesplaced upon all Catholic Broadcasters, we, broadcasters of DZEA “Radyo Totoo” Evangelization On The Air, envision ourselves as a community of disciples, evangelized, united in the Eucharist, determined to build God’s kingdom oflove, peace, justice, truth andfreedom in this world, in harmony with God,with one another, and with the rest of creation.

HISTORY

In the early 80’s, the mushrooming of Catholic Radio Stations all throughout the Philippines became a phenomenon. Realizing the great help of the use of airwaves as medium for evangelization, Bishop Edmundo Abaya applied to Philippine Congress the granting of a franchise to operate radio and television network. His application became a law with the franchise awarded to the Diocese of Laoag in 1986. Plans for the radio station became the main menu at priest’s meetings at all levels. Fr. Jacinto A Jose was given the task of preparing the feasibility study of the project while Fr. Rock Bonoan, who was the Oeconomus then, was tasked to exert all efforts for the resources needed.

As soon as Fr. Jack had submitted the required documents and Fr. Rock had provided for the equipments and building of the radio studio. DZEA was born with its initial broadcast on April 11, 1991. Fr. Jack became the first station manager with sacrificing staff consisting of skilled technicians and daring broadcasters. Fr. Rock, together with his brother Fr. Tito on the other hand, was given tasks to support the station manager especially in the programming and the involvement of the clergy in its program. The priests were very eager to go on the air and were willing to sacrifice not just their talents but also their time and treasure realizing the affectivity of this medium of bringing the Good News to every household even in far–flung areas.

The eagerness in putting up a radio station was not as quite in maintaining it. Soon, the eagerness waned and involvement has been curbed gradually by the difficulties that the radio station owned, managed and operated by the Diocese of Laoag, has undergone.

Fr. Rock took over the management of the station contacting here and there friends and benefactors just to remedy the ailing situation of the station. Bishop Abaya was always behind him. The time came when all when all Catholic radio stations all over the country desired to form network and thus resulted to the birth of the Catholic Media Network. Meanwhile, the CBCP has re-activated the Episcopal Commission on Mass Media and Social Communications, in keeping with the Vatican II declarations in Inter Mirifica. The veteran Jesuit Fr. James Reuter became executive secretary of the commission and formed the Philippine federation of Catholic Broadcasters, whose composition is almost the same with CMN.

For sometime, the CMN has become the marketing arm of all radio stations in the country. However, marketing was not as fine as in the beginning. National advertisers withdrew patronage of the network, one after the other. All CMN stations left the backlog. Advertisers, being capitalists and profit – oriented, opt to ask the services of the networks who could gain more popularity and share in the weakness of Filipinos. CMN cannot compromise the truth and its evangelistic mission with rumored broadcast putting weight on manipulative politics, sex, violence and sho0wbiz blitz. This common media practice in the Philippines is the very reason why the Church has come up an alternative radio station that tend to rectify a situation where media practitioners think that what is commonly practices is the right thing in the profession.

During the interregnum of Msgr. Rodolfo Nicolas, he appointed Fr. Noel Ian G. Rabago to manage the ailing radio station. When Bishop Ernesto Salgado arrived to hid new see, the problem of the station became the first taste of headache and anxiety. Optimistic as he is, he knows DZEA will survive through thick and thin On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the station on April 11, 2001, from the management of the staff to the listeners, the following words were words of consolation and hope, “If DZEA is God’s work, and He will never allow it to close down.”

Re-owning is the key for the clergy to be once again involves in the radio apostolate. Recently, the station experienced the care of the clergy through their monthly pledges and participation in the different programs. They lay were also involved through the participation of volunteers correspondents from the parishes and programs sponsored by the Religious Organizations and Movements of the Diocese. With these development, Bishop Salgado promise to prioritize DZEA in the mission appeals he plans to pursue in the near future.

