Cemetery for priests of the archdiocese breaks ground

On the Feast of St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, the Archdiocese of Cebu held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the cemetery for its clergy. The cemetery will be located at the rear portion of San Carlos Seminary College and within a section of the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in Mabolo. It will be called “El Campo Santo de los Presbíteros.”

The ceremony was attended by Archbishop Alberto S. Uy together with his Vicars General, Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes and Msgr. Rey Penagunda. Also present were Fr. Brian Brigoli and the team overseeing the construction of the cemetery, Architect Arnold Saballa and Engr. Ariel Araw-araw, along with other priest guests.

Msgr. Joseph C. Tan, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, described the project at the start of the program as a resting place for the priests of the Archdiocese while they await the resurrection. He also said that it would serve as a place where the faithful can remember and honor the dedicated ministry of the priests who served the Church during their lifetime.

According to Msgr. Fuentes, who has been tasked with spearheading the project, the cemetery for priests became a priority because it had long been envisioned, even during the time of Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Archbishop Jose S. Palma, but was never realized. When Archbishop Uy assumed leadership of the Archdiocese, consultations with priests from the various districts revealed that one of their shared aspirations was to have a common cemetery where priests who faithfully served the Archdiocese could be laid to rest together.

In his message, Archbishop Uy reminded those present that while a cemetery is an important resting place, it is not our ultimate destination. Rather, he said, our final resting place is in the heart of God.

He also shared that he had recently revised his last will and testament, expressing his wish to be buried in this cemetery alongside his fellow priests when the time comes.

The Archbishop further emphasized the significance of the project, noting that in Bohol there are many priests’ graves that have been neglected because no one remains to care for them. Through this initiative, not only will the clergy be buried together in one cemetery, but the site will also be properly maintained for generations to come.

El Campo Santo de los Presbíteros will cover an area of 424.67 square meters. It will contain 128 full-sized crypts, 217 ossuary niches, and 80 columbarium niches. | BL