The Wise Friar

"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 Arguell...

Emeritus Bishop of Imus Manuel Cruz Sobrevinas died last Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the age of 96. He expired at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City at 12:45 p.m. He was a priest for 68 years and a bishop for 41 years. (www.catholic hierarchy.org/bishop/bsob.html) His remains were laid to rest at the Himlayang Pastol beneath the Divine Mercy Parish Church in Silang, Cavite, the final resting place for the bishops and clergy of the Imus Diocese. Short Biography Bishop Maning, as he was fondly called by people close to him, was born on April 7, 1924 in Dinalupihan, Bataan.  He finished his elementary education at Dinalupihan Elementary School and later enrolled at the Seminario Menor de San Carlos in Mandaluyong for his Secondary Education.    He had his priestly formation at the UST Central Seminary completing both his philosophical and theological studies at the said Pontifical University. He was ordained priest on March 10, 1951 for the Archdiocese of...

Venerable Teofilo B. Camomot (1914 - 1988) Founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Teresa Early Life and Formation Archbishop Teofilo Bastida Camomot was born in Cogon, Carcar, Cebu on March 3, 1914 and was baptized the following day, Wednesday, March 4, as what was customary at the time.  He was the third of eight children of Luis Camomot and Angela Bastida. He received the sacrament of confirmation on August 22, 1915.  From an early age, he was immersed in a deeply religious environment that nurtured his vocation.   Affectionately known as "Lolong", by family and friends, young Teofilo exhibited a compassionate heart, often asking her mother for food to share with the less fortunate in their community. After completing his elementary education at Carcar Elementary School, he chose to assist his father in their farm, aspiring to become an agriculturist - a path his mother discouraged, preferring he pursue a religious vocation.  A pivotal moment came...

Venerable Alfredo A. Obviar (1889 - 1978) Unang Obispo ng Lucena, Tagapagtatag, Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Ang kasaysayan ng lokal na Simbahan ng  Lipa  ay hindi magiging kumpleto kung walang pagbanggit sa pangalan ng Venerable Alfredo Maria Aranda Obviar, isang tunay na Batangenyo at Lipeno. Siya ang kauna-unahang Batangenyong obispo at una ring Obispo Auxilyar ng noo'y Diyosesis ng Lipa. Si Obispo Obviar din ang pinakaunang paring Pilipino at obispo na kandidato sa pagiging santo.  Ang Kanyang Kabataan Si Alfredo Maria Aranda Obviar ay isinilang noong Agosto 29, 1889 sa Mataas na Lupa, sa bayan ng Lipa kina Telesforo Obviar at Florentina Catalina Aranda. Siya ay naulila sa kanyang ina makaraan lamang ang ilang araw pagkatapos ng pagsisilang nito kung kaya't siya ay lumaki sa piling ng kanyang tiya Martha Aranda na siya nang nagpalaki sa kanya. Una siyang nag-aral sa paaralan ng pamosong gurong si Sebastian Virrey na taga Lipa at pagkatapos ...

Bishop Jorge Imperial Barlin (1850 - 1909) Unang Obispong Pilipino Maaring kapag binanggit ang pangalang Jorge Barlin,  malamang hindi siya pamilyar sa marami at malamang wala itong dating sapagkat hindi naman masyadong matunog ang pangalang Jorge Barlin. Parang hindi naman siya masyadong napapag-usapan. Sa katunayan, sa loob ng maraming taon, parang nakalimutan siya ng buong Simbahan sa Pilipinas.  Ni walang nakakaalam kung saan inilibing si Bishop Barlin sa matagal na panahon at ngayon na lamang halos nagkakaroon ng interes na kilalanin siya sa kabila ng kanyang nag-iisang pribilehiyo na maging kauna-unahang Obispong Pilipino at sa kanyang malaking kontribusyon sa kasaysayan ng Simbahang Katoliko sa Pilipinas.    Si Bishop Barlin ay may mahalagang papel na ginampanan sa Simbahang Katolika sa Pilipinas lalung lalu na sa antas ng pagtingin sa mga Pilipinong pari noong kanyang kapanahunan. Dahil din sa kanyang sigasig at pagmamalasakit sa Simbahan, napigil ang...