DZEA DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

OPERATING HOURS : 19HRS

WEEKDAYS

TIME
5:00 AM DZEA PRIMETIME BALITA News & Public Affairs Anthony Dumlao
5:30 AM TI BIAG SAO/ ANGELUS Gospel Reading/Reflection - Host Priest
6:00 AM CMN VERITAS PILIPINAS - News & Public Affairs -(Network Program - Nationwide)
7:00 AM ILUKO BALITA EXPRESS - News Parade - Rod Sadian/Lubelyn Guillermo
7:30 AM ENTRA AKSYON - News & Public Affairs - Rod Sadian/Rommel Sagucio
9:00 AM SILAW TI PAGTAENGAN - Household Tips - Lubelyn Guillermo
9:30 AM SILAW (Wednesday) - INEC (Blocktime) - William Marders
10:00 AM IDI KALMAN KEN ITA Ilocano - Music/Dedication - Maricel Laeda
11:00 AM RISIRIS TI PANAWEN - News & Commentary - Rommel Sagucio
11:45 AM ILUKO BALITA EXPRESS - News Parade - Rommel Sagucio
12:00 NN ANGELUS/ SAO TI BIAG (Replay) /BIAG TI SASANTOS - Religious - Lubelyn Guillermo
12:15 PM TALDYAP TI NAGRUPSAN A KALMAN - Letter Reading - Leonard Villa
2:00 PM HALO-HALO ESPESYAL - Music/Dedication - Jovy Curammeng
3:30 PM ENTRA AKSYON - News & Public Affairs - Rod Sadian
5:15 PM NASANTOAN A MISA - Religious Cathedral Priests - (Live from Cathedral)
6:00 PM ILUKO BALITA EXPRESS - News Parade - Maricel Laeda/Jovy Curammeng
6:30 PM GIL-AYAB - Commentary - Rommell Sagucio
7:00 PM PUNTO KUWADRADO - News & Commentary - Leonard Villa
8:30 PM NASANTOAN A ROSARYO - Religious Taped
9:00 PM SIGN OFF SPIEL

SATURDAY

5:00 AM DZEA PRIMETIME BALITANews & Public Affairs - Anthony Dumlao
5:30 AM TI BIAG SAO/ ANGELUS Gospel Reading/Reflection - Host Priest
6:00 AM SAGIP BUHAY Disaster Preparedness Anthony Dumlao - (Network Program - Nationwide)
7:00 AM ILUKO BALITA EXPRESS - News Parade - Rod Sadian/Lubelyn Guillermo
7:30 AM ENTRA AKSYON - News & Public Affairs - Rod Sadian/Rommel Sagucio
9:00 AM PANANGIPATEG TI BIAG - Religious Program - Frankie Bitagon
9:30 AM MUMUNTING KUTITAP - Drama (Blocktime) - Transworld
10:00 AM RANIAG TI NAMNAMA - Drama (Block time) - Transworld
11:45 AM ILUKO BALITA - EXPRESS News Parade - Rommel Sagucio
12:00 NN ANGELUS /SAO TI BIAG (Replay)/ BIAG TI SASANTOS - Religious - Lubelyn Guillermo
12:15 PM TALDYAP TI NAGRUPSAN A KALMAN - Letter Reading - Leonard Villa
2:00 PM HALO-HALO ESPESYAL - Music/Dedication - Jovy Curammeng
3:30 PM ENTRA AKSYON - News & Public Affairs - Rod Sadian
5:10 PM NASANTOAN A MISA - Religious Cathedral Priests (Live from Cathedral)
6:00 PM ILUKO BALITA EXPRESS - News Parade - Maricel Laeda/Jovy Curammeng
6:30 PM GIL-AYAB - Commentary - Rommell Sagucio
7:00 PM PUNTO KUWADRADO - News & Commentary - Leonard Villa
8:30 PM NASANTOAN A ROSARYO - Religious Taped
SIGN OFF SPIEL

