THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND THE ESTLABLISHMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF TANDAG

This article was written when I was assigned by Father Josoy to write the brief history of the Diocese of Tandag while we were anticipating for the installation of our 3rd Bishop Raul Dael.
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Tandag's Old Cathedral established in 1951

The genesis of the diocese’s Christianization history can be traced back to 1622 when a group of eight Recollect priests arrived in Tandag, having been entrusted by Bishop de Arce of Cebu a year before. Two of them stayed in Tandag, wherein a military detachment was established in 1609, and the rest headed back to their own respective stations and out-stations. Some of them led the establishment of the other earliest parishes in the region, particularly Bislig (1642) and Cantilan (1721). For one century and a half, Tandag had served as a missionary base and seat of the superior, a Center of Christian Faith in the ancient province of Caraga, then composed of the present Surigao and Agusan Provinces, Davao Oriental in its southernmost part and Gingoog City in the west.

            Their missionary work, however, was never easy, Multiple challenges where faced by the evangelizers to Christianize the Caraganons. Missionaries assigned in Caraga could hardly be beyond 10 in number. Also, the area was hardly settled by the Spaniards, and the missionaries were met in suspicion. The natives found it hard to distinguish the missionaries from the conquistadores who put up a threatening fortress in Tandag against them.  As the first years of mission underwent a steady progress; a revolt from the native Caraganos in 1631 interrupted the spread of faith. Even so, the church continued to evangelize the reluctant natives despite the difficulties.

            Yet, nothing was even worse than the terror experienced by the province in the 18^th century where the foothold of Christianity in the district was in brink of collapse. Muslim Jihadist occasionally raided Caraga and even destroyed its capital. Considering Tandag as the Christian center, military stronghold, and political capital of the province, Tandag was never spared from the extremists’ wrath.  Intermittent attacks from the Muslims from 1754 to 1768 led to Tandag’s gradual decline until it totally lost its former importance, being replaced by Surigao as the new hub.

            The advent of 19^th century was marked as the “golden age of Christianization of Surigao”. Experiencing tranquillity and peace during this period, the missionaries were left undisturbed evangelizing (or reattracting) the natives and repairing convents, churches, and the like. More and more number of converts was increasing, and a number of new parishes were established. The arrival of more missionaries year after year also helped improve the services of the faithful. When the Jesuits replaced the Recollects since 1868, they brought in new ideas, new methods, and very generous economic assistance not known before in the archipelago.

            Another challenge experienced by the Church was the rise of Philippine Revolution in 1898. At first, religious life in the province went on calmly while other parts of the Philippines were in turmoil. In 1898, the Spanish government staged the formal and generous handing over of powers to the native Surigaonons who were unaware of the news about the Spanish-American war and the defeat of Spanish forces therein. Yet, Spanish priests where left to administer the parishes and the Church services. But, the short period of peace in the province was disturbed when two brothers, Simon and Wenceslao Gonzales, arrived with the orders from Aguinaldo to lead the revolutionary government in Surigao. Missionaries were arrested and imprisoned and ecclesial properties were taken (plundered?) during their administration. This led to the eventual exodus of the Spanish priests in the province. When the storm was finally over, some missionaries went back to the province and restored their apostolic works. By 1900, the Americans were finally in Surigao. The communities at this time clamoured for the return of the missionaries. In 1902, the Benedictines took charge to the actual areas of Surigao del Norte and Sur, however not all the towns were attended. Some areas continued without any priest to administer which became an easy prey for the Aglipayans (IFI). Lack of priests, religious ignorance and radical nationalism contributed to the spread of Aglipayanism in those areas.

            The arrival of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) in 1908 gave new life to the education in Surigao province. They built schools and conducted catechisms. New parishes were also created during their time: Hinatuan (1908), Tago (1913), Lanuza-Carmen (1913), Carrascal (1914), Marihatag (1914), Madrid (1915), San Agustin (1921), Lingig (1937), Tigao (1941), Mangagoy (1952), Aras-asan (1952). Their successors would later add to the number namely: Diatagon (1965), Barobo (1975), Tagbina (1976), San Miguel (1995), Carmen (1997), an Bayabas (2002).

            To better organize and cater the needs of the growing numbers of the faithful, more local dioceses were established. In 1910, the Diocese of Zamboanga separated itself from Cebu, which composed of the entire Mindanao. It is the followed by the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro in 1933 (composing the Provinces of Surigao (Norte and Sur), Agusan (Norte and Sur), Misamis (Oriental and Occidental and Bukidnon), and Surigao in 1939 (composing the entire present Caraga region).

            On June 16, 1978, through the papal Bull Quo Plenius, Pope Paul VI created the Diocese of Tandag which corresponded to the provincial territory of Surigao del Sur. Bishop Ireneo Amantillo was appointed as its first bishop. His pastoral service in the diocese lasted for 23 years. His seat was succeeded by Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar in 2001, following the former’s resignation.

At present, the diocese has 24 parishes and 7 quasi-parishes under 4 vicariates, namely: Immaculate Conception, San Nicolas de Tolentino, Mother of Mercy, and Saint Vincent de Paul. There are 48 priests assigned in every parishes, quasi-parishes, and diocesan schools including the 3 religious priests from the Order of Augustinian Recollects, 2 deacons, 3 priests on loan, 3 priests on study leave, and 3 priests on mission abroad.

Throughout almost 4 centuries, the Church in Surigao del Sur has been zealous in serving the spiritual needs of the community. It has remained strong amidst of the challenges it endured, and thankful during its triumphs. History never ends. Everyday unfolds new stories that would shape the future of our Church. As we now welcome the new administration under Bishop Raul Dael, we aspire that our local Church will continue its mission amidst future challenges it may face with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.