Shepherds of the South: The Batangueno Bishops and Their Enduring Legacy

"I will give you shepherds after my own heart..."
Source: https://www.crossofgrace.org/sermonblog/2018/4/23/d1pbbjy1nm7avmdei1d1s7kzm42rzf

In the Book of Jeremiah, God promises his people, "Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding..." (cf Jeremiah 3:15).  This divine assurance speaks of leaders who embody God's compassion, wisdom and providence.  This promise finds fulfillment in the lives of our bishops, whom God has called to become good shepherds to the people of God, to the flock entrusted to their care.

The Archdiocese of Lipa comprises the civil province of Batangas which is known for its rich cultural heritage and deep Catholic faith. The province has been the cradle of a number of ecclesiastical leaders who has helped shape the Philippine Church.  Among these are Venerable Alfredo Maria Obviar, the first Batangueno bishop, Bishop Leoncio Lat, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, Bishop Salvador Quizon, Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., and Bishop Moises Cuevas.  Each in their unique way, has embodied the Batangueno spirit - marked by deep faith, courage, resilience and a commitment to service.

Venerable Alfredo Maria Obviar:  The Catechist Bishop

Venerable Alfredo Maria Aranda Obviar, 
First Batangueno Bishop.
Source:  Ven. Alfredo Maria Aranda Obviar FB Page

Venerable Alfredo Maria Obviar y Aranda (1889 - 1978) was a Filipino bishop renowed for his unwavering commitment to catechesis and clergy formation.  Born on August 29, 1889 in Lipa, Batangas, he was orphaned early and raised by maternal relatives.  He pursued his education at the College of St. Francis Xavier in Manila, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ateneo de Manila in 1914, and completed theological studies at the University of Santo Tomas.  Ordained a priest on March 15, 1919, Bishop Obviar served in Malvar and later in Lipa, where he established numerous catechetical centers and trained hundreds of volunteer catechists.

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lipa in 1944, he continued to prioritize catechetical work. In 1951, he became Apostolic Administrator of the newly established Diocese of Lucena and was later installed as its first residential bishop in 1969.  Recognizing the need for dedicated catechists, he founded the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (MCST) in 1958.  He also established seminaries to address the shortage of priests in the diocese.  He is also credited for having founded the Mount Carmel Diocesan General Hospital in Lucena City in 1959 whose primary mission was to serve the clergy, religious, and poor of the diocese.  

Bishop Obviar participated in the Second Vatican Council's first session in 1962, reflecting his active engagement in the broader Church.  He retired in 1976 and passed away on October 1, 1978, coinciding with the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, to whom he had a deep devotion.      

He holds the distinction of being the first Filipino cleric and bishop candidate for sainthood. In recognition of his heroic virtues, Pope Francis declared him venerable on November 7, 2018, bringing him closer to sainthood. 

Bishop Leoncio L. Lat:  A Life of Quiet Service

Bishop Leoncio Leviste Lat, born on September 16, 1917 in Malvar, Batangas, served the Church with humility and dedication. Ordained a priest in 1942, he became a member of an all Filipino Formation team of the St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary,  the first of its kind in the Philippines. He was later on appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Malolos and Titular Bishop of Sila in 1980, and then Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in 1985.  Throughout his ministry, Bishop Lat was known for his pastoral care and commitment to the spiritual growth of his flock.  He retired in 1992 and passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service.  Bishop Lat's life and ministry are chronicled in the biography "Leoncio Leviste Lat, D.D., J.C.D.: Honors and Irony, A Bishop's Story by Aloma Monte de los Reyes published in 1994.

Most Rev. Leoncio L. Lat: A Life of Quiet Service
Source: https://pms-phil.org/national-directors/

Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales: Shepherd of the Poor

Cardinal Gaudencio Borbon Rosales, born on August 10, 1932 in Batangas City, is a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church, known for his humility, pastoral dedication, and advocacy for the poor.  He was ordained a priest in 1958 and quickly gained recognition for his deep spirituality and commitment to evangelization.  After serving in various capacities in the Archdiocese of Lipa, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in 1974, and later Bishop of Malaybalay in 1982. 

In 1992, Cardinal Rosales became Archbishop of Lipa and in 2003, he was appointed Archbishop of Manila, succeeding Cardinal Jaime Sin.  His leadership in Manila, the country's most prominent archdiocese, was marked by quiet but transformative pastoral care.  He emphasized a "Church of the Poor", aligning closely with the social teachings of the Second Vatican Council.  His flagship program, Pondo ng Pinoy, encouraged small daily acts of charity and became a nationwide movement for social transformation through grassroots participation.

Cardinal Rosales was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, further affirming his importance in the global Church.  Despite his high rank, he remained grounded, often visiting poor communities.  He retired in 2011 but continued to be an influential voice in the Church.

Cardinal Rosales's legacy is one of servant leadership, social concern and a strong moral compass.    

Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales:  Shepherd of the Poor
Source: https://manilacathedral.com.ph/archbishop-filipino.aspx

Archbishop Ramon Arguelles:  Advocate of Marian Devotion

Archbishop Ramon Cabrera Arguelles, born on November 12, 1944, in Batangas City, is known for his strong moral voice, nationalistic views, and pastoral dedication.  He was ordained to the priesthood in 1969 and pursued further studies in Rome and Germany, earning degrees in theology and missiology.  His academic background laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to evangelization and Church renewal.

Archbishop Arguelles held various significant roles early in his ministry, including being rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome and auxiliary bishop of Manila (1993 - 1999).  In 1999, he was appointed as the Military Ordinary of the Philippines, ministering to Filipino military personnel and their families.  In 2004, he became Archbishop of Lipa, a position he held until his resignation in 2017.

As Archbishop of Lipa, Arguelles was known for his deep Marian devotion and his controversial support for the alleged Marian apparitions in the Carmelite monastery of Lipa.  Though the Vatican maintained a skeptical stance, Arguelles expressed belief in their authenticity, reinforcing his image as a courageous and outspoken leader.  He also championed traditional Catholic values, national sovereignty and pro-life advocacy.  His ministry reflects a blend of intellectual rigor, pastoral care, and bold prophetic witness in Philippine society.

Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles: Advocate of Marian Devotion
Source: https://southluzon.politiko.com.ph/2016/09/18/
pati-pari-napagalaw-bishop-arguelles-urges-sustained-efforts-vs-drugs-but/

Bishop Salvador Quizon: A Lifetime of Steadfast Service

Bishop Salvador Q. Quizon was born on December 6, 1924 in Manila. He pursued Philosophical and Theological studies at St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary (1938 - 1941) in San Pablo and at St. Alphonsus de Liguori Seminary (1942 - 1945) in Lipa.  He pursued further theological studies at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary and earned a doctorate in canon law from the Angelicum in Rome. 

Ordained a priest on March 12, 1949 by the Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, Monsignor Quizon served in various pastoral and academic roles including seminary professor and rector.  His commitment to clerical formation and parish ministry laid a strong foundation for his episcopal responsibility.  

On June 9, 1979, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lipa and Titular Bishop of Feradi Minus.  He was consecrated on August 22, 1979 by Apostolic Nuncio Bruno Torpigliani.  During his tenure, Bishop Quizon served as Vicar General and held key positions within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, contributing to liturgical and canonical commissions.

As priest and bishop of the Archdiocese of Lipa, he was known for his love for sports, for being a man of prayer and for his "canonical wisdom", priestly prudence, simplicity and tact.  During the last years of his life, "Bishop Salvi" was most especially remembered by the clergy for his gift of appreciative and affirming presence. 

He served diligently until his retirement on April 6, 2002.  Bishop Quizon passed away on August 5, 2016, in Lipa, Batangas at the age of 91.  

Bishop Salvador Q.Quizon: A Lifetime of Steadfast Service
Source: CBCP News FB Page

Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista:  A Franciscan Heart

Bishop Reynaldo Gonda Evangelista, O.F.S., was born on May 8, 1960, in San Jose, Mabini, Batangas.  As a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order, he brings with him a Franciscan spirit of humility and service.  He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1986 for the Archdiocese of Lipa.  His early ministry included roles as seminary professor, rector, and parish priest, reflecting his commitment to clergy formation and pastoral care.

On December 11, 2004, Pope John Paul II Appointed him as the third Bishop of Boac in Marinduque.  He was consecrated on January 26, 2005 and served the diocese until 2013.  During his tenure, he emphasized environmental stewardship and social justice, aligning with the Church's mission to serve the marginalized.  

Pope Francis appointed him as the fifth Bishop of Imus on April 8, 2013 succeeding Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.  He was installed on June 5, 2013.  His episcopal motto, "Mitis et Humilis Corde" (Meek and Humble of Heart), encapsulates his approach to leadership.  In Imus, he has focused on strengthening pastoral programs, clergy formation, youth ministry, promoting vocations and enhancing the spiritual life of the faithful.  

Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista:  With A Franciscan Heart
Source: https://dioceseofimus.org/bishop-of-imus

Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr.:  The Communicator Bishop

Bishop Marcelino Antonio Malabanan Maralit Jr., born on May 18, 1969 in Manila was raised in Lipa, Batangas.  He pursued his early education at Canossa Academy and De La Salle Lipa before entering St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary and later studied sacred theology at the Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, from 1989 - 1994.  Furthering his academic pursuits, he obtained a licentiate in ecclesiastical history from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome between 1999 and 2003. 

Ordained as priest on March 13, 1995, for the Archdiocese of Lipa, Bishop Maralit served in various capacities including parochial vicar, seminary professor, and rector, and parish priest.  His commitment to clergy formation and pastoral care was evident in his roles as Assistant Director and later Director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Vocation, as well as his tenure as Rector of St. Francis de Sales Theological Seminary.

