Diocese of Balanga

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Diocese of Balanga
Province Bataan
Bishop Bishop Socrates B. Villegas, D.D.
Cathedral St. Joseph's Cathedral, Balanga
Subdivisions —
Parishes Vicariate of St. Peter of Verona, Vicariate of St. Dominic de Guzman, Vicariate of Our Lady of the Pillar, Vicariate of St. Michael Archangel
Membership —
Website http://www.balangadiocese.com

The Diocese of Balanga is one of the 72 ecclesiastical territories called dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. It comprises the whole province of Bataan. It was established on March 17, 1975, appointing the Most Rev. Celso Guevarra as the first Bishop on June 4, 1975. Last July 3, 2004, Bishop Socrates B. Villegas was appointed as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Balanga

Contents

[edit] Brief History of the Diocese

The Diocese of Balanga was established in March 17, 1975. It comprises the entire civil province of Bataan, the smallest among the provinces of Central Luzon. The province is a peninsula jutting out to sea, with Manila Bay to the east, China Sea to the west, and the province of Zambales to the north.

Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.

The topography of the province has made most of the inhabitants farmers or fishermen, with a sprinkling of merchants, factory workers and professionals. Recent years, however, have seen the development of manufacturing industries in the province, particularly the Free Zone in Mariveles, which has brought an influx of workers from other provinces and improved living conditions of its own workers.

Historically Bataan is most remembered, along with the island of Corregidor, as the main scene of action in the Philippines during the Second World War. These places are strategic in guarding the entrance to Manila Bay. The surrender of Filipino and American soldiers to overwhelming Japanese forces marked the Fall of Bataan in 1942. A war memorial, Dambana ng Kagitingan, now stands to honor the men who fought and died in that last stand.

[edit] The Diocese

The diocese comprises the whole civil province of Bataan. It comprises 31 parishes and 2 chaplaincies. St. Joseph's Cathedral in Poblacion, Balanga City, serves as the seat of the diocese.

The titular patron of the diocese is St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, whose feast day falls on March 19.

[edit] Diocesan Logo

The miter symbolizes the pastoral authority of the bishop-elect, which he will be exercising within the province.

The three long-stemmed lilies, symbols of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the Cathedral. According to legend the staves of the many suitors of the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered in the temple; the staff of Saint Joseph bloomed to signify that he was the one chosen by God to be the head of the Holy Family. Blue signifies peace, justice and tranquility. Saint Joseph was called "just" by the Gospel. He was a placid and silent man, too.[1]

The three youths reading books. Bataan, the civil province co-terminus with the Diocese, means the Land of the Youth, the hope of the Fatherland. The books being read by each are respectively marked VIA, meaning Christ The Way; VERITAS, meaning Christ The Truth; and VITA, meaning Christ The Life. Overhead is the golden sun with the letters IHS, meaning Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). He is the "real light that comes into the world and shines on all men" (John 1:9). He is the Lamb, the lamp of the Celestial Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23), the Sun of Justice (Malachi 4:2). He also said, "I am The Way, I am The Truth, I am The Life" (John 14:6). So in the light of Christ that is explained by the Church, we must study and follow and live Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. This study entails seriousness, this following of Christ means patience, this living of Christ requires perseverance--virtues signified by the red color. [2]

[edit] Coat of Arms of Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D. (Current Bishop)

The two sides of the coat of arms are divided by TAU cross in the middle. The right side is the personal seal of the bishop. The left side is the seal of the Diocese of Balanga.

The Tau cross is traditionally associated with Saint Francis of Assisi to whom Bishop Soc is especially devoted.

The TAU cross gained prominence as a symbol of renewal through Pope Innocent III at the opening of the Fourth Lateran Council using the words of Ezekiel 9:4, "We are called to reform our lives; to stand in the presence of God as a holy people. God will know us by the sign of the TAU marked on our foreheads." The TAU cross is a symbol of the lifelong fidelity of the bishop to the passion of Christ.

