New Diocese of Prosperidad Established in Mindanao by Vatican
In a significant move that highlights the ongoing growth of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, the Vatican has announced the creation of a new diocese in Mindanao, specifically the Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur. This decision, revealed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on October 15, 2024, marks an important milestone for the region, which has been yearning for ecclesiastical leadership tailored to its local needs.
Pope Francis has appointed Ruben Labajo, currently the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, as the first bishop of this newly established diocese. Labajo, who has been actively involved in the Catholic community, was ordained a priest for the Cebu archdiocese on June 10, 1994, and took on the role of auxiliary bishop in June 2022. His elevation to bishop of Prosperidad reflects his dedication to service and leadership within the Church.
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The Diocese of Prosperidad is now the 87th diocese in the Philippines and will function as a suffragan diocese of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. Previously, Agusan del Sur was part of the Diocese of Butuan, which has now been restructured to cover only Agusan del Norte. The decision to create this new diocese was initiated by a petition from Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla of Butuan, who identified the need for a distinct ecclesiastical jurisdiction to cater to the growing Catholic population in the region.
Prosperidad, the capital town of Agusan del Sur, is situated in a mountainous area of the Caraga region. This new diocese will serve a substantial Catholic community, with nearly 800,000 residents, of which approximately 486,000 are Catholics. The diocese encompasses 26 parishes, one quasi-parish, and three mission stations, supported by a dedicated clergy of 32 diocesan priests, 29 religious priests, and six religious sisters. This structure is crucial in addressing the spiritual needs and pastoral care of the local Catholic community.
The establishment of the Diocese of Prosperidad is not just an administrative change; it represents a deep commitment to enhancing the spiritual life of the people in Agusan del Sur. By decentralizing the Diocese of Butuan, the Vatican acknowledges the unique cultural and spiritual dynamics of this region, ensuring that the faithful receive the pastoral attention they deserve. The new diocese promises to strengthen the Church's presence in Mindanao, fostering a more engaged and vibrant Catholic community.
As Bishop Labajo prepares to lead the Diocese of Prosperidad, his leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Church in this part of Mindanao. With his extensive background and experience, he is well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact that this new ecclesiastical structure will bring, not only to the local Catholic faithful but also to the broader community in Agusan del Sur.
So, the creation of the Diocese of Prosperidad is a testament to the Catholic Church's ongoing mission to adapt and respond to the needs of its followers. With Pope Francis's support and the appointment of Bishop Labajo, the faithful in Agusan del Sur can look forward to a renewed spiritual journey, grounded in local leadership and enriched by the Catholic faith's values.
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