DUMAGUETE CITY — More than 20 members of the local clergy gathered on October 1, 2026, to celebrate the first feast day and groundbreaking of the newly established St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Barangay Buñao. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new spiritual community in Dumaguete's growing northern corridor.
A Historic Milestone for the Diocese
Bishop Most Rev. Julito B. Cortes led the gathering alongside incoming parish priest Msgr. Gamaliel D. Tulabing, Msgr. Robert Bongoyan, Engr. Greg Uymatiao Jr., Sr. Celeste Parilla, and Sr. Mila Grace Silab. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to establishing a permanent home for worship in the area.
The rite was followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration and the blessing of the parish mission cross. Bishop Cortes described the project as worthy of all sacrifices, emphasizing that the new church would house a community of both faith and love. The event also concluded a three-month mission led by the Redemptorist Urban and Itinerant Mission Teams.
Serving a Growing Community
The diocese established the parish to meet the pastoral needs of communities experiencing population growth. Bishop Cortes stressed that the Church must continue expanding to bring Christ closer to the people and serve them better. The new parish covers Buñao, Bantayan, and Pulang Tubig in Dumaguete, plus Agan-an and Boloc-Boloc in Sibulan.
The parish occupies a 5,654-square-meter property and is the diocese's first under the patronage of St. Therese. It was carved from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Sibulan and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Taclobo. The territory is also home to three religious communities, including the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Maravillas.
Pastoral Ministry Begins in Homes
Until the church is completed, Msgr. Tulabing said pastoral ministry will begin in homes and other gathering places. Priests and parish leaders will visit families, celebrate Masses in homes and along roads, and strengthen Basic Ecclesial Communities. This approach ensures that spiritual care reaches residents even without a permanent structure.
The parish will also form lay leaders, prepare parishioners for parish life, and promote devotion to St. Therese through prayer and community activities. Tulabing has led preparations since April, including fundraising efforts. During a July trip to the United States, he secured financial support for the construction project.
A Call for Patience and Generosity
Bishop Cortes asked parishioners for patience, generosity, and shared commitment as construction progresses. He acknowledged that building the church will take time and cooperation, but expressed confidence in the community's collective effort. The groundbreaking, he said, is just the beginning of a journey rooted in faith.
Additional fundraising activities are planned as construction moves forward. The diocese hopes the new parish will become a spiritual anchor for generations of Catholics in the area. The project reflects the Church's enduring mission to serve and accompany communities as they grow.