On the upper right (blue) side are three long-stemmed lilies, symbols of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the Cathedral. According to legend the staves of the many suitors of the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered in the temple; the staff of Saint Joseph bloomed to signify that he was the one chosen by God to be the head of the Holy Family. Blue signifies peace, justice and tranquility. Saint Joseph was called "just" by the Gospel. He was a placid and silent man, too.

On the lower right (red) side are three youths reading books. Bataan, the civil province co-terminus with the Diocese, means the Land of the Youth, the hope of the Fatherland. The books being read by each are respectively marked VIA, meaning Christ The Way; VERITAS, meaning Christ The Truth; and VITA, meaning Christ The Life. Overhead is the golden sun with the letters IHS, meaning Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). He is the "real light that comes into the world and shines on all men" (John 1:9). He is the Lamb, the lamp of the Celestial Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23), the Sun of Justice (Malachi 4:2). He also said, "I am The Way, I am The Truth, I am The Life" (John 14:6). So in the light of Christ that is explained by the Church, we must study and follow and live Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. This study entails seriousness, this following of Christ means patience, this living of Christ requires perseverance--virtues signified by the red color.

On the upper left (blue) side is the letter M referring to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary at the foot of the Cross is a poignant picture of a mother's love for her Son. The blue background refers to the abiding presence of Mary in his life.

The diagonal line with barbed wire refers to EDSA revolution of 1986 and 2001, historical events that have shaped the pastoral ministry of the bishop. It also refers to the heroic struggle of the Filipinos during the Second World War. The World War II Memorial Shrine is in Bataan. The white background represents his active involvement for the cause of peace.

On the lower left (red) stands the silhouette of San Carlos Borromeo, the patron of the Archdiocesan Seminary where he studied. Red is the Cardinal's color referring to his love and esteem for the Archbishop-Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Manila, His Eminence Jaime L. Cardinal Sin.

The bishop's motto is "PAX" , Latin for peace. Peace is the fruit of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ (cf. John 20:19), Peace is also the gift that every disciple must offer to the world (cf. Luke 1.0:5 ). Those who make peace are assured of the heavenly inheritance for the children of God (cf. Matthew 5:9).

Formed under a great man of peace, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and having worked in the shrine dedicated to peace, the bishop sets his energy, his life and his mission for the task of making peace. Christ is our peace (cf. Ephesians 2:14). To make peace is to proclaim Christ. Christ is Peace. [3]

[edit] Diocesan Curia

Chancery

Cathedral Parish of St. Joseph

Balanga 2100 Bataan

Tel./Fax: (047) 237-3226

Tel. (047) 237-5705

Chancellor: Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Quintos, Jr.

Vice Chancellor: Rev. Fr. Markjill Manalili Oeconomus: Rev.Fr. Percival V. Medina

[edit] Administrative Section

Diocesan Bishop’s Council (Board of Consultors)


Chairman: Bishop Socrates B. Villegas

Members:

  • Rev. Msgr. Romeo Banaban (Vicar General)
  • Rev. Msgr. Wilfredo Fabros
  • Rev. Msgr. Antonio Dumaual
  • Rev. Msgr. Renato Manansala
  • Rev. Fr. Josue Enero
  • Rev. Fr. Abraham Pantig
  • Rev. Msgr. Remigio Hizon
  • Rev. Fr. Percival V. Medina
  • Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Quintos, Jr.
  • Rev. Fr. Perseverando Marquez
  • Rev. Fr. Arnel Takata
  • Rev. Fr. Alwin Bobis

[edit] Diocesan Pastoral Council

President: Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas

Vice-President: Msgr. Romeo T. Banaban; Msgr. Hernan B. Guanzon

Secretary: Rev. Fr. Markjill A. Manalili

[edit] Commissions

  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Buhay Panalangin
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Pagpapahalaga sa Eukaristiya
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis sa mga Sakramento ng Pagpapagaling
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Pagpapakasakit
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Bayanihan at Kabayanihan
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Dukha
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa mga Kabataan
  • Komisyon ng Diyosesis para sa Katolikong Edukasyon at Katekesis

[edit] Finance Council

Chairman: Bishop Socrates B. Villegas

Vice Chairman: Rev. Fr. Percival V. Medina

Mrs. Lourdes Valdecanas, Rev. Msgr. Rene Manansala

Ms. Nene Banzon, Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Quintos , Jr.

