KAKATHA President gives statement on Fr. Leonel Sumpaico's demise

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: May 22, 2013

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Here is the message given by Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño, President of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. on the demise of Rev. Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. (Mercado):

Filipino

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

Pambansang Dambana at Parokya ni Sta. Ana

Sto. Niño, Hagonoy 3002 Bulakan

  Bilang isang kapwa pari at kapatid na paring taga-Hagonoy, nalulungkot ako na nabawasan kami. Naging isang mabuting pari si P. Leonel "Lenny" Wenceslao Sumpaico  at maraming tao ang naakay niya upang maging mabuting tao at mapalapit sa ating Panginoon. Marami siyang nahubog na kalalakihan para maging mabuting pari. 

  May kasabihan tayo na "Kakaunti ang mga pari at mahirap din magpakapari." Pero parehas na naisabuhay ito ng kapatid nating paring ito at siya'y naging ulirang pari para sa kanyang kapwa pari at sa mga taong kanyang pinaglingkuran. Kaya natitiyak kong ikinalulungkot ng mga paring Heswita ang kanyang pag-alis. 

   Nawa sa pamamagitan ng Panginoon ay marami pa ang maging paring Heswita na tag-Hagonoy tulad niya na ating kababayan.

Rdo. P. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr.

Pangulo

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

English

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne

Sto. Niño, Hagonoy 3002 Bulacan

   As a fellow priest at brother priest from Hagonoy, I am saddened by our loss. Fr. Leonel "Lenny" Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. was a good priest and he brought many in order to be good people and in order for them to come closer to our Lord. He formed many young men in order for them to be good priests. 

  There is a saying that goes like this, "There are few priests and it is also hard to be a priest." However this brother priest of ours has been able to live as both of these. He has been an example for his fellow priests and to the people he has served. I am certain that the Jesuit priests are also saddened by his demise.

   I hope that through our Lord, many more Jesuit priests from Hagonoy may come just like our kababayan.

Rdo. P. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr.

President

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

   

Jesuit Hagonoeño priest dies at 65; buried at SJ Novitiate

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: May 16, 2013

A photograph of the old Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. (Mercado) at the left, and young one at the right. Photograph produced by Philippine Jesuits.

 GUIGUINTO, BULACAN - "He was a big man, but he was also a biker. I've known him has a student and he was a very good one. He really loved helping people that's why he went on to be in the Philippine Jesuit Aid." This was Rev. Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. (Mercado) who was one of the six Jesuit Hagonoeño priests in the country who has recently died at age 65. The statement came form Mrs. Eyra Umali, a classmate of Fr. Sumpaico, also known as Fr. "Lenny" or "Len" at Loyola School of Theology (LST).

   Fr. Lenny was born in 1947, a son of Dr. Joaquin Sumpaico of Mercado, Hagonoy and Illuminada Wenceslao of Pitpitan, Bulakan was already a local of Ateneo de Manila University since he was a member of Ateneo classes ‘61, ‘65, ’69 (elementary, high school and college). After receiving his education at ADMU, he joined the Jesuits together with Jesuit Hagonoeño priest veterans such as Rev. Fr. Simplicio "Sim" Sangalang Sunpayco, S.J. (Mercado), his uncle and Rev. Fr. Antonio Bartolome Bautista, S.J. (Sagrada Familia). His family legacy allowed him to be more active in becoming a missionary priest, being ordained one on June  He was still a young man at the time and was also inclined to sports, especially biking. He was a person of healthy mind and body and he tried as much as he can to give himself for others. He helped with the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines as well as given spiritual exercises with students of the university. His influence has reached many people, some of them from the common places in the city. He was really a person for the poor and was quite inclined to be with them. 

