Archdiocese prepares for 75th anniversary

The Archdiocese of Cebu has now started preparations for the commemoration of its 75th Anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee on April 28, 2009.

During the Pastoral Planning Board last July 20, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal approved the formation of a steering committee that will facilitate the whole celebration and all its activities.

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Julito Cortes was assigned to head the steering committee while different tasks were assigned to different sub-committees.

The first sub-committee is the committee on renewal which will focus on formation programs for priests.

The formation program was given importance in the celebration of the diocese’s 75 years of existence to emphasize the cause for the establishment of the church in Cebu – to enhance the spiritual life of believers.

Msgr. Rommel Kintanar shall lead the renewal committee for the priests to be assisted by rectors from different seminaries in Cebu. Kintanar is the current head of the Ongoing Formation of Priests.

The Laity shall be led by Msgr. Joselito Tajanlangit, the Spiritual director of the Council of the Laity.

Tajanlangit will be assisted by Msgr. Esteban Binghay of Commission on Mission, Fr. Edu Ventic of Catholic Schools, Fr. Carmelo Diola of Dilaab Movement and Fr. Jonie Tupas of the Catechetical Institute of Cebu.

Another committee will be formed to take polls from the people regarding the issues that should be highlighted in the jubilee celebration.

The awards committee will be in-charge in the receiving nominations and will scrutinize the issues needed to be addressed for the betterment of the church.

Several other committees are formed to manage the finance, documentation, cultural events and exhibits, liturgy, media publicity, among others.

The Jubilee celebration will start on April 28, 2009 until the same date the next year.

Cebu was established as an Archdiocese on April 28, 1934 during the time of Pope Pio XI.

It was the first ever archdiocese in the Visayas and Mindanao and was under the Manila Archdiocese until 1595.

The first Archbishop in Cebu was Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes who founded the original newspaper of the diocese in 1934 which is the “Lungsuranon.” — Jessica Ann Pareja/WAB