SUNDAY

5:00 AM KANTA MISA Liturgical Songs Automation
5:27 AM SAGID TI DIOS Religious (Blocktime) Transworld
5:27 AM ANGELUS
6:00 AM NASANTOAN A MISA Live Mass Bishop Utleg
7:00 AM DAMAG SIMBAAN Church News Parade Maricel Laeda
7:30 AM SINGGALUT NI AYAT Religious Mr & Mrs Singson / Family & Life
8:30 AM TIMEK TI PASTORTAYO Gospel Reflections Bishop Utleg
8:45 AM AGRIMAT DAGITI BITUEN Talent Shows Luby Guillermo /Catechists
10:30 AM PROGRESO / KUMUSTAKA Religious Fr. Pitz / Winnie Velasco
11:45 AM TIMEK TI PASTORTAYO Gospel Reflections Bishop Utleg
12:00 NN ANGELUS
12:04 PM LUBONGMI A DAGA Ecology Fr. Ted Remigio / Social Action
1:00 PM AGRAKSAKKA, TI DIOS ADDA KENKA “Evangelization 2008” Religious Fr. Richard Antonio
2:00 PM PASAKALYE Religious Jesuit Comm.
2:30 PM TALUGADING AGTUTUBO Talent Shows Luby Guillermo / Catholic Schools
3:00 PM 3 O’CLOCK PRAYER / TIMEK TI PASTORTAYO Gospel Reflections Bishop Utleg
3:45 PM BABAI GAMENGKA Religious Mrs. Rose Giron / CWL, MBG, AP & PUSA
4:30 PM O MARIA, NALIBNOSKA Religious Fr. Melchor Palomares /COLPH, LOM, DMI & OLFRC
5:30 PM AWAG KRISTYANO Religious Fr. Rey Respicio Rene Paguirigan & Seminarians
6:30 PM DAP-AYAN Talk Show Rommell Sagucio / DYC
8:00 PM TIMEK TI PASTORTAYO Gospel Reflections Bishop Ulteg
8:15 PM NASANTOAN A ROSARYO Religious Taped
9:00 PM SIGN OFF

DZEA Facilities

TRANSMITTER ROOM

AM BROADCAST TRANSMITTER
- NAUTEL ND10S 5,000 Wa
AUDIO PROCESSOR
- CRL
MODULATION MONITOR
- BELAR

CONTROL ROOM

BROADCAST CONSOLE
- Broadcast Electronics
6 CHANNEL MIXER
- REVOX
3 ON-AIR COMPUTERS (duo core2)CASSETTE DECK
- MARANTZ
DIGITAL HYBRID
- COMREX
DREAM SATELLITE RECEIVER
POWER VU SATELLITE RECEIVER
- SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA
MARTI RPU RECEIVER
- CR 10
VHF TRANSCEIVER (base)
- Motorola GM

ANNOUNCER’S ROOM

2 MICROPHONES
- ELECTRO VOICE - RE27ND
ON-AIR COMPUTER (duo core2)

RECORDING ROOM

6 CHANNEL MIXER
- REVOX
1 COMPUTER (duo core2)
MICROPHONE
- ELECTRO VOICE – RE27ND

BROADCAST AND PRODUCTION SOFTWARES

OtsDJ 170
Mega Mix Radio Edition
Adobe Audition 1.5 and 2.0 Version

REMOTE BROADCAST EQUIPMENT

MARTI RPU TRANSMITTER - 30 Watts
MARTI RPU TRANSMITTER- 15 Watts
MOTOROLA GR500 (Repeater)

DZEA Board of Directors, Administration and Staff

DZEA-AM
909 kHz. 5K
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Apayao, Cagayan
OPERATING HOURS : 19HRS

Chairman
Bishop Sergio L. Utleg, D.D.

Members
Fr. Nolasco Pascua Jr.
Fr. Ronald Bonayon
Atty. Nestor Corpuz
Mr. Francisco Bitagon
Ms. Lina Tan
Mrs. Evelyn Velasco
Mrs. Rose Giron

Station Manager
Rev. Fr. Rock Guy N. Bonoan

Assistant Station Manager
Robert T. Acidera

Program Officer
Fr. Melchor Palomares

Traffic Officer
Lubelyn Guillermo

Accounting Officer
Nancy Sampiloc

Technical Department
Bernard Curammeng
Gilbert Acidera

Broadcast Department
Jovelyn Curammeng
Rommell Sagucio
Maricel Laeda
Rodrigo Sadian
Florante Tariga
Anthony Dumlao

DECRETO

(Surat a Pangngeddeng ti Pannakabangon ti Our Mother of Perpetual Help Quasi-Parish)

