Bontoc-Lagawe vicariate marks 25th anniversary

MANILA – The Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe celebrated its 25th founding anniversary from Aug. 1 to 4, carrying the same theme as the Year of the Parish celebration: “Communion of Communities.”

“It’s like the anniversary was very fitting. It made us see the truth of our coming together; we saw unity” said Fr. Marcs Castañeda, liturgy director of the Bontoc-Lagawe Apostolic Vicariate, in an interview.

One of the guest speakers at the event, Fr. Amado Picardal, the CBCP BEC executive secretary, talked about “Journeying Gratefully as Communion of Communities.”

Delegates from the provinces of Ifugao and Mt. Province attended the 4-day long celebration, which kicked off with the diaconate ordinations of Br. Fredirick Galwagao of the Natonin Catholic Mission and Br. Michael Tokoyen Jr. of the Sadanga Catholic Mission, at the Sta. Rita Church.

The program also included various workshops and sharing of testimonies by lay people during the annual Vicariate Pastoral Assembly called “Tongtongan.”

In line with the Tongtongan, the history and cultural legacy of Bontoc-Lagawe was showcased through musicals, documentaries, skits, and theatre arts at the Teng-ab Complex with different indigenous tribes giving performances in the School of Living Traditions.

“This event is not only for entertainment. This is to educate people about the differences of every individual but at the same time encourages them to make it the reason of unity,” said Castañeda.

The last day of celebration was capped off with a Holy Mass presided by Bishop Valentin Dimoc, who also celebrated his 2nd episcopal ordination anniversary.

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, DD took the lead for the event, assisted by tri-committee directors Fr. Romeo Buenaobra, Fr. Joel Aliligay, and Fr. Ariel Destora. Kate Dolot/CBCPNews