The Augustinians, who administer two parishes in Surigao del Norte, were present for the closing of the Jubilee Doors in the Diocese of Surigao on March 16, 2023. The event marked the end of the 500 years of Christianity celebration in the Diocese, which was presided over by the Vicar Forane of the respective vicariates.
The chosen Jubilee Church in the Vicariate of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel was Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish in the town of del Carmen. Rev. Fr. Laureano Espuerta Jr., DCS, Parish Priest of Santa Monica Parish and Vicar Forane, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite —meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Tito Soquiño, OSA, Local Superior of Sta. Ana Parish in Burgos, delivered the homily.
All the priests from the various parishes in the Vicariate attended the celebration, including the Augustinian friars assigned at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Socorro, namely Fr. Christian Funtanares, OSA, Fr. James Alibong Jr., OSA, and Rev. Ronnel Ian Garcia, OSA. Friars from Burgos Residence, Fr. Noli Detoyato, OSA, and Fr. Soquiño, OSA, were also in attendance.
The closing of the Jubilee Doors coincided with the 24th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Most Rev. Antonieto Cabajug, DD, Bishop of Surigao. It was a momentous occasion for all present, especially the Augustinians who had been present in the Diocese since 2001.