   However a struggle Fr. Lenny had in his life was his fight with cancer. He was diagnosed with it and had to live his few years of ministry with his disease. Fr. Jose Mario C. Francisco, S.J. preached during his wake saying, "Throughout and beyond his many assignments in Jesuit life, and even during the taxing stretch of his disease, he served the dispersed community of his batch mates, their families, their friends and friends of friends. As much as he could, he broke bread with them at Ateneo Rockwell or in their homes, baptized and wedded their children and consoled their dying parents and families. To some burdened with life itself and doubtful of the Faith they first learned at the Ateneo, he spoke the Good News in down-to-earth language with a homey tone. They have been come to Lennie’s wake to pay their respects; they are present tonight. You are here, sad at the loss of your unofficial parish priest but celebrating his ministry and his peace at last."(Fr. Jose Mario C. Francisco, S.J., "Fr. Leonel Sumpaico, S.J.: M&Ms and St. Peter" in Philippine Jesuits). Before his death, one of his nephews was already a Jesuit priest, another KAKATHA member, Rev. Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari Casimiro Sumpaico, III, S.J. (Mercado) who is know Principal at Xavier University High School at Cagayan de Oro City.

   Fr. Lenny died on May 6 at The Medical City. Although his cancer was in remission, his official cause of death was a heart attack. His body was brought to the Oratory of St. Ignatius Loyola at the Loyola House of Studies, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. The Funeral Mass was also done there last May 10 at 8:00 am. The internment was done at the Sacred Heart Novitiate Jesuit Cemetery after the funeral mass, thus his remains shall not be placed at the Libingang Bantayog ng KAKATHA because his congregation has a cemetery for its members. KAKATHA News Admin

Dominican Hagonoeño continues Philippine TV Lenten Tradition

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: March 29, 2013

Rev. Fr. Erasmo "Sonny" Gonzales Ramirez, O.P. (San Jose) has been the pioneer producer of the TV program "Siete Palabras" since the 1980's. This production is still on going and is being shown on television every Good Friday yearly.

QUEZON CITY - Siete Palabras has been a Philippine Lenten tradition simply because it is the remembering of one of the most important event in the history of the Church, the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. This has been done in churches around the Philippines, a reflection before the Veneration of the Cross done at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the traditional belief when the Savior died on the cross. 

    In light of this celebration, the Dominican order wished for this to be stressed during the celebration of Semana Santa (Holy Week) by means of producing a program for which the people may be able to listen well to the Word of God through reflections, which is primarily preaching, the Dominicans' charism. A Hagonoeño priest, Rev. Fr. Erasmo Gonzales Ramirez, O.P. also known as Fr. "Sonny" has been the pioneer and producer of this program for 29 years now. According to the Varstiarian, Fr. Ramirez led the first Siete Palabras airing under "Sharing the City", a program of the Banahaw Broadcast, Inc. After a year, the reference mentioned that the Order of Preachers took responsibility of the program production. In the 1990's the Dominicans headed the production and by then the friars were also able to give reflections to the lay faithful besides fellow lay who are being invited by the order.

   In the last 2013 program, there were seven Siete Palabras preachers: Rev. Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P., an Obando native, Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, O.P., Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., Fr. Tamerlano Lana, O.P., Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.P., Fr. Paul Talavera, O.P. and Fr. Rudolf Seño, O.P. Interviews by the Philippine Daily Inquirer quote that the program has now been in deal with GMA 7 network and airing Philippine television from 12 pm to 3 pm. It is also aired on radio at the Catholic radio network, Veritas 846 AM. The Dominican media board has said that the program has been pushed to also use new media and has thus done so for this present year.

   This tradition will live on as long as people are able to stand for it. A huge thanks is given to Fr. Sonny Ramirez for his efforts for building such a means for preaching. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priest awarded for organizing in Malolos Golden Jubilee

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: March 10, 2012

The Diocese of Malolos awards Rev. Msgr. Andres Santos Valera, H.P., Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee of the Diocese of Malolos. The award was announced by Rev. Fr. Renato B. Brion, Jr., First Vice Chancellor and given to Msgr. Valera by Rev. Msgr. Pablo F. Legaspi, Jr., P.C., Chancellor.

 MALOLOS CITY - Last March 11, 2013, the Diocese of Malolos celebrated its closing ceremonies for its Golden Jubilee. The Holy Eucharist was done at the Immaculate Conception Parish - Cathedral and Minor Basilica and was presided over by the Most. Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D., Vice President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. The clergy, religious and lay faithful were there to join hands in prayer and thanksgiving for the one-year celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Malolos.

