Diocese of Lucena commemorates 75 years of service

By Nimfa L. Estrellado His Excellency Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over the solemn Eucharisti...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

His Excellency Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over the solemn Eucharistic Mass at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena City in the 75th canonical erection anniversary of the Diocese of Lucena. (Lucena Civic Line)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Marking three-quarters of a century of unwavering spiritual leadership, the Diocese of Lucena commemorated the 75th anniversary of its canonical erection today, September 8, 2025. The observance, held under the thematic banner “Jubilee of Hope,” signifies the diamond jubilee of Catholic faith and service in Quezon Province.

The milestone celebration commenced with a solemn Eucharistic Mass at the historic St. Ferdinand Cathedral. The principal celebrant was Most Rev. Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, who was joined by the local clergy and religious orders. The event drew hundreds of faithful from various parishes across the diocese, underscoring the community’s deep connection to the institution. A key cultural component of the ceremony was the formal launch of the official anniversary hymn, “Himig ng Pag-asa” (Hymn of Hope).



Historical Context and Institutional Growth

The Diocese was formally established on March 28, 1950, by Pope Pius XII through the Papal Bull Quo Aeternae Dominici Gregis. Its canonical erection on September 8 of the same year designated it as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Lipa, with Most Rev. Alfredo María Obviar y Aranda, D.D. serving as its first residential bishop. The diocese is currently guided by its fifth prelate, Most Rev. Mel Rey M. Uy, D.D.

Historically, the Diocese of Lucena served as a foundational center for Catholicism in the region, leading to the eventual formation of new dioceses. Its territory was strategically partitioned with the creation of the Diocese of Boac in 1977 and the Diocese of Gumaca in 1984, reflecting the successful expansion and localization of the Catholic Church’s mission in Southern Luzon.

Sustained Mission and Community Focus

Over the past 75 years, the institution has played a central role in both spiritual and socio-economic development within its jurisdiction. Beyond the proliferation of evangelization, the diocese has been instrumental in educational efforts, starting with the establishment of its minor seminary in 1942, which paved the way for the diocese’s eventual erection. Furthermore, it has prioritized social welfare through tangible community projects. These efforts include consistent support for current educational programs, various youth formation initiatives, and the operation of long-running social action initiatives, notably the annual Alay Kapwa Lenten appeal, which provides direct assistance to marginalized communities.

The anniversary serves not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a definitive reaffirmation of the diocese’s commitment to its founding mission: to strengthen spirituality, uphold the principles of Catholic social teaching, and respond actively to the enduring needs of the local community, thereby setting the direction for its next phase of service in the modern era.