by Fr. Franz Joseph Aquino
Faith’s Harvest: Aliaga’s Spiritual Journey, 1849-1928. In the late 19th century, the barrio of San Juan de Dios in Aliaga became a beacon of faith.
On September 23, 1868, during the feast of their patron saint, San Juan de Dios, the community received the approval for its fervent petition, allowing the celebration of Mass within their modest chapel. The chapel, a humble edifice, became a testament to the community’s devotion, as the faithful gathered with pious hearts, affirming their religiosity and adherence to the Church’s commandments.
The spiritual ardor of Aliaga’s faithful was not confined to San Juan de Dios. By February 25, 1871, the leaders of Barrio San Vicente, inspired by their neighbors, also sought ecclesiastical independence, aspiring to erect their own parish. Their petition echoed a collective yearning for a spiritual sanctuary, a yearning that would allow them to nurture their faith more intimately.
Months later, on December 16, 1871, the collective voice of San Vicente, Santiago, and other barrios reached the Augustinian Provincial, pleading for the formation of a new parish. This move was more than administrative; it was a profound expression of a community’s desire to deepen their spiritual roots and expand their place within the Church.
In the ensuing years, the spiritual tapestry of Aliaga was enriched by similar stories from Barrio Santa Maria and Barrio Toro, whose residents celebrated their patron saints’ feast days with Mass in their chapels, granted on July 14 and November 10, 1873, respectively. These celebrations were more than mere observances; they served as vibrant displays of faith and community, with each barrio cherishing its unique spiritual identity while remaining part of a greater whole.
As the years passed, the narrative of faith in Aliaga unfolded through the personal sacrifices of its clergy. The year 1928 marked a poignant chapter when Pe. Pedro Victoria, grappling with ill health amidst his parish’s humid climate sought solace in a transfer. Yet, the Manila Archbishop’s response, while acknowledging his plight, was a call to spiritual fortitude—a reminder that the trials he was facing were as much a part of his pastoral journey as the joys.
Through the collective and individual stories of its people, the narrative of faith in Aliaga is one of enduring devotion, communal unity, and the intensifying quest to create a sacred space where the divine and earthly commune. It is a story that continues to be written with every Mass celebrated, every feast day observed, and every prayer uttered within the hearts of its parishioners.
Aliaga’s Parish Priests and Their Journey of Faith, 1849-1928
In Aliaga, a lineage of Parish Priests has quietly sculpted the town’s spiritual journey. Each priest, with his distinct touch, has contributed to the town’s tale of faith.
In 1865, Fr. Joaquin Garcia took the helm at a time when the church was in disrepair. He reached out to the ecclesiastical hierarchy, seeking permission for renovations. His efforts were not merely for the church’s structural integrity but as an affirmation of the community’s collective faith.
Around 1862, Fr. Nicolas Zugadi took charge of the parish’s finances with great care. His prudent management ensured that the church would remain a sanctuary for the community, a testament to his understanding that faith also required fiscal stewardship.
At the turn of the century, in 1898, Fr. Nicanor Gonzales OSA arrived as a new spiritual guide. His presence signified a fresh chapter for the parish, reinforcing the church’s role as the heart of Aliaga’s spiritual life.
A letter dated November 1, 1926 mentions Fr. Teofilo Dimaliwat writing to the Archbishop regarding a possible transfer to Manila. The Archbishop of Manila wrote back, asking whether there was adequate housing, a “convent” that could accommodate a parish priest, should a new one be assigned following his transfer. This request reflects the practical considerations of clergy assignments and the importance of ensuring continuity in pastoral care.
On the other hand, Fr. Pedro Victoria dealt with significant health issues while serving as Parish Priest. On May 18 and July 28, 1928, he communicated to the Archbishop of Manila his struggles with a liver condition and rheumatism, both, exacerbated by Aliaga’s humid climate. His condition was so challenging that he requested a transfer to a less taxing environment; he even contemplated a year’s vacation to recover.
In response, the Archbishop of Manila encouraged him to be resilient, to offer his sufferings for the conversion of his parishioners, and to remember that the difficult “black hours” of the rainy season would eventually give way to sunnier days. This interaction not only highlights the physical and emotional toll of pastoral duties but also the support and counsel provided by the church hierarchy during times of personal hardship for their priests.
The story finds apt continuity in Fr. Carlos Bernardo, who in 1937 informed the Archbishop of Manila of his commitment to lead the parish in Aliaga. Fr. Bernardo’s tenure as Parish Priest began on a day of promise—June 7, 1937. His arrival, reported dutifully to Archbishop O’Doherty, signaled a fresh chapter in the town’s spiritual leadership. Fr. Bernardo assumed the mantle during a period that called for both spiritual guidance and the navigation of societal shifts that the late 1930s presented.
Lastly, the appointment of Rev. Fr. Felix David, though undated, signifies the unbroken legacy of pastoral leadership, a continuation of the spiritual guardianship that has been the hallmark of Aliaga’s faith history.
