20/07/2026
FROM VIGAN TO URDANETA: A JOURNEY OF GRACE, COMMUNION, AND SYNODALITY
History has a remarkable way of coming full circle. There are moments when the Lord allows us to glimpse His providence woven through the years, revealing that what once seemed like separate events are, in fact, chapters of one beautiful story. The episcopal consecration and installation of Most Rev. Nick Argel Vaquilar, D.D., as the fourth Bishop of Urdaneta is one such kairos—a grace-filled moment charged with meaning, memory, and hope.
Sixty years ago, in 1966, the streets of Vigan and Bantay were filled with long lines of schoolchildren waving colorful flaglets alongside thousands of the faithful. They had gathered to welcome the newly appointed Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, MOST REV. JUAN CALLANTA SISON, a native of VILLASIS, PANGASINAN—today part of the Diocese of Urdaneta. I remember my parents and several relatives from Villasis vividly recounting the festive spirit of that historic day. Along with countless other pilgrims, they even crossed a major river aboard a balsa because of problems with the bridge at the time.
It was a joyful celebration as a son of Pangasinan was entrusted with shepherding one of the oldest and most venerable ecclesiastical provinces in the Philippines.
Nearly five decades later, in 2014, history echoed itself when another son of what is now the Diocese of Urdaneta, MOST REV. MARLO MENDOZA PERALTA, was warmly welcomed into the historic St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral as the new Archbishop of Nueva Segovia.
Today, history lovingly reverses its course.
This time, it is the Diocese of Urdaneta that eagerly awaits the arrival of a son of Nueva Segovia. Soon, the streets of Urdaneta will once again be alive with joyful crowds. Children waving flaglets, cultural dancers, the clergy, religious, and countless faithful will gather to welcome MOST REV. NICK ARGEL VAQUILAR, D.D., a native son of Ilocos Sur, as their new bishop.
What was once a gift from Pangasinan to Nueva Segovia has now become a gift from Nueva Segovia to Urdaneta.
Bishop Vaquilar's own journey reflects this providential exchange. He received his early formation at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, pursued his theological studies at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, and eventually returned there as a professor and later as its Rector, dedicating himself to the formation of future priests. It is a beautiful providence that after years of serving under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, he will now take his episcopal chair at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the Diocese of Urdaneta.
The ties between Nueva Segovia and Urdaneta have long been strengthened by shared priestly formation. Priests of the Diocese of Urdaneta have served as formators at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. Fr. Joseph Repollo, Fr. Nicasio Villamil, and I were truly blessed to play a part in preparing generations of seminarians for the priesthood. And we could never forget Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba—now Bishop of Laoag and a proud native of Rosales, Pangasinan—who served for many years as rector. Likewise, the Diocese of Urdaneta has gratefully received a son of Nueva Segovia into its own presbyterate, the late Fr. Romulo Agyapas of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, whose priestly ministry remains fondly remembered.
This closeness is not surprising. History tells us that a significant portion of the population of Eastern Pangasinan descends from migrants from Ilocos Sur—the hardy viajeros who journeyed southward more than a century ago seeking new opportunities and a better future. They carried with them not only their industry but also their language, customs, devotion, and faith. Even today, the culture, language, and many family roots of Eastern Pangasinan continue to bear the unmistakable imprint of Ilocos.
Yet the bond between Nueva Segovia and Urdaneta is more than historical or cultural; it is profoundly spiritual. The Church is a communion of local Churches that both receive and give. Over the years, Nueva Segovia has shared with Urdaneta not only priests and bishops but also a rich tradition of priestly formation, missionary zeal, and pastoral vision. Indeed, many priests of the Diocese of Urdaneta received their theological formation at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, living and learning sub umbra Novae Segoviae—"under the shadow of Nueva Segovia." Even the Diocese of Urdaneta's pastoral thrust toward Basic Ecclesial Communities bears the influence of the missionary spirit nurtured in Nueva Segovia.
The image of the VIAJERO beautifully captures this mystery. The early viajeros crossed mountains and rivers in search of a new home. Today, another viajero comes to us—not seeking a new homeland, but responding in faith to the call of Christ. His journey is not merely geographical; it is ecclesial. It reminds us of SYNODALITY, the Church's call to "WALK TOGETHER" as one People of God. A bishop is not sent simply to govern a diocese; he is sent to journey with God's people—to listen, to accompany, to teach, to sanctify, and to lead. In welcoming Bishop Nick, we welcome a fellow pilgrim whom the Holy Spirit has sent to walk with us as we continue our COMMON PILGRIMAGE toward the Kingdom of God.
How fitting, then, that the descendants of the early viajeros now welcome another viajero from Ilocos Sur—not as a stranger, but as a brother, a shepherd, and a companion on the journey of faith.
As we celebrate this blessed moment, let us thank God for this extraordinary kairos—a moment in which history, providence, and grace converge. May this exchange of gifts between Nueva Segovia and Urdaneta continue to strengthen the bonds of communion between our local Churches and remind us that the Church grows richer whenever she shares her people, her traditions, her pastors, and her faith.
With profound gratitude and joyful hearts, we welcome our brother viajero, Most Rev. Nick Argel Vaquilar, D.D. May the Immaculate Conception, under whose patronage he was formed and in whose cathedral he will now preside, accompany him always. And may the Good Shepherd bless his episcopal ministry with wisdom, courage, humility, and abundant fruit as he walks together with the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Urdaneta.
(Feel free to share your memories, additions, or historical corrections in the comments! Thank you.)
