Article by: Kat Galdo Diaz
CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO — In a historic religious event on August 7, 2026, the local Church of Oriental Mindoro marked a momentous milestone with the canonical erection of the Diocese of Calapan and the solemn installation of its first Bishop, Most Rev. Moises M. Cuevas, D.D.
Ground-breaking; Years in the making
Back then the Catholic community in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, existed in a state of spiritual “ground-breaking”. While the province s celebrated for its natural beauty, it is also a land defined by its resilience. Facing a constant barrage of typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and the environmental pressures of mining, the region’s vulnerability kept it under the direct missionary care of the Holy See.
A Legacy of Resilience (1936–1997)
The journey began in 1936 when Calapan was established as an Apostolic Prelature under the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD). Led initially by Bishop William Finneman, SVD as the Apostolic Prefect. And in 1951 Pope Pius XII through his Papal bull established the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan where Bishop Wilhelm Josef Duschak, SVD was appointed as the First Apostolic Vicar followed by Bishop Simeon Valerio, SVD.
For 15 years, the SVDs spent decades laying the foundation of faith amidst the literal and figurative storms of the province. They steered the community through its early challenges, followed by three more SVD bishops who nurtured the region’s spiritual growth while navigating its high-risk geographic profile.
The Shift to Local Leadership (1997–2023)
The landscape of the local church began to shift significantly in 1997 when Bishop Warlito Cajandig was appointed as the first Apostolic Vicariate’s Bishop. His 27-year tenure was marked by a deep commitment to the marginalized, specifically focusing on the Mangyan Tribes, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and Social Action & Disaster Preparations
New Chapter: The Diocese of Calapan
Following the passing of Bishop Cajandig, Bishop Moises M. Cuevas took the responsibility in 2023. As the new shepherd of Calapan, his focus was to grow to a Synodal Church from a Missionary Church setting the motion from a Vicariate to a Diocese.
In March 2026, Under Bishop Cuevas’ leadership, the long-awaited transition finally arrived. Pope Leo XIV formally elevated the Apostolic Vicariate to a Diocese. While an Apostolic Vicariate is a missionary territory subject to the Holy See, a Diocese represents a “mature” church—one that is self-sufficient and ready to lead its own flock. The elevation signifies that Calapan is no longer a mission area; it is a pillar of the faith, ready to stand on its own as a local Catholic church.
The Pontifical Mass of Canonical Erection and Installation was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Joining the faithful in the celebration were roughly 30 Bishops and numerous priests from neighboring provinces despite the continuous heavy rain
Key Moments of the Rite
- Rites of Reception: As Bishop Cuevas officially arrived at Sto. Nino Cathedral, Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D., Archbishop of Lipa, presented him with the crucifix to kiss. Bishop Cuevas then sprinkled the nearby faithful with holy water, symbolically marking his official entry and pastoral possession as the diocese’s first Bishop.
Before his appointment to Calapan, Bishop Cuevas previously served the Archdiocese of Zamboanga from 2020 to 2023 and then became the Apostolic Vicar of Calapan in 2023 prior to the Vicariate’s elevation into the Diocese.
- Reading of the Papal Bull: The official Decree of Erection and Papal Bull of Appointment were read aloud to the assembly by Rev. Fr. Nestor Julao Adalia, the former Apostolic Administrator before Bishop Cuevas took over as Apostolic Vicar in 2023..
- Taking Possession of the Cathedra: Archbishop Brown and Archbishop Garcera led Bishop Cuevas to the cathedra (the bishop’s official chair). As he took his seat, the Cathedral bells rang out simultaneously with church bells across the entire newly formed diocese, signaling the joyous beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic faithful of Oriental Mindoro.
- Unveiling of Coat of arms and Mission Statement of the Diocese: Towards the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Bp. Cuevas and some Clergy from the Diocese of Calapan unveiled the official Coat of Arms and the new Mission statement of the Diocese
In his inaugural homily as the first Bishop of Calapan, Bishop Cuevas reflected on the mission from where it started to the journey ahead, emphasizing unity, pastoral care, and dignity.
“As a church, the mission is always on the journey; we are becoming a Diocese to further expand the mission of Christ, deepen our faith, serve the poor, guide the youth, accompany the Mangyans (tribes in Mindoro), defend the dignity of every person and family, uphold justice and peace, and care for our common home.“
He further invites the peoples to embrace the invitation of Pope Leo XIV: “With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a church. A sign of unity, a missionary church.”
In the middle of his homily, a sudden magnitude 5.8 earthquake was felt in the nearby province Occidental Mindoro, the faithful remained calm and steadfast exhibiting their firm zeal and faith as Bishop Cuevas continued his homily ending with both hope and a challenge:
“Therefore, becoming a Diocese means being more fully sent out as a missionary community journeying together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
As Bishop Cuevas takes his place as the first Bishop of the newly elevated Diocese, the people of Calapan celebrate more than just a change in title. They celebrate an era of endurance, a commitment to the indigenous, and a faith that has proven to be as unshakable as the mountains of Mindoro.
Spiritual Resolution: Standing Firm in the Storms of Life
The faithful of Oriental Mindoro have demonstrated what it means to build a Church on the solid rock of Christ, standing firm through literal typhoons and earthquakes. As we reflect on this historic milestone for the Diocese of Calapan, let us respond with a renewed commitment to our own spiritual foundations.
We encourage to integrate the following into our daily life:
Seek God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Confession to fortify your soul against the spiritual tremors of daily life. Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration this week, thanking God for the gift of His Real Presence and praying for the newly established Diocese of Calapan and its shepherd, Bishop Cuevas. Pray the Holy Rosary, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to protect your family and your local parish community from all harm. Actively participate in the Holy Mass, receiving the Eucharist with the fervor and gratitude of someone who knows the true value of the Sacraments. Finally, take time for reflection on Sacred Scripture. Read Matthew 7:24-25: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Let this verse fortify your courage in times of trial.
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