Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon

Diocese of Sorsogon Dioecesis Sorsogonensis Diyosesis kan Sorsogon
Location
Country	Philippines
Territory	Sorsogon
Ecclesiastical province	Caceres
Metropolitan	Caceres
Statistics
Area	2,141.45 km2 (826.82 sq mi)
Population - Total	740,743
Information
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Sui iuris church	Latin Church
Rite	Roman Rite
Established	June 29, 1951
Cathedral	Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul, Apostles
Current leadership
Pope	Francis
Bishop	Arturo Mandin Bastes, SVD, DD
Metropolitan Archbishop	Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, OCD, DD
Vicar General	Felix B. Elegado
Emeritus Bishops	Jesus Varela Bishop Emeritus (1980-2003)
Map
Map of the Philippines with Sorsogon highlighted

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon (Latin: Dioecesis Sorsogonensis) is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The diocese was established in 1951 by the Archdiocese of Caceres, and in 1968, the diocese was subdivided after the Diocese of Masbate separated. The diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Caceres. The present bishop is Most Rev. Arturo M. Bastes, SVD and its vicar general is Rev. Msgr. Felix B. Elegado.

Ordinaries

• Teopisto V. Alberto † (July 10, 1952 - September 7, 1959)
• Arnulfo S. Arcilla † (September 7, 1959 Appointed - December 11, 1979)
• Jesus Y. Varela (November 27, 1980 - April 16, 2003)
• Arturo M. Bastes, SVD (April 16, 2003 – present)

Clergy in the Diocese

• Rev. Fr. Patricio D. Alcantara

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Cumadcad, Castilla, Sorsogon.

• Rev. Fr. Odine L. Areola

Parish Priest, St. Joseph Parish, Gabao, Irosin, Sorsogon

Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member - Diocesan Finance Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Council

President, Veritas College of Irosin Inc.

School Director, St. Bonaventure Academy, Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon

School Director, Academia dela Imaculada Conception de Bulan, Bulan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Carlos D. Babasa

Parish Priest, St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Nestor G. Benavides

Parish Priest, St. James the Greater Parish, Bulusan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Edmon G. Benzon

Executive Vice Rector and Principal, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary High School Department, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

Asst. Director, Diocesan Commission on Media for Evangelization

Vocation Director and Head, Diocesan Vocation Team

Member – GNSFI Board of Trustees

Member - Seminary Board Council

• Rev. Fr. Joel A. Bilan Jr.

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Magallanes, Sorsogon

Asst. Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Family and Human Life

• Rev. Fr. Luis P. Buenaobra

Parish Priest, St. Lawrence the Deacon Parish, Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Joseph B. Buising

Parish Priest, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Polot, Bulan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Erwin Marc D. Chavez

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sorsogon City

• Rev. Fr. Edgar B. Cleofe

Parish Priest, St. Joseph Parish, Barcelona, Sorsogon

Director, Dept. of Migrants

• Rev. Fr. Cecil F. Datar

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sorsogon City

Director, Dept. of Health Care

Member - Diocesan Finance Council

• Rev. Msgr. Gerardo M. Del Prado

Episcopal Vicar, Vicariate of Our Lady Of The Pillar

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Pilar, Sorsogon

Vicar for the Clergy

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – College of Consultors

Member – Judicial Board

• Rev. Fr. Vicente Henry M. Diesta

Diocesan Oeconomus and Finance Officer

Attached Priest, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sorsogon City

House Minister, Home for the Clergy

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Temporalities

Member - GNSFI Board of Trustees

Member - Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member - Diocesan Finance Council

Member - Caritas Sor. Foundation Inc.

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

Member - St. Bonaventure Academy Board of Trustees

Member - Veritas College of Irosin Inc. Board of Trustees

Member - Academia de la Imaculada Concepcion Board of Trustees

• Rev. Fr. Romelio H. Dimaano

Parochial Vicar, Holy Infant Jesus Parish, Matnog, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Rudin G. Din

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Bulan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Ronie H. Dolosa

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Pilar, Sorsogon

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Family and Human Life

• Rev. Msgr. Felix B. Elegado

Vicar General and Moderator Curiae

Rector and Parish Priest, Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Sorsogon City

Vice-Chairperson, Diocesan Pastoral Council

Chief Implementer, DEEP

Head, Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

Member – GNSFI Board of Trustees

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member – College of Consultors

Member - Diocesan Finance Council

Member – Caritas Sor. Foundation Inc.

Member - St. Bonaventure Academy Board of Trustees

Member - Veritas College Of Irosin Inc. Board of Trustees

Member - Academia dela Imaculada Concepcion Board of Trustees

Member – Judicial Board

Member - Seminary Board Council

• Rev. Fr. Roger Joseph B. Erestain Jr.

Rector, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary High School Department, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

Judicial Vicar

Vice-Chancellor

Member – GNSFI Board of Trustees

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – College of Consultors

Member - Diocesan Finance Council

Member – Caritas Sor. Foundation Inc.