Each of these priests, from Fr. Garcia to Fr. David, played pivotal roles in nurturing the community’s spiritual welfare. They were the custodians of the town’s faith, guiding their flock through services, celebrations, and personal tribulations. Their stories are interwoven with Aliaga’s religious fabric, each thread representing their unwavering service and commitment to the town’s spiritual growth.
Through Fire and Storm: Aliaga’s Triumph Over Calamity, 1852-1887
Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, has demonstrated remarkable fortitude, enduring the ravages of time and the elements. The community’s spirit has been tested by fires, typhoons, and floods, yet it stands resilient through each trial.
On November 12, 1852, a violent typhoon unleashed its fury upon the town. Fr. José Tombo, parish steward at that time, had to be resolute in the face of adversity. The very next day, he secured permission to allocate around 600 pesos from the parish funds to repair the storm’s toll on the church.
A catastrophic fire in 1880 left the church and convent in ruins, reducing them to ashes. The parish responded by erecting temporary structures—a humble nipa and bamboo church and a rented wooden room for the convent. By September 2, 1884, with the spirit unbroken, the parish confidently planned to rebuild, backed by a fund of 23,000 pesos, a testament to their resolve to restore their sacred spaces.
The parish found its strength tested again on September 17, 1887, when a typhoon devastated the church. The parish acted promptly, informing the Archbishop of the damage and, subsequently, on September 29-30, faced yet another storm that called for a revision of the repair budget. Through these repeated trials, the community, supported by its clergy, maintained its dedication to repair and renew.
The narrative of Aliaga, as chronicled by these events and the actions of its parish community, is one of unwavering resilience. The town has continually risen from the ruins, driven by a collective faith and the leadership of the church, transforming each catastrophe into an opportunity for rebirth and renewed hope.
List of Parish Priests (1849 – 2024)
Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora De Las Saleras, Brgy. Centro, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija
Diocese of Cabanatuan
MGA NAGING KURA PAROKO NG PAROKYA NG NUESTRA SENORA DE LAS SALERAS (1949-2024)
| NO. | PANGALAN NG PARI | TAON |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | REV. FR. VALENTIN GARCINO PUYAT | 1849-1853 |
| 2 | REV. FR. JOSE TOMBO | 1853-1860 |
| 3 | REV. FR. NICOLAS TUGADI | 1860-1877 |
| 4 | REV. FR. JUAQUIN GARCIA | 1877-1881 |
| 5 | REV FR CARLOS VALDEZ REV. FR. BLAS REYES REV. FR. MARIANO DELA PAZ REV. FR. BENITO CABRERA |
1881-1898 |
| 6 | REV. FR. NICANOR GONZALES | 1898-1899 |
| 7 | REV. FR. BENITO CABRERA | 1899-1901 |
| 8 | REV. FR. ADRIANO CUERPO | 1901-1903 |
| 9 | REV. FR. CRILO VERGARA | 1903-1904 |
| 10 | REV. FR. ANGEL CORTESAR | 1904-1908 |
| 11 | REV. FR. ALEJANDRO MATEO | 1908-1910 |
| 12 | REV. FR. TEOFILO MALIWAT | 1910-1912 |
| 13 | RE. FR. PEDRO VICTORIA REV. FR. FLORENTINO FUENTES REV. FR. PEDRO IZON |
1912-1932 1942-1937 |
| 14 | REV. FR. CARLOS BERNARDO | 1937-1941 |
| 15 | REV. FR. SIMEON GENETE | 1941-1949 |
| 16 | REV.FR. DIOSDADO GUESE | 1949-1954 |
| 17 | REV. FR. JOVENCIO TANTOCO | 1954-1956 |
| 18 | REV. FR. JUAN DE JESUS | 1956-1979 |
| 19 | REV. FR. JULIO OBIAL | 1979-1983 |
| 20 | REV. FR. REGINO VIGILA | 1983-1984 |
| 21 | REV. FR. DELFIN DIAZ | 1984-1985 |
| 22 | REV. FR. IRENEO DE GUZMAN | 1985-1986 |
| 23 | REV. FR. FRANCISCO MERCURIO | 1986-1988 |
| 24 | REV. FR. DANTE F. GARCIA | 1988-1995 |
| 25 | REV. FR. ARIEL MUSNGI MOST. REV. ELMER I. MANGALINAO |
1995-2001 |
| 26 | REV. FR. ANGELITO PARULAN | 2001-2007 |
| 27 | REV. FR. ARMANDO CALEON | 2007-2008 |
| 28 | REV. FR. DANILO CIPRIANO | 2009-2014 |
| 29 | REV. FR. ROBERT I. DELA CRUZ | 2014-2021 |
| 30 | REV. FR. FRANZ JOSEPH G. AQUINO | 2021-PRESENT |
References:
Archdiocese of Manila Archives (1849). Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.
Catalogo Bio-Bibliografico De Los Religiosos Agustinos De La Provincia Del Santisimo Nombre De Jesus De Las Islas Filipinas (1901). San Agustin Archives.
La Virgen Maria Venerada. San Agustin Archives.
