06/08/2026
34 Years of Faith and Mission
History of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc–Lagawe
The history of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc–Lagawe is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the unwavering missionary spirit that brought the Gospel to the peoples of Mountain Province and Ifugao.
The first seeds of the Catholic faith in the region were planted by the Augustinian missionaries. On November 28, 1893, Fr. José Iglesia, OSA, celebrated the first recorded baptism in Bontoc, marking the beginning of Catholic evangelization in the area. Although the mission was interrupted by the Philippine Revolution in 1898, the foundation of faith had already been laid.
A new chapter began on December 24, 1907, when the Belgian missionaries of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) arrived in Bontoc under the leadership of Fr. Constance Jurgens, CICM, and Fr. Jules Sepulchre, CICM. Through their tireless missionary work, they established mission stations, schools, churches, and Christian communities, nurturing the faith and serving the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera.
As the Church continued to flourish, Pope Pius XII established the Apostolic Vicariate of Mountain Province (Montañosa) on June 10, 1948, providing a stronger pastoral structure for the growing Catholic communities throughout the Cordillera.
Recognizing the continued growth of the Church and the need for more effective pastoral care, Pope Saint John Paul II, through the Apostolic Constitution Ad aptius in Insulis Philippinis, divided the Apostolic Vicariate of Montañosa on July 6, 1992, creating the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc–Lagawe, together with the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk and the Apostolic Vicariate of Baguio (now Diocese of Baguio). The new Vicariate was officially inaugurated on August 6, 1992, and entrusted with the pastoral care of the provinces of Mountain Province and Ifugao.
Today, the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc–Lagawe is composed of 23 parishes and approximately 354 Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). It continues to carry out its mission of evangelization through the dedicated service of its clergy, religious, catechists, and lay faithful. The Santa Rita de Cascia Cathedral in Bontoc serves as the Cathedral Church of the Vicariate, while the Bishop Francisco F. Claver, SJ Pastoral Complex serves as its pastoral center for formation, ministry, and pastoral services.
For 34 years, the Apostolic Vicariate has journeyed as a vibrant local Church, rooted in the faith handed down by the Augustinian and CICM missionaries. Guided by its enduring pastoral vision and inspired by its official motto, "Our Name is BEC, Our Work is YEAST."
The Vicariate continues to strengthen Basic Ecclesial Communities as the heart of evangelization, fostering communion, participation, and mission among the people of God.
As we celebrate this 34th Founding Anniversary, we give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant blessings and renew our commitment to continue Christ's mission with faith, hope, and love, joyfully proclaiming the Gospel to future generations.