Philippines’ Romblon Diocese celebrates its Golden Jubilee

The Diocese of Romblon sails on as a pilgrim church with higher hopes after it recently marked its golden birth, learning the lessons and recognizing the challenges of the times, according to its narrative emailed to Radio Veritas Asia.

It was created as a new diocese separate from the Diocese of Capiz by virtue of Pope Paul VI’s Papal Bull “Christi Ecclesia” on December 19, 1974. The province consisted of seven island municipalities. 

Its first bishop was the late Nicholas M. Mondejar, who was installed on April 17, 1975, in the capital island of Romblon, the new seat of the diocese, inside the then-St. Joseph Parish Church, now elevated to the dignity of a cathedral. The diocese honors St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, as its titular patron, with the Sto. Niño as its secondary patron.

Fifty years later, the local church marked its golden jubilee, which coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by the late Pope Francis.

To prepare for the historic event, the diocese initiated a three-year formative journey starting year 2022 with the Diocesan Formation Team, created in charge of forming and training parish formation teams.

They held annual reflections on the kingly, prophetic, and priestly roles of Christ through a module given in conferences, seminars, retreats, or recollections to the faithful.  They challenged everyone to live the calls of service and evangelization and cultivate a deep desire for holiness.

Themed “Grateful Pilgrims of Hope, Celebrating God’s Faithfulness,” the celebration encapsulates the immense joy that the faithful felt as they reached the milestone, awakening in them a deep sense of appreciation for the rich history of the journey of the local church.

Despite the geographical challenges where the young church was separated by often harsh seas, diverse cultural identities, and dialects, “all these did not deter the determination of its forerunners in bringing forth a diocese that could stand on its own.”

The seeds of faith were sown by the first wave of Augustinian Recollects in 1635 when the islands of the present diocese were entrusted to their care by the decree of the Bishop of Cebu, Pedro de Arce. “The diocese commits itself to continue journeying in union with the universal church with unswerving hope as its banner.”

The Golden Celebration

The celebration kicked off in simple, meaningful, and memorable ways on April 24, 2025, with the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, leading the blessing of the Bahay Pari in the Parish of Our Lady of Salvation in Bachawan, San Agustin, Romblon.

The building was a long-time dream to serve as the retirement home for old and sick members of the clergy. Romblon Congressman Eleandro Jesus Madrona funded the construction of the structure, which was later donated to the diocese, including the land where the presbytery stands.

With the Apostolic Nuncio were Victor B. Bendico, Archbishop of Capiz, and Midyphil Billones, Archbishop of Jaro. Narciso V. Abellana, MSC, Bishop of Romblon, Jose Corazon T. Tala-oc, Bishop of Kalibo, Marvyn A. Maceda, Bishop of San Jose de Antique, Julius S. Tonel, Archbishop of Zamboanga, Socrates C. Mesiona, MSP, Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, Gerardo Alminaza, Bishop of San Carlos, Louie P. Galbines, Bishop of Kabankalan, Mel Rey M. Uy, Bishop of Lucena, Jose Romeo O. Lazo, Archbishop Emeritus of Jaro and Antonio R. Tobias, Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches.

Their presence brought untold happiness to the clergy, religious, and the faithful, many of whom came from far-flung parishes of the islands who were not used to such a gathering of church dignitaries.

Upon arrival at the capital island, a civic reception was extended to the Apostolic Nuncio and then at the Capitol Building, led by Governor Jose R. Riano and other government officials. The blessing of the historical marker followed. 

The solemn Vespers inside the cathedral were filled with the clergy, religious, and laity. The evening of April 24 was festive, with the guests offered an elaborate dinner inside the hall of the Magnificat Center.

Simultaneously held were a cultural program, speeches, and the awarding of plaques of appreciation and certificates to recipients of the Ginintuang Pasasalamat Awards, the Ginintuang Pagkilala Awards, and the Episcopal Awards in the fields of evangelism and service.

Those present spent the ensuing hours exchanging friendly stories, accompanied by band music. 

A Diocese Around the Eucharist

The celebration culminated with a Holy Mass inside the 400-year-old cathedral, with lay representatives from all the parishes of the diocese traveling in solidarity. The local clergy, dressed in vestments and cathedral trimmings adorned with golden motifs, occupied nearly half the middle seats.

"For half a century, the Diocese of Romblon has been that mother—teaching, healing, blessing, and journeying with her children. And like any good mother, the Church must continue to raise her children in truth, in love, and hope," said Archbishop Bendico during his homily in the Mass, which was presided over by Brown.

"This Golden Jubilee is not simply an anniversary—it is a pilgrimage. The journey is marked not only by milestones but also by the footprints of faith, said Archbishop Bendico.

Bishop Abellana, towards the end of the Mass, extended his gratitude to all, especially the relentless cooperation of the laity from the very start of the celebration, and those who generously shared their resources from both inside and outside the diocese, including Romblon Congressman Budoy Madrona.

The Holy Mass was followed by a festive banquet at the hall of the Magnificat Center, “sharing not only the food that was prepared but also the spirit of solidarity shown by each one, rejoicing over the great milestone the diocese of Romblon has achieved.”

Looking Ahead: A Church on Mission

One is to continue “to awaken every Catholic of the diocese, especially in living the spirit of synodality. The testimony of the past continues to inspire everyone, as they are greatly convinced that God is journeying with the local church.

“The challenges of the First Diocesan Synod of Romblon call every Catholic to share the task of shaping a truly responsive church to the building up of the communities in the spirit of Sambuligan (Basic Ecclesial Community), promotion of social justice, and the sacred duty to protect nature.”

“Evangelization takes the biggest chunk of the challenge, especially in responding to the ever-growing number of Christian sects that place the church in a constant invitation to learn the faith, defend it, and live it as Catholics.”

The journey of the diocese is not one of nostalgia; rather, it is a mission-driven journey, looking back with gratitude, but we also look forward with trust. Pilgrims are people on the move, people who know they have not arrived yet; not settlers in comfort, but travelers towards the kingdom,” said Archbishop Bendico.

“The golden celebration indeed leaves an invitation to take part in the mission and vision of the church, especially in bringing the good news to everyone, responding proactively to the signs of the times, especially with the onslaught of modern technology.

With this commitment, the church is ready to face the challenges of the years to come and shape the church according to the wisdom of the gospel, docile to the Holy Spirit, and hence building a society that is God-fearing, peace-loving, and works to take care of God’s gift of nature.”