Legazpi city: A historical exhibit tracing the 75-year journey of the Diocese of Legazpi will open to the public on Aug. 14 as part of the church's year-long Diamond Jubilee celebration.
According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibit, dubbed "Pagsalingoy: 75 Taon nin Biyaya, Pag-antabay, asin Misyon," will open at 3 p.m. at the Museo de Legazpi, on the second floor of The Gregorian building, featuring historical accounts, artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the Diocese's 75 years of faith, mission, and service. Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi stated in an interview that the exhibit is intended not only to revisit the past but also to inspire the faithful to continue the Church's mission.
"We look back to give thanks for the missionaries, men and women, and all those who helped establish the mission churches that eventually became the Diocese of Legazpi in 1951," Bishop Baylon said. He further elaborated that the exhibit will feature mostly pictures from the past, along with stories to back them up, tracing the history from the first Spanish missionaries who planted the seed of faith on their land.
The jubilee theme, "Biniyayaan, Inaantabayan, Sinusugo" (Blessed, Guided, Sent), reflects the Diocese's journey of faith through decades of challenges, including natural disasters and other hardships. Bishop Baylon emphasized that God has guided them through these trials, and because they have been blessed and sustained, they are now sent to continue the mission by sharing their faith in homes, workplaces, and communities in collaboration with different sectors of society.
The exhibit aims to encourage visitors to reflect on the Diocese's history while drawing inspiration to continue its mission. The Diocese has planned several activities as part of its year-long Diamond Jubilee celebration, including a grand procession of patron saints from parishes across the Diocese on Oct. 20 and a Solemn Mass commemorating the canonical erection of the Diocese of Legazpi on Oct. 28, which will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Meanwhile, Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail stated that the city government supported the historical exhibit due to its cultural and educational value, noting that it would help younger generations better understand the Diocese's role in the city's history and development. He highlighted the importance of understanding this history as it forms part of the city's culture.
Mayor Ismail also mentioned that a commemorative postage stamp would be issued to mark the Diocese's 75th Diamond Jubilee as part of efforts to preserve the significance of this milestone.
