Photo 1: Most Reverend Moises M. Cuevas, D.D. speaking at the lectern inside Sto. Niño Cathedral during the Pontifical Mass. Image includes Capitol News, PISD and Province of Oriental Mindoro watermarks and a footer banner reading Public Information Services Division - Office of the Governor | Provincial Information Office - Oriental Mindoro.
Photo 2: Wide view of the altar and congregation inside Sto. Niño Cathedral during the Canonical Erection and Episcopal Installation, showing clergy at the altar and attendees seated in pews. Image includes Capitol News, PISD and Province of Oriental Mindoro watermarks and footer banner.
Photo 3: View from the pews toward the altar inside Sto. Niño Cathedral during the celebration, showing the presider at the lectern, altar decorations, religious murals and monitors. Image includes Capitol News, PISD and Province of Oriental Mindoro watermarks and footer banner.
08 August 2026, Calapan City – The Diocese of Calapan was formally established with Most Reverend Moises M. Cuevas, D.D. installed as its first Bishop last 07 August.
His Excellency Archbishop Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, led the Canonical Erection and Episcopal Installation during the celebration of the Pontifical Mass at Sto. Niño Cathedral.
In his message, Apostolic Nuncio Brown emphasized the statement of the early Christian writer Tertullian: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
He stated that the sacrifice and death of Bishop Wilhelm Finnemann SVD are proofs of the continued growth of the Church and faith in the Province of Mindoro.
Meanwhile, Bishop Cuevas shared in his homily that the establishment of the Diocese of Calapan was a dream first recorded in 1962 in the diary of Bishop Wilhelm Josef Duschak, SVD, the first Apostolic Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan.
He added that while it was once a dream, it is now a received blessing.
It can be recalled that last 25 March 2026, Pope Leo XIV elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan to the Diocese of Calapan and appointed Bishop Cuevas as its first bishop.
Governor Humerlito “Bonz” A. Dolor, together with First Lady Hiyas Govinda Ramos-Dolor, Vice Governor Antonio S. Perez, Jr., Board Members Ryan Arago, Carlos Voltaire Brucal, Alely Casubuan-Tan, Ronalee E. Leachon, and Atty. Rolando Ruga, participated in said historic event along with other officials, religious and Catholics from all over the province.