The Vatican approves the new diocese in the Philipines. The Diocese of Prosperidad became the 87th Catholic diocese of the Philippines. Bishop Ruben Labajo, formerly of the Archdiocese of Cebu will lead the new diocese.
Pope Francis has approved the creation of the Diocese of Prosperidad in the Agusan region of Mindanao, Philippines, serving nearly half a million Catholics. The new diocese will be led by Bishop Ruben Labajo, formerly an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The Agusan region was previously under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Butuan. However, Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla of Butuan petitioned for the diocese to be split, citing the need for spiritual growth and improved administrative efficacy. The split carved out the Agusan del Sur province from the 57-year-old Butuan Diocese.
The region has approximately one million Catholics, now divided between the two dioceses. The Diocese of Butuan retains around 490,000 Catholics, while the new Diocese of Prosperidad serves approximately 486,000. Agusan del Sur is described as a “missionary frontier,” with a landlocked and mountainous terrain, making some communities hard to reach. Notably, one-third of the region’s residents belong to Indigenous communities.
The Diocese of Prosperidad comprises 26 parishes, one “almost parish,” and three missionary stations. Bishop Labajo will be supported by 32 diocesan priests, 29 religious priests, and 6 sisters. Although the diocese lacks permanent deacons, it has 59 seminarians, indicating growth potential.