Kalpasan ti naunday a panawen a pannakisarsaritak kadagiti Tattao ti Dios, nangnangruna kadagiti maseknan iti ili a Pagudpud ken Adams, ken ti panangipeksada iti iyaannamongda babaen iti pannakisaritada kaniak; kalpasan ti naincararagan a panangpampanunotko maipanggep ti kasapulan ken pagimbaganda; ken, kalpasan pay ti pannakiyumanko kadagiti papadi ti diocesis, kas Obispo iti daytoy a Diocesis ti Laoag,Code of Canon Law, canons 515-516 par. 1, ti panangipasdekko kadagitoy sumaganad a barangay ken ili:

Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud
Brgy. Pancian, Pagudpud
Brgy. Pasaleng, Pagudpud
Brgy. Caunayan, Pagudpud
Ili ti Adams

a kas maysa a QUASI-PARISH iti panangibabaet ti napili a patron, INA TI AGNANAYON A TULONG, iti daytoy maikawalo (8) nga aldaw ti Setyembre, 2008, ken ti simbaan a naipasdek iti Brgy. Pancian, Pagudpud ti simbaan daytoy a kagimongan.

Isaadko a kas Parochial Administrator daytoy a quasi-parish ni REV. ANTONIO CALAUTIT, SVD, ket maipaay kenkuana dagiti amin a pagannongan ken kalintegan a kas maysa a pastor segun iti sagudayen dagiti linteg ti Simbaan (canon 519). Maidawat kadagiti amin a kakabsat iti daytoy a gimong ta itedda ti umno a tulong ken pannakikaysa iti Apo Padi nga agserbi kadakuada.


+ SERGIO L. UTLEG, D.D.
Obispo ti Laoag


Sinaksian ni:


REV. NOLASCO M. PASCUA, JR.
Chancellor

Outreach in Adams held

The Catechetical and Mission Office conducted an outreach in Adams, Ilocos Norte in celebration of the Mission Month, October 29.

Located on top of a mountain, Adams remains one of the economically challenged towns of Ilocos Norte. This town and Barangays Balaoi, Caunayan, Pancian and Pasaleng of Pagudpud make up the recently established quasi-parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, whose church is in Pancian. Rev. Antonio Calautit, SVD administers the parish.

The office, in collaboration with the parishes' catechetical coordinators, began planning for the outreach as early as July. That same month Bishop Sergio Utleg and the clergy approved the plan as a course of action for the whole diocese.

Catechesis on the Church's missionary life was given in schools and in parish churches from August to October. Donations in cash and in kind were submitted to the parish offices and ultimately to the Catechetical and Mission Office as part of the people's response.

A Eucharistic celebration presided over by the bishop, with Rev. Nolasco Pascua, Jr., Catechetical and Mission Director, and Rev. Calautit concelebrating, at the St. Isidore Chapel formally opened the day's mission.

In his homily, Bishop Utleg said the outreach is a way to show God’s love for the least of our brethren.

He also said Adams is a perfect place to conduct such activities because of its distance and the presence of indigenous people. He admitted, “When they said that the outreach will be in Adams, I approved it because it would not only be in celebration of the Mission Month but also of the indigenous peoples who are honored during the Mission Month."

Bishop Utleg is the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

A catechetical instruction for the children followed the mass. Meanwhile, more than 300 adults and children availed of the medical and dental clinic offered by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical-Dental Charity Clinic of the Social Action Commission, at the Adams Central Elementary School hall.

The office prepared lunch for all. A gift-giving ended the outreach.

NOTICE OF ORDINATION

By these presents be it known that

SEM. XAVIER VALBUENA

born in Pinili, Ilocos Norte on June 16, 1980, baptized on December 19, 1981 at the Church of St. Isidore, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, having presented all the required documents and having been approved by Examiners, after a spiritual retreat, has been promoted to the Order of

DEACON

Incardinated to the Diocese of Laoag during the Solemn Mass at the Church of St. Isidore, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, on the 11th day of May, 2008 by Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, Bishop of Laoag.


(SGD.) MOST REV. SERGIO L. UTLEG, D.D.
Bishop of Laoag


(SGD.) REV. NOLASCO M. PASCUA, JR.
Chancellor

Sta. Rosa, Sarrat Parish History

ST. ROSE OF LIMA PARISH
Founded: 1999
Patronal Fiesta: August 23


Sta Rosa is a district of the municipality of Sarrat, comprising Barangays San Lorenzo, San Nicolas and Sta. Rosa, a barangay named like the district. The present church of this parish is situated at Barangay San Nicolas along the road going to eastern Ilocos Norte. The name of the barangay confused mailmen to the name of the municipality adjacent to its immediate west. Aside from assuring that their letters would reach their residences, the people opted to change its name into San Miguel, to perpetuate their affinity to the mother parish, which was first named after the archangel.