   During this one-year celebration, preparations have been made especially for the monthly jubilee days and the special events set up for the celebration. The head of the preparations was the Golden Jubilee Committee headed by our very own Rev. Msgr. Andres Santos Valera, H.P. (San Jose) who is also Vicar General of the Diocese. Msgr. Valera has given much of his time, effort and even resources for the good of the celebration of the Diocese. 

   This was why the Diocese wanted to express its gratitude by presenting an award to Msgr. Valera for his hardwork during the past year. He was given a framed yobel, a ram's horn which was used for the call to jubilation during the whole year celebration. Another award like this was also given to the Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos for his enduring efforts as father of the Diocese.

     Msgr. Valera has continually supported the Diocese as well as the seminary where is currently the rector. His service is a sign of the good will of Hagonoeño priests for their apostolate to the Church. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priest in Parañaque celebrates 40 years in Priesthood

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: January 13, 2013

Rev. Msgr. Jose Cuneta Bernardo, Jr., H.P., former Vicar General of the Diocese of Parañaque is embraced by the Most. Rev. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D., Archbishop of Manila during the celebration of his 40th anniversary as a priest at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Bel-Air, Makati City.

MAKATI CITY - Last January 13, 2013, many of the faithful celebrated for 40 years in the ministry of one of Hagonoy's priests outside the Malolos Diocese. Rev. Msgr. Jose Cuneta Bernardo, Jr., H.P., also known as "Msgr. Chito" held the mass for his 40th sacerdotal anniversary at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bel-Air Makati where he was assigned before becoming a member of the Diocese of Parañaque. The celebration was attended by many priests, including His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D., Archbishop of Manila who was the homilist during the celebration. Other bishops who came to the celebration were the Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosalez, Parañaque Bishop Jesse E. Mercado, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr. and Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert C. Vergara. 

     Msgr. Chito has been a man committed to service through the ministry of pastoral care for the priests of the Church. He has been taking care of priests and lay faithful as Vicar General of the Diocese of Parañaque. As Vicar General, he was a caring for the good administration of his beloved Diocese. He was also made Executive Secretary of the CBCP Commission on the Clergy, this making him a key player in the formation of priests in the country. He has worked under the then chairmen, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, D.D., then Archbishop of Cebu and His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D., then Archbishop of Manila. He is greatly known with the ASSIST program which was concretized through the establishment of the St. John Marie Vianney Galilee Development and Retreat Center. Through this, there was a center for which priests can find "their Galilee" and be in peace for the sake of their service for the Lord. His service for the clergy has also been seen through his help in the establishment of the National Congress for the Clergy that started in 2004 and continued a second time in 2010.

     Last 2010, his efforts have been recognized during the Academic Convocation of Ateneo de Manila University and gave him the Bukas Palad Award in memory of Fr. Manuel Peypoch, S.J. This award is a sign of the many years he has given for the ministry of the Church for all the people. KAKATHA News Admin

This video is from the Ateneo de Manila University for 

Msgr. Jose Cuneta Bernardo, Jr., H.P. for the Bukas

Palad Award in memory of Fr. Manuel Peypoch, S.J.

Hagonoeeño Priest honored in new Catholic Hagonoeño Issue

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: January 13, 2013

This was the cover page for the Special Issue of
Catholic Hagonoeño: Looking into the Catholic Heritage
of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines
(www.catholichagonoeno.blogspot.com)

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Catholic Hagonoeño: Looking into the Catholic Heritage of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines has published online a new issue, the fifth one for the year 2012. This issue features the Golden Jubilarian, Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. This issue contains several messages and articles concerning the man who was for many of the faithful, a true humble priest of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

   The Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos gave his message to Msgr. Manlapig saying, "The past five decades in the ministry of Msgr. Teng reflect the many years of frutiful and meaningful service to God and to His people. His fifty years of being a priest mirror the very action of Jesus in the Eucharist. Every priest just like the bread and wine is taken, broken and given in the sacrifice of the mass. Msgr. Teng was taken from his comfort zone fifty years ago to be molded and fashinoed in the very image of Jesus Christ, the High Priest." Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., President Emeritus of KAKATHA said that many were proud of Msgr. Manlapig, saying "No-nonsense in his pastoral commitment and forthright in expressing his mind, he cares deeply for his KAKATHA brothers and fellow priests." Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr., President of KAKATHA said in Filipino, "Si Fr. Teng ay hindi naman perpektong pari, hindi rin siya perpektong tao, ngunit siya ay isang napakatiyaga at napakapasensyosong kapwa-pari at kapwa-tao." (Fr. Teng is not a perfect priest, he is also not a prefect person, but he is a hardworking and patient fellow priest and fellow person.) 

