Laity backs Cebu Archdiocese breakup: “Sugbuswak” gets support

CEBU, Philippines — The Laity of the Archdiocese of Cebu has voiced its support for “Sugbuswak,” or the division of the Archdiocese of Cebu into two new dioceses aside from the “Mother Church.”

In a 10-page statement, the group, representing the voice of 4.5 million people in Cebu, the oldest Christian settlement of the country, laid out 18 observations, plans, and programs for the endeavor

“Today, as the Archdiocese of Cebu submits its bold proposal under Sugbuswak to give birth to two new dioceses, the laity looks forward with optimism to authentic growth that will bring the Church closer to the people in a rapidly urbanizing province,” read the statement.

“With a smaller area for a bishop to administer, the needs of the flock in each new territory can be attended to well. Shepherds, given more time and resources for pastoral care, will smell more like their sheep,” it added.

In a press conference yesterday, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he will be in Rome on March 11, 2024 to bring the proposal and meet the cardinal in charge of the bishops.

He hoped that the pope would approve the proposal within a year.

“I am most confident that Rome will approve, as we were able to comply with all the requirements. Hopefully, within the year (the proposal is approved),” he said, adding that he was so happy that the Laity in the Archdiocese of Cebu supports the move.

To recall, the “Sugbuswak” proposal was approved by all of the country’s bishops during the 126th Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Plenary Assembly in Kalibo, Aklan last July 2023.

The term "Sugbuswak" is an incorporation of several terms: "Sugbu," the Cebuano name for Cebu; "sugwak" to gush forth, like the blood and water coming from the pierced side of Christ; and "buswak" which means to blossom.

“Thus, Sugbuswak is an apt appellation to the establishment of new dioceses in the Archdiocese of Cebu.”

Palma earlier said that once approved, the Cebu Archdiocese, the biggest in the country, will be divided into three: The Mother Church, one diocese in the northern part, and another diocese in the southern part of Cebu.

As to the 18 observations, plans and programs of the laity, they are the “establishments of a Lay Formation Center or Institute as well as a Clergy Formation Center, creating an army of catechesis, creation of a Council or Commission of the Laity, convening of Parish Pastoral Councils in all diocese of Cebu,

A Standard of Living Allowance for Cebu diocesan priests, hiring of human resource professionals, adopting sound financial practices, connecting with the youth, providing livelihood to the poor and less privileged, making of a community chapel, good sound system in churches.

A special training for the laity in the practice of synodality, giving of recognition and awards for deserving individuals in the practice of Christian living, virtues and morals, support for charismatic renewal, a review of the past and an Archdiocesan plan which is a unifying vision needed to guide the proposed new territories and structures of Cebu Church.” - /RHM (FREEMAN)