The Wise Friar

Disponit Omnia Suaviter   (Disposes all things gently) - This motto chosen by Bishop Alfredo Verzosa at the start of his episcopal ministry, reveals more than a pastoral strategy - it reflects a Christ-centered heart forged in humility, obedience, and unwavering zeal for the Gospel.  It is an inspiration from the old saying "Suaviter in Modo, Fortiter in Re" (Gentle or sweet in manners but firm in execution).   In an era marked by revolution, war, religious schism, and post-war rebuilding, Bishop Verzosa stood as a quiet but resolute figure - firm in doctrine, gentle in heart, and unwavering in his fidelity to Christ and His Church. Birth and Early Life Born on December 9, 1877 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Alfredo Verzosa y Florentin grew up in an affluent but devout Catholic family in a region steeped in faith and culture.  From an early age, Alfredo was immersed in prayer, simplicity, and service.  He completed elementary education in the local school and feeling a ...

Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, Taal, Batangas, the Largest Catholic Church in Asia Perched atop a hill in the picturesque heritage town of Taal, Batangas, where one is brought to travel back in time because of the rustic feel  evoked by the Spanish colonial houses and structures, the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours rises like a giant from history - timeless and commanding.  With its imposing facade, intricate stonework, and sacred heritage, it has not only stood as a monument glorifying the artistic and architectural genius of the Spanish colonial era but more importantly, it attests to the enduring faith and devotion of the Batanguenos.  Regarded as the largest Church in Asia, this architectural marvel not only dominates the skyline of Western Batangas, but also holds a profound place in the hearts of the faithful; a sacred space etched deeply into the cultural and spiritual consciousness of the Batanguenos. Foundations in the Augustinian Mission The stunni...

The Divino Amor Monastery of the Madres Adoratrices closed down 1936 Over the years, the city of Lipa has been known and acknowledged as the "Little Rome of the Philippines."   This is primarily due to the fact that it is the center of Roman Catholicism in the region, it being an   Ecclesiastical province, a Metropolitan See whose territory encompasses a large portion of the Southern Tagalog provinces. But more than being a center of Catholic faith,  Lipa is also known for the piety and religiosity of its people and for their love and devotion to the Blessed Mother.  Credit that to the many religious houses, churches, convents, seminaries and monasteries found all throughout the city. Presently, there are 21 congregations of men and women religious, 11 parishes, 1 chaplaincy and 5 monasteries in Lipa City.  Among the many churches and houses of worship is the Redemptorist Church of Divino Amor - a church dedicated to the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary...

Since 2016, there has been a move coming from some religious circles in the Archdiocese of Lipa to gather information on the life of a diocesan priest, a seasoned seminary formator and spiritual director, a holy and humble servant of the Lord.  They are documenting as many a stories of people about his life and ministry to introduce him to the faithful, to promote priestly vocation, to inspire present and future priests, and may be, for the possibility of opening the cause for  beatification of this holy man of God from Batangas. The man is Msgr. Valente "Val" Daigdigan.  “Kuya Val” to his fellow priests and to the so many seminarians who had been under his shepherding at the St. Francis de Sales Regional Major Seminary.    Who is Msgr. Val?  And what made him so dear and remarkable in the eyes of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Lipa and the countless priests, seminarians, religious sisters and lay persons that had been under his pastoral care either as ...

More than a dance form, Subli is a religous ritual that venerates the Holy Cross Dance has always been an essential component of worship of people of various religious and cultural traditions. Man of times past up to the present, uses a variety of movements of his body – hands, hips, arms, legs and head in rhythmic successions and  combinations as a form of prayer, to express worship and reverence to God. In the historic town of Bauan, Batangas exists a traditional religious dance form called the “subli” which people perform to venerate the santo patron – the Mahal na Poong Santa Cruz . The ceremonial worship dance is usually presented during the town’s fiesta which is traditionally held every May 3.  It has also been tradionally practiced that every May 1 and 2 each year, the towns of Alitagtag and Bauan celebrate the Anubing Sublian Festival to pay homage and reverence to the Mahal na Poong Sta. Cruz .  The festival highlights the dancing of the Subli.  Short ...