Diocese of Sorsogon celebrates 450th Anniversary of Luzon Evangelization

Archbishop Gabrielle Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines led the Pilgrimage Mass commemorating the 450th anniversary of the beginning of Evangelization in Luzon. Organized by the Diocese of Sorsogon led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, DD, the Eucharistic Celebration was held at Sitio Gibalon, Brgy. Siuton, Magallanes, Sorsogon on October 19, 2019.

Also present were Most Rev. Jose Bantolo, DD, Bishop of Masbate, Most Rev. Manolo de los Santos, DD, Bishop of Virac, Fr. Andrew Rivera, OSA, provincial head of the Augustinian Order, Sorsogon clergy and visiting priests.

Four hundred and fifty years ago, Spanish Augustinian missionaries led by Fray Alonso Jimenez arrived in Gibalon village in 1569. They found the people welcoming and started the work of evangelization in the area. They built a small chapel made of bamboo and nipa during that year and celebrated the very first Holy Mass in Luzon.

A re-enactment and dramatization of the arrival of the Augustinian missionaries greeted the guests upon arrival through a stage performance by the Sorsoganons.

The Papal Nuncio, in his homily said he hopes the faith introduced to the people by Fr. Jimenez and their forefathers centuries ago, will always remain and be strengthened. Furthermore, he said: “Let us give thanks today to the Lord for the first who came here and passed on their faith. Let us give thanks for all the people close to us [who] gave us the faith they have received.” /msb

October 19, 2019, Magallanes, Sorsogon. A Pilgrimage Mass in commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the beginning of Evangelization in Luzon was held at Sitio Gibalon, Brgy. Siuton, Magallanes, Sorsogon. His Grace Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines was the main celebrant. Bishop Arturo Bastes, DD, of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Bishop Jose Bantolo, DD of the Diocese of Masbate, the clergy of Sorsogon diocese and visiting priests concelebrated.