Basilan Prelature marks 50

The Prelature of Isabela de Basilan which was established by Pope Paul VI on October 12, 1963 joyfully celebrated her Golden Jubilee last October 20, 2013.

The Cathedral of Sta. Isabel de Portugal overflowed with the presence of more or less five thousand faithful from the 10 parishes of Basilan. Friends and visitors from different parts of Mindanao and Visayas also came to witness this momentous event.
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Martin S. Jumoad D.D., the third bishop-prelate of Basilan, presided the Jubilee Mass at exactly 9 o clock in the morning. This was concelebrated by 12 bishops from the different dioceses in the Philippines and more than 30 priests. Some Claretian priests who were the pioneering missionaries in the Prelature like Fr. Bernardo Blanco, cmf, Fr. Max Rodriguez, cmf, Fr. Angel Calvo, cmf and their Provincial Superior, Fr. Leo Dalmao, cmf were also present. Religious sisters who served and continue to serve Basilan like the Dominican Sisters, Oblates of Notre Dame, Daughters of Charity, Queen of the Apostles Sisters and the Poor Clare Nuns also graced the occasion. The homilist was the Most Reverend Romulo T. dela Cruz, the second bishop-prelate of Basilan and now the bishop of Kidapawan. In his homily, he encouraged the faithful to continue to live out the faith despite the struggles and trials that we are encountering. He added that this is the most concrete way of witnessing out the faith in the mission area like Basilan. Indeed, his homily truly coincides with the Jubilee theme, “Renewing the Local Church in Basilan through Faith and Mission”.
Prior to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a Budjong, a local wind instrument of Basilan was used to sound and to echo the joyful spirit of the Jubilee year. Then after this there was the releasing of 10 doves signifying the longing and aspiration of the 10 parishes of Basilan for a lasting peace. This was followed by the lighting of the 50 candles symbolizing the 50 years of existence of the Prelature as a local church.
Indeed, this event was a momentous occasion for everyone. As we look at the past with gratitude of the abiding presence of God, as we marvel at present the abundant grace of God and as we look forward with hope and anticipation to the heavenly city together with God.
Truly, as a local church, we are grateful to the Lord for all the we have been, for all that we are and for all that we will be.

Viva Sta. Isabel! Viva Maria! Viva Basileños! Viva el Señor!