ILIGAN CITY — The Diocese of Iligan is cementing its commitment to the Black Nazarene devotion, moving forward with a massive 30-year development plan for a new shrine in Tipanoy while forcefully dispelling rumors of division among the faithful.
The new shrine will rise on a six-hectare property in Purok 3, Mibala, Tipanoy. The land was donated by a local benefactor, fulfilling the vision of the late Bishop Elenito Galido to spread the devotion to the revered image of Jesus Christ beyond the city center.
Msgr. Alberto De Lara of the St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral Church addressed recent speculation regarding the project, clarifying that rumors of division among devotees are “completely unfounded and represent a clear case of fake news.”
De Lara emphasized that the new site is an expansion, not a separation. The goal is to make the devotion more accessible to the faithful by providing an additional location for gatherings and celebrations.
“The devotion remains united, whether at the Cathedral or at the new Diocesan Shrine in Tipanoy,” De Lara said.
He reiterated that the shrine’s creation was always central to the church’s plan.
“All of us are united in our faith, our devotion, and our celebration of the Black Nazarene,” he said.
Moving forward, the St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral will continue to host devotees, while the new shrine serves as a supplementary site. This dual-site approach was tested on Jan. 9, when two masses were held to honor the Black Nazarene: one at 6:00 a.m. at the Cathedral and another at 9:00 a.m. at Tipanoy.
Bishop Jose R. Rapadas III, who presided over the mass at Tipanoy, unveiled a comprehensive 30-year development plan for the new complex.
The roadmap includes:
First 5 Years: Improved road accessibility and the creation of open gathering spaces.
Future Phases: Construction of a permanent church structure, eco-spiritual and tourism facilities, and a retreat house.
Rapadas expressed confidence in the ambitious project, describing it as “a mission born from the people of God, sustained by faith, unity, and even the smallest contributions of the faithful.”
“When the work comes from the people of God, the Lord will not abandon it,” he added.
The Diocese of Iligan has been celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene since 2015, following the receipt of a replica of the Poong Nazareno from Quiapo Church. The feast day, Jan. 9, is officially recognized as part of the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