Member - Seminary Board Council

• Rev. Fr. Noel F. Espaldon

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Bulan, Sorsogon

Assistant Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Mission

Head, Desk on Ecology and Environment

• Rev. Fr. Jose Arje L. Flestado

Parish Priest: St. Bonaventure Parish, Butag, Sorsogon

Assistant Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Temporalities

• Rev. Fr. Eduardo V. Fulay

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Bulan, Sorsogon

Member – College of Consultors

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

• Rev. Fr. Sabino M. Fulo

Episcopal Vicar, Vicariate of Saint Anthony of Padua

Parish Priest, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Gubat, Sorsogon

Member – College of Consultors

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

• Rev. Fr. Napthali F. Fumera

Parish Priest, St. Raymond Nonnatus Parish, Buenavista, Bacon District, Sorsogon

Director, Department of Prison Welfare

• Rev. Fr. Benedicto F. Furo

Parish Priest, Holy Infant Jesus Parish, Matnog, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Alberto D. Futol

Episcopal Vicar, Vicariate of St. Michael The Archangel

Parish Priest, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Irosin, Sorsogon

Member – College Of Consultors

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

• Rev. Fr. Philippe Andrew B. Gallanosa

Prefect of Discipline, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary High School Department, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Media for Evangelization

General Manager, DZGN FM, DWCB TV11, GN Printing Press

Director, Doctrine of Faith and Morals

Director, Neocatechumenate Movement

Member – Judicial Board

Member – GNSFI Board of Trustees

Member – Seminary Board

Member - Vocation Team

Member – Diocesan Finance Council

• Rev. Fr. Jupe L. Garalde

Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Gubat, Sorsogon

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Education

Director, Department of Catechesis

• Rev. Fr. Rowan E. Gramonte

Dean of Studies, Oeconomus and Professor, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary College Department, Sorsogon City

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Bacon District, Sorsogon City

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Service

Member – Seminary Board

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

Member - Diocesan Vocation Team

• Rev. Fr. Elmer F. Hagos

Parish Priest, Parish of St. Roche, San Roque, Bacon District, Sorsogon City

• Rev. Fr. Rico Gerardo J. Jazmin, SVD

Parochial Vicar, Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Sorsogon City

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Mission

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

• Rev. Fr. Alexander M. Jerus

Parish Priest, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Donsol, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Higinio D. Lagarde

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sorsogon City

• Rev. Fr. Policarpio J. Lagco

Parochial Vicar, Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Sorsogon City

Assistant Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Service

• Rev. Fr. Noel E. Listana

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Pilar, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Antonio G. Lorilla

Chancellor, Diocese of Sorsogon

Diocesan Promoter, San Lorenzo Ruiz Devotion

Ex-Officio Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Ex-Officio Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Ex-Officio Member – College Of Consultors

Ex-Officio Member – Seminary Board Council

Corporate Secretary, GNSFI Board Of Trustees

Corporate Secretary, VERITAS College of Irosin Inc.

Corporate Secretary, St. Bonaventure Academy, Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon

Corporate Secretary, Academia dela Imaculada Concepcion, Bulan, Sorsogon

Corporate Secretary, Caritas Sor. Foundation Inc.

Confessor, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary, Sorsogon City

• Rev. Fr. Raner O. Lucila

Professor , Pastoral Formator and Spiritual Director, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary College Department, Sorsogon City

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Bacon District, Sorsogon City

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Youth

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

Member - Diocesan Vocation Team

Member – Seminary Board

• Rev. Msgr. Reynaldo A. Mabute

Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish, Putiao, Pilar, Sorsogon

Member - Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

• Rev. Fr. Mark Andrew S. Marbella

Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Gubat, Sorsogon

Director, Diocesan Department of Biblical Apostolate

Assistant Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Education

• Rev. Fr. Ernie D. Mendina

Parish Priest, St. Nicolas of Tolentino Parish, Bentuco, Gubat, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Jeffer Ian C. Mina

Parochial Vicar, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Irosin, Sorsogon

• Rev. Msgr. Francisco P. Monje

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Casiguran, Sorsogon

Director, Department of Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue

Member – Seminary Board

• Rev. Fr. Renee John G. Pinero

Episcopal Vicar, Vicariate of Sts. Peter and Paul

Rector, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary College Department, Sorsogon City

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Bacon District, Sorsogon City

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on Worship

Diocesan Liturgist

Member – Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – College Of Consultors

Member – Pastoral Secretariat

Member - Seminary Board Council

• Rev. Fr. Joseph G. Revidad

Parish Priest, St. Raymond Nonnatus Parish, Guinlajon, Sorsogon City

• Rev. Fr. Antonio B. Sardo

Parish Priest, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Juban, Sorsogon

Chairperson, Diocesan Commission on the Laity

Diocesan Director, Marian Devotion

Member – Diocesan Pastoral Council

Member – Pastoral Secretariat

• Rev. Fr. Jose Burt B. Sare

Parish Priest, St. John the Baptist Parish, Castilla, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Joel E. Teruel

Administrator, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Quasi-Parish, Bulan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Roberto T. Traballo

Parochial Vicar, St. James the Greater Parish, Bulusan, Sorsogon

• Rev. Fr. Cyben Laurence S. Vitug

Parochial Vicar, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Irosin, Sorsogon

Director, Historical Commission

Assistant Chairperson, Commission on the Laity

Clergy Outside the Diocese

Diocese of Richmond, Virginia, USA

• Rev. Fr. Esteve D. Antes
• Rev. Fr. Jugene U. Espeleta
• Rev. Fr. George A. Fajardo
• Rev. Fr. Michael M. Imperial

Special Ministry

• Rev. Fr. Librado L. Baluarte

Doctor of Ministry

Secretary for Foreign Correspondence, Based in the US

Sources

• Catholic Church in the Philippines
• The Official Website of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon, Date Accessed: 11 June 2014
• The Official Facebook Page of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon, Date Accessed: 11 June 2014