    Also contained in this issue are the speeches made during his Golden Jubilee celebration, primarily by him and his brother Icasiano. Also included is a video made by the Holy Rosary Parish group that contains messages from the vicars that serves with him. Finally, the CH staff also uploaded the pictures both from his celebrations of the Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee and his Solemn Investiture as Capellano di Sui Santita (Chaplain of His Holiness). Truly Msgr. Manlapig is a man of great virtue, a man of God. KAKATHA News Admin

Two Hagonoeño Priests invested as Monsignori

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: January 7, 2013

Nine monsignori were invested by the Most. Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos; one as a Honorary Prelate (H.P.) and eight as Papal Chaplains (P.C.). Two Hagonoeño priests were given the title Papal Chaplain: Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. (Sta. Monica) and Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C. (Sta. Monica). Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.

MALOLOS CITY - Last January 7, 2012, the Holy See awarded nine priests of the Diocese of Malolos as monsignori, one with the title of Prelato Honorio di Sui Santita (Honorary Prelate of His Holiness) and eight with the title Capellano di Sui Santita (Chaplain of His Holiness). Two of the Capellanos are from Hagonoy, Bulacan: Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. (Sta. Monica) and Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C. (Sta. Monica).

Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. is given the
declaration of his being a monsignor by the Most. Rev. Jose F.
Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos.

     Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. was the recent celebrant of 50 years in priestly ministry last December 22, 2012. He shall be retiring from active parish work on June of 2012. Yet because of his good shepherding as a priest in his 50 years in the ministry, the title has been given to him upon recommendation of the bishop by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as a gift. It was recognition for the many years that this humble Hagonoeño priest has been an inspiration to his fellow brother priests, to the lay faithful and to the entire Church of Malolos. Although at 75 years in age, Msgr. Teng is truly a person whose importance is not to be disregarded. He remains to be a unique and remarkable priest of Hagonoy.

Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, Episcopal
Vicar of the Southern District, during the
celebration of the Solemn Investiture of new
monsignori.

     Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C. has been Episcopal Vicar for the Southern District of the Diocese of Malolos for about three years. He celebrated his 25 years as a priest last 2010 with his classmate Rev. Fr. Ronald Cruz Ortega (Sta. Monica). He was one of the episcopal vicars, thus being recognized as one of the efficient administrators in the Diocese. He is at present Parish Priest of Sto. Cristo in Marulas, Valenzuela City and is reported to come back to Hagonoy monthly. Her mother (at the backdrop of the image) is currently the Vice President of the Hagonoy Comitium (Legion of Mary) and is still very active in parish work. Besides his administrative affairs in the Diocese and in the parish, Msgr. Trillana is also in charge of a foundation. He is currently Chairman of the Eucharistic Heart Foundation, Inc. currently located at the Msgr. Virgilio C. Soriano Bldg. in Malolos City. This foundation takes care of the education of seminarians and other concerns for the Diocese. 

    These two monsignori have been a pride of the town of Hagonoy for their remarkable service as ministers for the lay faithful in persona Christi. KAKATHA News Admin

Photo Galleries:

Msgr. Trillana (Click this link)

Msgr. Manlapig (Click this link) 

Hagonoeño Priest celebrates Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: December 22, 2012

The clergy of Malolos and other guest concelebrants with the Golden Jubilarian, Rev. Fr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig (Sta. Monica) at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Maysan, Valenzuela City.Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.

VALENZUELA CITY - Last December 22, 2012, Rev. Fr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig (Sta. Monica), the oldest active priest in the Diocese of Malolos and Vice President Emeritus of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. celebrated his 50 years as a priest. It has been a blessing according to Malolos Bishop Jose F. Oliveros for Fr. Manlapig also known as "Fr. Teng" because he has celebrated his 50th year as a priest during the 50th year of the Diocese of Malolos. Because of this, it meant that he became a priest just after the creation of the Malolos Diocese. 