St. Rose of Lima Parish of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte is the youngest parish in the Diocese of Laoag. It comprises the 13 barangays south of the Padsan River. For centuries, the area was under the mother parish of Sta. Monica established in 1724 by the Augustinian missionaries. Its history therefore is concomitant to its mother parish. The great river Padsan divides the town of Sarrat; the town proper being located in the northern part. The Augustinians would simply go to the southern portion of the town through bangka. In the dry season, barangay folks as far as Pandan used to go for Church services through their karison. With the advent of modern means of transportation, going for mission to the south became a burden for pastors passing through Laoag and San Nicolas.

The earlier priests who have served in Sta. Monica have done their part in the evangelization of the people in the baliw (the other side) or abagatan ti karayan (south of the river). The late Rev. Rosario Lopez built the first chapel made of galvanized iron. This chapel was located in Sitio Tibunay. Later after seeing the growth of the population and their need for a bigger place to worship, Fr. Lopez built a bigger chapel in a piece of land given to the church in Brgy. San Nicolas. The late Rev. Gil Albano, Jr. made improvements of the sanctuary of the second chapel.

In 1993, Rev. Jacinto Jose became the pastor of Sarrat. He initiated programs such as the work of the lay missionaries in forming BEC’s (NASA). The Christian Education Program in the schools, and through the help of the seminary fathers, the community of this district had Holy Week celebrations. Chapels of concrete and good materials were also built for the communities in Patad, San Antonio, Pariir and Parang. Eventually, due to the growing faith of the people and their generosity, the old chapel in Sta. Rosa was replaced with a more spacious and sturdier building. On December 28, 1997, Bishop Edmundo Abaya blessed and inaugurated the new house of prayer. Meanwhile, in Sta. Monica, Rev. Leobardo Lorenzo was assigned parochial vicar.

On September 5, 1999, the new parish of Sta Rosa de lima was created. This new parish includes all the barangays south of the Padsan River. Rev. Leobardo Lorenzo was appointed first pastor of the new parish. Fr. Bardz turned the choir loft into a residence (convento), procured the things needed for the parish office and for liturgical celebrations. He organized the parish pastoral council and the parish finance council and the barangay pastoral coordinators.

Rev. Pitz Acoba, who replaced Rev. Bardz as pastor, intensified the work of BEC formation in the parish.

Rev. Anthony Dimagiba is the present pastor.

Banna Parish History

ST. ROCHE PARISH
Founded: 1936
Patronal Fiesta: August 16


Motorists going to this parish for the first time must be careful in reading the road signs and markers, they may not find the name of the place they have in mind. The town and parish is more popularly known as Banna but was changed to “Espiritu”, after a former governor of Ilocos Norte and native of the place, through a congressional act. The sentiments of the people are common in retaining its old name even without a repeal to the former legislation.

As a town, it was part of Batac, which is adjacent to its west boundary. As a parish, it was formerly a visita of Dingras, and a Catholic chapel was erected in this town in 1935 through the initiative of Rev. Fortuna, pastor of Dingras. It was canonically erected in April 1936 with the Rev. Pomposo Pimentel as its first pastor.

During the term of Rev. Policarpo Albano, the old church was replaced with a new one, modern in style and more spacious. This is to accommodate the ever-growing faithful of the town. The priests assigned after him continued the construction of the new church, which is exquisitely unique creating a different feeling of awe for worshipers accustomed to the structure of traditional churches.

At the height of the Aglipayan Schism in 1902, about 97 percent of Ilocos Norte were enticed to join the religious sect. The return of the faithful to the Catholic fold began its gradual phases with the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1905 returning properties of the Catholic Church taken over by the Aglipayans. Since that time, Banna still remains a predominantly Aglipayan town. This challenge was the constant struggle of priests assigned in the parish under the tutelage of the miraculous San Roque. The presence of the Pastorelle Sisters (Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd, Pastorelle) collaborating in the pastoral work, gave new hope for Catholicism in the town. For the first time, school children in remote areas saw women in religious habits. The parish is the ideal site of a mission area conceived by their Father Founder. Despite meager means, the sacrificing sisters throughout the years are determined to realize their mission. The parish will remain a part of the continuous unfolding of the history of this Italian-born religious congregation.