On December 31, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the Bishop of Boac, where he was consecrated on March 13, 2015.  During his episcopacy in Boac, he became known as the "cycling bishop", utilizing his bicycle to reach remote communities, embodying a hands-on pastoral approach.  He also initiated the "Thought for the Day" reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing spiritual guidance through the social media platform.

On September 21, 2024, Bishop Maralit was appointed as the fifth Bishop of San Pablo, with his installation taking place on November 2024.  His episcopal motto, "Fiat Mihi Secundum Verbum Tuum" (Be it done unto me according to thy word), reflects his deep commitment to serving the Church and its faithful. His approachable demeanor earned him the affectionate nickname "Bishop Junie".

Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit Jr: The Communicator Bishop
Source: https://cbcponline.net/most-rev-marcelino-antonio-maralit/

Bishop Moises Cuevas: The Young Shepherd

Bishop Moises Magpantay Cuevas was born on November 25, 1973 in Cuenca, Batangas. He pursued his priestly formation at the Pastor Bonus Seminary in Zamboanga City and continued his theological studies at the Regional Major Seminary in Davao City.

Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Zamboanga on December 6, 2000, Bishop Cuevas served in various capacities, including Vicar of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, rector of the Sanctuary Nostra Signora del Pilar, and chancellor of the archdiocese.  He was also the parish priest of Santa Maria Parish and director of the Commission on the Clergy. 

On March 19, 2020, Pope Francis appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of Zamboanga and Titular Bishop of Maraguia.  He was consecrated on August 24, 2020 by Archbishop Romulo Tolentino de la Cruz.  In August 2021, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Zamboanga, a role he held until the appointment of a new archbishop.

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Cuevas as the Apostolic Vicar of Calapan on June 29, 2023.  He was installed on September 6, 2023 at the Sto. Nino Cathedral in Calapan City succeeding Bishop Warlito Cajanding.  

Bishop Cuevas is known for his advocacy for simplicity and humility among the clergy.  he has spoken against material excess and emphasized the importance of pastoral mission.  Additionally, he advocates for the protection of the Verde Island Passage, highlighting its ecological significance and the threats it faces.  

Bishop Moises Cuevas: The Young Shepherd
Source: https://cbcponline.net/most-rev-moises-cuevas/

In the Footsteps of the Good Shepherd

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims, "I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11).  This image of Christ - vigilant, self-giving and tender - stands as the model for all Christian leaders, especially bishops who are called to be "shepherds after God's own heart" (Jeremiah 3:15).  In the lives of the Batangueno bishops - Venerable Alfredo Obviar, Salvador Quizon, Leoncio Lat, Gaudencio Rosales, Ramon Arguelles, Reynaldo Evangelista, Junie Maralit and Moises Cuevas - we glimpse powerful reflections of the Good Shepherd.

Each of them, in his own way, embodied the compassionate vigilance of Christ: teaching tirelessly, walking with the poor, defending truth, promoting justice, and inspiring faith.  They knew their sheep and were willing to lead through both storm and stillness. Whether it was Venerable Obviar's catechetical fervor, Cardinal Rosales' championing of the marginalized, or Bishop Maralit's media-savvy evangelization, their ministries were never about position, but always about mission.

They remained rooted in their Batangueno heritage - resilient, principled and passionate.  But more than that, they remained rooted in Christ.  And through their witness, we are challenged to ask: how can we too, shepherd others with courage and compassion?  In an age longing for authentic leadership, may their legacy remind us that true greatness lies in following the footsteps of the Good Shepherd - laying down one's life, day by day, in love.  

The Challenge to Smell Like the Sheep

Jesus the Good Shepherd, entrusted His apostles - and through them, today's bishops  - with a mission not of comfort, but courageous proximity.  His example was not one of isolation in the temple, but of constant movement toward the margins: the lepers, the sinners, the outcasts.  He did not shepherd from a distance but walked among His flock, touched their wounds, bore their burdens, and spoke to their hearts.  Bishops as the successors to the apostles are called to lead, teach, and sanctify the people of God.  But leadership in the Church is modeled not after power or prestige, but after the example of Christ - the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.  This means bishops must actively go out, listen, accompany, and serve with compassion, especially in the neglected and wounded areas of society.

This is the vocation that bishops have inherited - not merely administrative or ceremonial, not just to govern, but to accompany; and not to be just administrators but pastor of souls.  

To "smell like the sheep" is to belong to the flock, not above it.  it is a call to authentic, incarnational ministry - one that evangelizes through presence, tenderness, and shared suffering.  To smell like the sheep is to be close to the people  that their joys, fears, poverty and wounds cling to one's very being.  It is to resist clericalism and embrace vulnerability.  It is the Church at its most beautiful: close, compassionate, and courageous. 

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