Fr. Teng seated at center stage at the Plaza
Sofia during his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee. At
the backdrop are the patrons for the parishes
where he was assigned in his years as a
Diocesan priest of Malolos.
Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.

   The celebration was attended by several priests from the Diocese of Malolos, most especially by all the parochial vicars who assisted him in the parishes he was sent to. This was because Fr. Teng was known to be a good father to the faithful and a remarkable priest who was always there for his brothers. Three bishops came to celebrate with him: Malolos Bishop Jose F. Oliveros, Malolos Bishop Emeritus Cirilo R. Almario, Jr. and Kalookan Bishop Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr. Among the lay faithful, almost all the parishoners he had from the different parishes came. Fr. Manlapig was assigned in several parishes: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Barasoain, Malolos City), St. Didacus of Alcala (Polo, Valenzuela City), St. Paschal Baylon (Obando), St. Michael the Archangel (Dampol, Plaridel), St. John of God (San Rafael), Our Lady of the Assumption (Bulakan) and the last, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Maysan, Valenzuela City). Parishoners from these communities have been able to attend with joy to celebrate with their parish priest for a number of years.

     The reception for the celebration was done at Plaza Sofia, only a couple of blocks away from the parish church. There the lay faithful had lunch with the celebrant and greeted him by group. One of the those who greeted him was his only left brother, Icasiano who was then living in Antipolo with his family. Fr. Manlapig was delightfully happy of all the blessings that have come to him for all this years in the priesthood. June 2013 shall be the last year in his term of office of Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish in Valenzuela and by then he shall be retiring as he is already 75 years of age. KAKATHA News Admin

Photo Album: (Click this link)

Hagonoeño Bishop died at age 92; buried at San Pablo Diocese

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: November 26, 2012

SAN PABLO CITY - Last November 20, 2012, Hagonoy's last living bishop as of this era has been received by the Father in heaven. The Most Rev. Pedro Natividad Bantigue, D.D., Bishop of Emeritus of the Diocese of San Pablo and President Emeritus of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) died at the age of 93, making him then the oldest bishop in the country. 

     He was a great helper of the people and of his brother priests through his efforts to guide them. As a priest, he became pastor of three parishes, the third being the famous Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. He private secretary of three Archbishops of Manila, the third being His Eminence Rufino J. Cardinal Santos, D.D., the prelate who ordained him bishop. As Auxiliary Bishop of Manila he was the pride of the town of Hagonoy and became an efficient administrator for the Archdiocese. Due to his expertise in Canon Law, he became a Filipino delegate together with the Most. Rev. Manuel P. del Rosario, D.D., first bishop of Malolos to the Second Vatican Council (1962 - 1965) which dealt on the reforms for the Church in the Modern World. Later in 1967, he was appointed as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna. 

    As first bishop of San Pablo, he established institutions and invited congregations to flourish in the Diocese. He was able to nourish the clergy by building a seminary that has a theologate. He was bishop of San Pablo for 28 years, retiring in 1995. Even after retirement, he is still an active member of the clergy and stayed with the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Face of Jesus in their convent at San Antonio in San Pablo city. Last November he was sent to the hospital due to sickness brought by old age. He died on November 20, according to San Pablo Diocese Vicar General Msgr. Melchor Barcenas said, "His Excellency surrendered himself totally to God after suffering from obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, acute renal failure on top of chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy."

    During his wake, Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr. (San Jose) represented the priests of Hagonoy who had a mass in remembrance of him at the Resurrection Chapel at the San Pablo Cathedral compound. On November 26, his funeral, bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful came together to remember this man who was considered a good shepherd to his flock. He shall be remembered as a father to many Catholics, a pride of the faithful of Hagonoy, Bulacan. Bishop Bantigue was buried in the cathedral crypt of San Pablo in respect of his being bishop of the said diocese. KAKATHA News Admin

Links:

1.   Diocese of San Pablo (Click this link)

2.  Catholic Hagonoeño: Looking into the Catholic Heritage of Hagonoy, Bulacan,   

     Philippines

     a.  Life and Priestly Ministry (Click this link)

     b.  Interview (Click this link)

     c.  Portfolio - Wake (Click this link)

Hagonoeño Priests remembered on Solemnity for All Souls; Updated List installed at Libingang Bantayog

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: November 3, 2012

The new list of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. produced by the Catholic Hagonoeño Online Magazine Research Team for the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. and the Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo  Foundation, Inc.