Since the foundation of Laoag as a diocese, the following have served as pastors: Rev.Damaso Argel (1957-1963); Rev.Andres Respicio(1963-1969); Rev. Saturnino Rafada (1969-1971) Rev. Antonio Molina (1971-1973); Rev. Jose Agustin (1973-1977); Rev. Mario Garaza (1977-1980); Rev. Policarpio Albano (1980-1985); Rev. Emil Valenciano (1985-1986); Rev. Victor Hernando ( 1986-1993); Rev. Manuel Lamprea, Jr. (1993-2001); Rev. Augusto Acob (2001-2004); Rev. Joel Bruno Barut (2004-2008); Rev. Frederick Astudillo (2008 to present).

Ilocos bishop blames officials for jueteng resurgence

by Roy Lagarde, CBCP Monitor, October 15-28, 2007 Vol. 11 No. 21.

JUETENG is alive in Ilocos provinces because some local officials and even law enforcers are supporting it, a Church official said.

Laoag bishop Sergio Utleg alleged that some of these officials were even running the illegal numbers game themselves and stepping up operations.

“They are in favor of jueteng of course because they profit from it,” he said.

Utleg said they are planning to release another pastoral statement against jueteng to show their continuous opposition and remind the people about its negative impact
to society.

“Jueteng is bad because it promotes graft and corruption and disrespect for the law. It really has to be stopped,” he said.

In another development, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz yesterday hailed Manila mayor Alfredo Lim in his effort to stop jueteng operations in his jurisdiction.

“In Manila I know there’s no jueteng,” said Cruz who heads the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Sugal (People’s Crusade Against Gambling).

But the prelate said Lim’s effort should continue because jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling remained pervasive in other areas.

“I will encourage anybody to do away with it because jueteng is an exploitation of the people,” he also said.

Bangui Parish History

ST. LAWRENCE THE DEACON PARISH
Founded: 1624
Patronal Fiesta: August 10


The town of Bangui was an encomienda of Captain Riberos (1605) who requested for a minister from the flourishing town of Bacarra to come and work among the people. Thus the encomienda was converted into a visita of Bacarra, and a priest was sent there “for the consolation of the natives.” Since Bangui was nearer to Cagayan, it was annexed to the mission of Cagayan. On October 31, 1624, a council of the Augustinians separated Bangui from its previous matrix, and Fr. Francisco de Valenzuela was named prior-vicar of the parish. This new parish was placed under the patronage of St. Lawrence the Deacon, Martyr.

The years that followed saw different events in the parish. In 1635, Bangui was reduced again into a visita due to the lack of priests. Then after few years, it was considered again
a parish according to the number of souls. During the Malong-Magsanop uprising (1660-1661), a religious priest by the name of Fr. Jose Arias was assassinated in Bangui. Several priests were imprisoned in the years that followed.

After those turbulent years, Fr. Benito de Mesa made Bangui the “spiritual center” of his missionary expansion to the Apayaos. He was considered the founder of Bangui.

In 1668, Bangui was separated from Bacarra, together with Bangbangon, Vera and Adams. Fr. Domingo Soler was named vicar to all these towns.

During these years, the church in Bangui was made of stone and wood, materials which were easily worn out in the course of time. In 1877, Fr. Antonio Garcia rebuilt the church and made used of stones. The earthquakes of 1880 and 1891 damaged the old church and the convento which Fr. David Diez repaired. Again during the Japanese occupation, the church was heavily damaged. Recently, it has been retored and half of its original edifice is now utilized. Its nearby indigenous town of Dumalneg is also within the jurisdiction of this parish.

Three priests native of the town have been ordained: Rev.Peter Acoba (1982), Rev. Ronald Bonayon(1999) and Rev. Abraham Aguino, CICM (1999).

