The Diocese of Imus opened its Jubilee Year last Nov. 24-25, marking the declaration of the whole province of Cavite as an independent diocese from its mother diocese, the Archdiocese of Manila, on Nov. 25, l96l by Pope John XXIII, by virtue of the Apostolic Constitution “Christi Fidelium.” The diocese was canonically erected on April 26, 1962 with the Most. Rev. Artemio G. Casas as its first bishop. The parish church of Ntra. Sra del Pilar in Imus was chosen as the cathedral church, the seat of the new diocese.
As part of the Jubilee celebration, the Diocese has chosen nine (9) Jubilee churches where the faithful can go on pilgrimage to receive an indulgence as part of the celebration. In Catholic theology, an indulgence is the full or partial remission of temporal punishment due for sins which have already been forgiven. The indulgence is granted by the Catholic Church after the sinner has confessed and received absolution. The belief is that indulgences draw on the Treasury of Merit accumulated by Christ's superabundantly meritorious sacrifice on the cross and the virtues and penances of the saints. They are granted for specific good works and prayers.
The churches chosen were: (1) Parish of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria in Silang, founded in 1595, (2) Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Kawit, founded in 1624, (3) Parish of San Gregorio Magno in Indang, founded in 1625, (4) Parish of San Roque, Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga in Cavite city, founded in 1688, (5) Parish of Sto. Nino in Ternate, founded in 1692, (6) Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Bacoor, founded in 1752, (7) Parish of the Holy Cross, Shrine of St. Augustine in Tanza, founded in 1780, (8) Parish and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar in Imus, founded in 1795, and (9) Parish and Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Naic founded in 1796. We enjoin everyone to make this pilgrimage of faith most especially this coming lenten season.
