Diocese of Kalibo Marks Its 30th Year

By Ulysses Espartero

The Diocese of Kalibo marked its 30th year of existence on November 16, 2006.
Most Reverend Fernando Filoni, the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, was invited to grace the diocesan celebrations.
Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo said prior to celebration day, the clergy, the religious and some lay leaders from the parishes gathered for the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA) at the Santo Niño Seminary in the town of Numancia on November 14-15, 2006.
In his letter to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Lazo stressed the DPA aims at assessing our diocesan pastoral programs laid down in the decrees of the Diocesan Synod of Kalibo held a decade ago.
"Our diocesan assessments will hopefully lead us to formulate a diocesan pastoral plan that will guide us as a local church in addressing the various concerns of our faithful especially in their spiritual – moral growth," the bishop added.
The Diocesan of Kalibo was created on January 16, 1976 and erected on July 15,
1976 as suffragan of the Archdiocese of Capiz. The first bishop was Juan Nilmar. The second bishop was Gabriel V. Reyes, installed in 1993. The third and the present bishop is Jose Romeo O. Lazo.
Kalibo is known throughout the world for its Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival celebrated on the third Sunday of January. During the annual celebration in honor of Santo Niño, people dance on the streets with their faces painted black or with other colors.
Aklanons are known to be God-fearing people. There have been many religious vocations from Aklan. The first Filipino archbishop, the late Gabriel M. Reyes of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin of Manila, the late Bishop Ciceron Tumbokon of Cabanatuan, Bishop Raul Martirez of Antique, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, the present bishop of Antipolo, and Bishop Jose Corazon Tumbagahan Tala-oc of Romblon are all natives of Aklan.
The pastoral thrust of the diocese is catechesis, social action and worship or liturgy – these being the three components of integral evangelization which, according to the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, is the mission of the entire Philippine Church.
The diocese is comprised of 22 parishes. Among its institutions are two diocesan catholic schools including the Aklan Catholic College, 1 diocesan seminary, and 9 pastoral centers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com