Since the foundation of the Diocese of Laoag, the following have served in the parish: Gaudencio Dacuycuy, Rev. Pedro Santos, Rev. Rosario Lopez, Rev. Dionisio Rios, Rev. Saturnino Rafada, Rev. Amador Foz, Rev. Teodoro Remigio, Rev. Noel Vander Plaetsen, CICM, Rev. Gaudencio Dacuycuy, Rev. German Cabillo, SVD, Rev. Artemio Rillera, SVD, Rev. Stanislao Ros, Rev. Tranquilino de Ocampo, Jr. SVD, Rev. Vicente Tiam, SVD, Rev. Pedro Acoba, Rev. Carlito Ranjo, Jr., Rev. Manuel Lamprea, Jr., Rev. Leobardo Lorenzo.

The Chronos for November 2008

1: Sat: SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS. WHITE.

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop officiates mass at the Floral Garden, 5:00 p.m.

2: Sun: COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. WHITE OR VIOLET.

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop presides over mass in Banna.

3: Monday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN. or m. of St. Martin de Porres, religious. WHITE

4: Tuesday: St. Charles Borromeo, bishop. WHITE.

5: Wednesday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

6: Thursday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop officiates Confirmation at St. Mary’s Seminary, 10:00 a.m.

DLACS Office:
CEAP Regional Board Meeting, Bishop’s Residence, 9:00 a.m.

7: Friday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Catechetical Office:
Catechetical Coordinators Meeting, Cordero Hall, 9:00 a.m.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Engelbert B. Elarmo (Birthday)

8: Saturday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN. or m. of BVM. WHITE.

Bishop's Schedule:
The bishop officiates wedding at St. Augustine Parish, Paoay, 3:00 p.m.

9: Sunday: Feast of Dedication of Lateran Basilica, WHITE.

10: Monday: St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor, WHITE.


CLERGY RETREAT, Baguio City (10-14)


11: Tuesday: St. Martin of Tours, bishop, WHITE.

Bishop’s Schedule:
Northern Luzon Bishops' Meeting, San Pablo Seminary, Baguio City.

12: Wednesday: St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr, RED.

13: Thursday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

14: Friday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

15: Saturday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN. or m. of St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor, WHITE. or m of BVM, WHITE.

DSAC Office:
Bike for Ecology: Cadaratan to Baresbes.

16: + 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.

17: Monday: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious. WHITE.

18: Tuesday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN. or m. of the Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul, WHITE.

19: Wednesday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Cipriano L. Alnas, Jr. (POA)

20: Thursday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop meets with Mr. JF Breaud, Foyer.

21: Friday: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. WHITE.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Nolasco M. Pascua, Jr. (POA)

22: Saturday: St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. RED.

Bishop’s Schedule
The bishop attends the Investiture of Neophytes at St. Mary’s Seminary, 10:00 a.m.

23: Sunday: SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, WHITE.

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop officiates Confirmation at St. Andrew Parish, Bacarra, 8:00 a.m.

CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION, ST JOHN OF BOSCO PARISH,Baresbes, Dingras, Concelebrated Mass, 1:30 p.m.

24: Monday: St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and companions, martyrs. RED.

25: Tuesday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m. of St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr, RED.

26: Wednesday: 34th Week, Ordinary time, GREEN.

27: Thursday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Bishop’s Schedule:
The Bishop officiates mass at the Clarissas Capuchinas Sisters, 6:00 a.m.

28: Friday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Commission on Vocation:
Vocation Jamboree, St. Mary’s Seminary (28-29).

29: Saturday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.

Patronal Fiesta:
Feast of ST. ANDREW PARISH, Bacarra, Concelebrated Mass, 8:00 a.m.

30: Sunday: 1st Sunday of Advent, VIOLET.
Catholic Handicapped Day

Bishop’s Schedule:
The bishop meets with the Neocatechumenate Community, p.m.

Let us pray for:
Rev. Ruben V. Abaya (POA)

CATECHETICAL AND MISSION OFFICE: Outreach in Adams, October 29, 2008

CATECHETICAL AND MISSION OFFICE: Diocesan Catechetical Day, September 20, 2008, Part 1 (2)

CATECHETICAL AND MISSION OFFICE: Diocesan Catechetical Day, September 20, 2008, Part 2 (2)

COM. ON THE CLERGY & OFF. ON CH. HERITAGE: Convocation (Playa Tropical, Currimao, Aug.18-20, 2008)