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Several relatives of deceased priests of Hagonoy have come back to visit the Libingang Bantayog ng KAKATHA which contains the remains of the priests of Hagonoy who have met their Lord. From October 30 to November 2, families of the deceased priests went to the Libingang Bantayog, offering candles and prayers for the souls of their dear relatives who are brothers of Christ in the priestly ministry. 

     Last November 2, 2012 a congregation gathered in the Libingang Bantayog for a mass in remembrance of the deceased priests. The number of 40 deceased priests of Hagonoy was prayed over by the faithful together with Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., (San Jose) Chairman of the Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo Foundation, Inc. (MJBAF) and President Emeritus of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) Msgr. Vengco was assisted by Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño), incumbent President of KAKATHA and Rev. Fr. Joselito Robles Martin (San Sebastian), a very supportive Hagonoeño priest who comes home regularly for celebrations in Hagonoy. The priests gave their prayers for the deceased priests as well as blessed their tombs and osuaries at the end of the mass.

    Besides this, the Catholic Hagonoeño Online Magazine Research Team has produced the name list of updated names for the list in the Libingang Bantayog. The list was installed in the Libingang Bantayog last November 3, 2012 and the research team ensured that this shall be updated regularly with names being removed and added when a Hagonoeño priest died or is added to the list of the living. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priest returns for Sto. Rosario 60th Fiesta

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: October 7, 2012

Rev. Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe (Sto. Rosario), left concelebrates during the mass for the 60th anniversary of the parish of Sto. Rosario. The mass was also concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Quirico L. Cruz, Parish Priest of Sto. Rosario and was presided over by the Most. Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D., Bishopof Kalookan. Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.  

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Last October 7, 2012, the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario celebrated its 60th anniversary since its foundation in 1952. A mass was celebrated in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary at the church of Sto. Rosario with the Most. Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D. presiding. Among the concelebrants was one of the pioneer priests of the Diocese and native of Sto. Rosario, Rev. Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe. (Please see his story, click this link)

    Although almost blind, the veteran priest was still able to come to the town of Hagonoy, to his barrio of Sto. Rosario in order to celebrate with the people of parish. His attendance to the celebration has been a delight of the people, especially of the Hermano Mayor of the celebration, Hon. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Governor of Bulacan and Sto. Rosario native. The governor gave his thanks to the priests and the bishop for their support for the celebration.

    Fr. Bernabe is no longer living in Hagonoy but with his sister in Sta. Monica Subdivision in  Plaridel, Bulacan. He has decided to live their due to his health condition and in order to have access to immediate hospital care. KAKATHA News Admin. 

Msgr. Aguinaldo commemorated after much flooding

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: August 25, 2012

Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose)
Chairman of the Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo Foundation,
Inc. giving his homily in honor of Rev. Msgr. Jose
Bernabe Aguinaldo, P.A. (San Pascual)  
Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.

HAGONOY, BULACAN - The Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo Foundation, Inc. (MJBAF) headed by Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose) has celebrated annually the day of commemoration in honor of Rev. Msgr. Jose Bernabe Aguinaldo, P.A. () of San Pascual, former Parish Priest and Rector of the National Shrine of St. Anne, First President of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) and founder of the foundation named after him. This is usually done on the 11th of August, Memorial of St. Claire of Assisi, Msgr. Aguinaldo's death anniversary. However the celebration last August 2012 has been pushed to a latter day in the month due to the intense floods brought by the Typhoon Pedring that has submerged much of Hagonoy's area and even reached to the eastern borders of the town of Paombong, Bulacan.

  After much efforts that brought about distribution of relief goods and clothes, the faithful of Hagonoy were able to prepare for the day of commemoration on the 25th of August. During the mass, the foundation not only held the commemoration but it also initiated an annual award for catechists who have dedicated themselves for the good of the Church in the Vicariate of Hagonoy. Msgr. Vengco announced the first recipients of the Gawad Parangal para sa mga Katekista. (Click this link to see the list of recipients) 

    The Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo Foundation, Inc. has envisioned to continue this effort as it has made its mission to help these catechists, teachers in the Church who are ever supportive of the priests of Hagonoy, Bulacan. KAKATHA News Admin.