Mrs. Edith de Leon, Mr. Archangel Inton

Mr. Mon Magalong, Atty. Luz Paguio

[edit] Coordinators of the Vicariates

Vicariate of St. Peter of Verona: Rev. Msgr. Antonio Dumaual

Vicariate of St. Dominic Guzman: Rev. Msgr. Renato Manansala

Vicariate of Our Lady of the Pillar: Rev. Fr. Abraham Pantig

Vicariate of St. Michael Archangel: Rev. Fr. Josue Enero

[edit] JUDICIARY SECTION

Advocate: Rev.Msgr. Hernando B. Guanzon,JCD

[edit] PASTORAL SECTION

Diocesan Commission on Clergy Affairs Director: Rev. Msgr. Romeo T. Banaban

Members:

  • Rev. Msgr. Pol Araña
  • Rev. Fr. Abe Pantig
  • Rev. Fr. Mario Margallo

[edit] Parishes

I. Vicariate of St. Peter of Verona


PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, Dinalupihan

CHAPLAINCY OF ST. MARTIN DE PORRES, Bayan-bayanan, Dinalupihan

PARISH OF ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, Pagalanggang, Dinalupihan

PARISH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Colo, Dinalupihan

PARISH OF ST. JEROME EMILIANI, Roosevelt, Dinalupihan

PARISH OF ST. RAYMUND NONNATUS, San Ramon, Dinalupihan

PARISH OF THE HOLY FAMILY, Balsik, Hermosa

PARISH OF ST. PETER VERONA, Hermosa


II. Vicariate of St. Dominic de Guzman


PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, Tapulao, Orani

CHAPLAINCY OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITATION, Tala, Orani

PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY, Orani

PARISH OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, Samal

PARISH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER, Calaguiman, Samal

PARISH OF ST. ANTHONINE OF FLORENCE, Mabatang, Abucay

Bishop Celso Guevarra Formation Center, Calaguiman, Samal

PARISH OF ST. DOMINIC DE GUZMAN, Abucay

PARISH OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, Bangkal, Abucay


III. Vicariate of Our Lady of the Pillar


CATHEDRAL PARISH OF ST. JOSEPH, Balanga City

PARISH OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Pto. Rivas, Balanga City

PARISH OF STO. CRISTO, Cupang, Balanga City

PARISH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, Parang, Bagac

PARISH OF ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, Bagac

PARISH OF SAN VICENTE FERRER, Saysain, Bagac

PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR, Morong

PAG-IBIG BATAAN, Sitio Mathay, Tuyo, Balanga City

PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR, Pilar

PARISH OF SAN ISIDRO, Nagwaling, Pilar


IV. Vicariate of St. Michael Archangel


PARISH OF STS. PETER AND PAUL, Calungusan, Orion

PARISH OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, Orion

PARISH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, Limay

PARISH OF ST. ROCHE, Lamao, Limay

PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Alion, Batangas II Mariveles

PARISH OF ST. JOSEPH, THE WORKER, Cabcaben, Mariveles

PARISH OF STO. NIÑO, Alas-asin, Mariveles

PARISH OF SAINT NICHOLAS TOLENTINE, Mariveles

CHAPLAINCY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA, BEZ, Mariveles


[edit] Notes

  1. ^ http://www.balangadiocese.com/coat.htm COAT OF ARMS of Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D.Bishop of Balanga paragraph 4
  2. ^ http://www.balangadiocese.com/coat.htm COAT OF ARMS of Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D. Bishop of Balanga paragraph 5
  3. ^ http://www.balangadiocese.com/coat.htm COAT OF ARMS of Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D. Bishop of Balanga

[edit] External links