News & Updates
Blood Donation Drive at the DGMA Cathedral
Join us in making a life-saving difference this holiday season! People360, in partnership with Iglesia Filipina Independiente (DGMA Cathedral), Dugong Alay Dugtong Buhay (DADB), Brgy. Apolonio Samson & Council, Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Apolonio Samson, CDAG, Tau Gamma Sigma, Breast Cancer Warrior, Rotary Club of Cubao, Q.C., and Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, invites you to another Blood Donation Program on December 14, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the IFI Cathedral, Brgy. Apolonio Samson, Quezon City.
TEN-TEN LAUDS OUTSTANDING LEADERS
“May we always remember; may we never forget,” Bishop Buddy started his homily in paying tribute to the father-son tandem, Don Belong and OM Beluco. The word “Double Ten” (date October 10) was coined after the month of October and day 10, hence Double Ten, red-letter day to remember and honor the two great leaders responsible for the furtherance and growth of the IFI...
DGMA ORDAINS FOUR MINISTERS
On three separate occasions, DGMA through its officiating officer, the Rt. Rev. Vicente Salvador Ballesteros, ordained two priests and two deacons in an unprecedented one-month record period between September and October 2024. Two were held at the Cathedral of the Crucified Lord in Barangay Apolonio Samson, Quezon City; while one was held at the historic Maria Clara Church in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
DGMA COMMEMORATES TOP IFI LEADERS
A Requiem Mass was held on October 10, 2024 (so-called Double Ten) at the Maria Clara Church in Sta. Cruz, Manila, to remember and honor the two distinguished leaders of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the Delos Reyes father-son-tandem: Isabelo delos Reyes, Sr. (“Don Belong”) and Isabelo delos Reyes, Jr. (“Beluco”). The Rt. Rev. Vicente Salvador (“Buddy”) Ballesteros, DGMA bishop, led the concelebrated Mass;
In Memoriam: The Rt. Rev. Bart Espartero
Bishop Bartolome O. Espartero, second diocesan bishop of DGMA, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 69 years. He suffered from a lingering disease and was given the last rites (virtually) by his good friend, the Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara (former IFI priest) of The Episcopal Church based in New York City. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Bona Maglantay, and daughter, Christine (“Barbie”) Espartero.
Cathedral of the Crucified Lord Choir Previews 'Misa Kangkong' at IFI's 122nd Proclamation Anniversary
The Cathedral of the Crucified Lord Choir in Brgy. Apolonio Samson, historically known as Barrio Kangkong, has just given an exciting preview of three songs from their highly anticipated album entitled "Misa Kangkong" which pays homage to the rich history of their community...
DGMA-WOPIC Annual Thanksgiving Party at the Cathedral of the Crucified Lord
November 25, 2023, Saturday; 112 pax; 16 clergy persons. Commenced by Holy Mass: Bp. Buddy Ballesteros as main celebrant & preacher; clergy as concelebrators. Priests gifted with grocery packs -- thanks much!. Mass followed by business meeting, lunch, & program of songs & dances. Camaraderie, gift-giving, and merry-making as prelude to the forthcoming holiday season. Thanks and glory to God for the bountiful blessings!
Sama-samang Sumamba at Magsaya Tungo sa Pagkakaisa, Tara Na!
By empowering individuals, fostering fellowship, and providing a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, the Diocesan Laymen's Fellowship will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future within the diocese. As participants gather this Saturday, hearts will be filled with hope, and the spirit of unity will flourish, leaving a lasting imprint on the diocesan community for years to come.
IFI 15TH GENERAL ASSY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
Bishop Porlares won over the lone opponent candidate, the Rt. Rev. Felixberto L. Calang (Cagayan de Oro), for the office of the Supreme Bishop (Chief Pastor and Chief Executive Officer); while Bishop Ranojo edged out the Rt. Rev. Carlo A. Morales (Ozamis) for the position of General Secretary (Chief Operations Officer). Only one ballot-casting, individually done for each position, was sufficient to determine the outcome winners for both offices.
Covenant Partnership Celebration and Fellowship | IFI, UCCP, IUE
Members of three covenant churches, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), and the Iglesia Unida Ekyumenical (IUE), together gathered at the IFI Conference Center on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in fellowship and celebration of their covenant partnerships. These three churches are also member-churches of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
DGMA CLERGY ON EASTERTIDE RETREAT
Led by the diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Vicente Salvador Ballesteros, and the domestic prelate, the Msgr. Cesar Emmanuel Ballesteros, the 14-member diocesan clergy and four select clergy relatives, embarked at 6:30 am on their trip towards the Villa Resurreccion in Tanay, Rizal. Arriving at 9:00 am, they helped themselves to a hearty breakfast at the venue, and then sat down to a collective study of the DGMA Clergy Rule of Life for review and revision of outdated policies.
MAUNDY THURSDAY AT DGMA: | Vows Renewed, Oils Blessed
The Diocese of Greater Manila Area (DGMA), in its post-pandemic face-to-face celebration of Maundy Thursday, gathered its clergy at the Parish of the Resurrection in Balingasa, Quezon City, on April 6, 2023. It started at 8:30 am with the Holy Eucharist for the renewal of clergy vows and the blessing of oils used by the Church. Eighteen clergy persons participated in this special religious gathering.