New List of Hagonoeño Priests Directory Released

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: August 25, 2012

A piece of the Eighth Batingaw Issue featuring the three new priests
enlisted in the updated directory: 1.) Rev. Fr. Ernesto Sabino Ablaza,
MSP (Mercado), 2.) Rev. Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari Casimiro Sumpaico, III,
S.J. (Mercado) and 3.) Rev. Fr. Eisen John Matreo Cruz (Sta. Monica)

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Once again, an updated list of the member of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) has been released through the newsletter Batingaw. Batingaw is the official  publication of the Msgr. Jose B. Aguinaldo Foundation, Inc. (MJBAF) that helps KAKATHA in the updating of the list as well as other matters in relation to the Libingang Bantayog ng KAKATHA, the priests' cemetery behind the National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne in Hagonoy.

   This new updated list has been joint effort of the MJBAF and the Catholic Hagonoeño Social Communications Group Research Team led by Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban. The list comprises directory of the living priests containing their present assignment, personal profile and contacts. It also includes the names and details of the deceased priests and also those who have left the priesthood. (Click this link to see the updated list)

    Among those who have been added into the new list are three new priests. The first, Rev. Fr. Ernesto Sabino Ablaza is a member of the Mission Society of the Philippines, son of Silverio Ablaza of Calumpit, Bulacan and Francisco Sabino of Mercado, Hagonoy, Bulacan. He is currently a spiritual director for MSP seminarians in Tagaytay City. The second, Rev. Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari Casimiro Sumpaico, III is a member of the Society of Jesus, son of Joaquin W. Sumpaico, Jr. of Mercado, Hagonoy and Lourdes M. Casimiro of Pitpitin, Bulacan, Bulacan. He is currently the principal of the high school department of Xavier Univeristy in Cagayan de Oro City. The third, Rev. Fr. Eisen John Matreo Cruz is a priest of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, son of Edmudo Cruz of Mexico, Pampanga and Josefina Matreo of Sta. Monica, Hagonoy. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City pastored by the Most Rev. Pablo S. David, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. 

  As priests continue to add up in the updated list, may this be a sign of the legacy of the priestly vocations in the town of Hagonoy, Bulacan. KAKATHA News Admin 

Retired Hagonoeño Priest visited by Seminarians

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: August 23, 2012

Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe has
been a priest for 49 years. He shall be
celebrating his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee
in 2013.

PLARIDEL, BULACAN - Last August 23, 2012 the class of the fourth year college seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary's Philosophy Department had its annual Dalaw Pari as a partial requirement for their class on Priestly Spirituality and Discernment. Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban (San Pedro) is a member of this class and he was the one who contacted for Rev. Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe, a native of Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

      Fr. Bernabe received the class in his home at Sta. Monica Subdivision in Sto. Niño, Plaridel, Bulacan. The group chatted with Fr. Bernabe on his vocation story and how he was able to move from place to place in his priestly ministry. In line with what he said, he began as one the pioneer priests of the Diocese of Malolos when it was established in 1962. He served as a parochial vicar in the Diocese of Malolos until one of the Hagonoeño priests, Rev. Fr. Tranquilino Castro Cruz (Sta. Monica), a military chaplain with the rank of general who was then President of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. asked him to enter the Military Ordinariate. Fr. Bernabe served as a military chaplain for about 20 years. When he decided to retire, he wished to go back to Bulacan, yet he was invited by the Most Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop of Kalookan (former Auxiliary Bishop of Malolos) to serve in his Diocese. With this he was assigned as an associate priest at San Jose de Navotas Parish. After his stay in that Diocese he spent his later years of retirement in Bulacan where the diocesan clergy of Malolos welcomed him back with open arms.

     Yet a grave part of Fr. Bernabe's life is his struggle with his eyes which have left him completely unable to see. At present his family is able to help him for his needs and they come together for the Holy Eucharist, for which Fr. Bernabe is able to do with the help of his sister dictating the prayers to him. Truly Fr. Bernabe's life is a testament of faith for all the years that he has struggled with the challenges that he had made him more holy.

     The Dalaw Pari of the Philosophy IV class was a success with Fr. Bernabe's family who prepared a meal for the seminarians in light of Fr. Bernabe's 76th birthday that was to be celebrated the next day, feast of St. Bartholomew to whom Fr. Bernabe is named. This event was a remarkable vision of the fatherly love of a Hagonoeño priest. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priests give talks on Jubilee for the Elderly

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: July 28, 2012

The two priests of Hagonoy who gave their respective talks during the Jubilee day for the Elderly of the Diocese of Malolos: Rev. Msgr. Andres Santos Valera, H.P. (Top) who gave a Jubilee umbrella souvenir to an elderly woman and Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (bottom) who is giving his speech on the value of the elderly in the Church. Photos from Catholic Hagonoeño.

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Two days after the feast of St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patroness of Hagonoy, the town celebrated with the whole diocese the Jubilee for the Elderly. This was one of the mini-Jubilee celebrations during the year of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Malolos. The said celebration was done in the National Shrine of St. Anne in Hagonoy in honor of the saints who are the patron saints for the elderly. This celebration was hosted by Rev. Msgr. Luciano C. Balagtas, Parish Priest and Shrine Rector and Rev. Fr. Francisco G. Carson, Spiritual Director of the Apostolado ng Panalangin. 

     Among the activities for the celebration were talks about the fellowship of the elderly with the Church and the Theology of Aging. Two Hagonoeño priests gave their respective talks during the said celebration: Rev. Msgr. Andres Santos Valera, H.P. (San Jose), Vicar General of the Diocese of Malolos who gave the Keynote Address and Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose), chairman of the Kadiwa sa Pagkapari Foundation, Inc. whose ministry is for the care for old and sick diocesan priests. Both speakers were considered as giants of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, the former a renowned liturgist and the latter a renowned theologian and mariologist. 

    In Msgr. Vengco's address, he said that "Kailangan malaman natin na kahit tayo ay nasa bahagi na ito ng buhay, hindi pa tayo nawawalay sa ating pamayanan, sa ating simbahan. Nawa tayo ang magmistulang mga ilaw na gumagabay tungo sa ikauunlad, ikagaganda ng ating Santa Iglesya." (We need to know that even if are already in this part of our life, we are not separated from our community, from our Church. I hope we may all be lights that guide the Church to its development and beauty.) This message to the elderly is a sign of the care of Hagonoeños for their elderly. (Click this link for details of the celebration) KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeños concelebrate at Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim

KAKATHA News Events 2012

Dated: July 26, 2012

Priests of Hagonoy as well as others who were assigned in the shrine of St. Anne concelebrated with the Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos. Among the priests from Hagonoy were Rev. Fr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig (Sta. Monica), Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana (Sta. Monica), Rev. Fr. Manuel Martin Manicad (San Sebastian) and Rev. Fr. Joshua Cruz Panganiban (San Pascual). Photo from Catholic Hagonoeño.

 HAGONOY, BULACAN - It has been a tradition for Hagonoeño priests to come home to Hagonoy on or before the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In previous years the priests were able to gather together for a brother-priests' reunion. At present, they were able to meet each other as they joined the celebration of the Misa Mayor during the feast day. 

    During the 2012 celebration of the feast of St. Anne, who is known as the Apo Ana de Hagonoy, a number of priests have been present during the Misa Mayor at the National Shrine of St. Anne at 8:30 in the morning. Among those present were Sta. Monica natives Rev. Fr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig and Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, San Sebastian native Rev. Fr. Manuel Martin Manicad and San Pascual native Rev. Fr. Joshua Cruz Panganiban.

  During the said mass, the Diocese of Malolos once again presented a plaque of recognition to Fr. Manlapig because of his upcoming Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee on December 22, 2012. Also the hermanos mayores of the celebration; Hon. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Governor of Bulacan and Hon. Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado, Representative of Bulacan's first district, both Sto. Rosario natives, gave their greetings of thanks for the Hagonoeño priests that came as well as those from the Malolos clergy. (Click this link for full details of the celebration) KAKATHA News Admin