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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTHERN LUZON
(Created 1986)
The Rt. Rev. Renato Mag-gay Abibico, Bishop
Diocesan Center, Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga Philippines
Telephone Number (074) 872-22-95
Brief History
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon was formally established in 1986 with the Most Rev. Richard A. Abellon as first Diocesan Bishop. The Most Rev. Ignacio C. Soliba succeeded Bishop Abellon when the latter was chosen first prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines in 1990. The Rt. Rev. Renato M. Abibico is its third, succeeding Bishop Soliba who assumed the primacy of the Episcopal Church in 1997. EDNL was a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines prior to its creation as a diocese. Its jurisdiction covers the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Northern Isabela.
The Cathedral
The Church of the Holy Trinity is the Cathedral of this Diocese. It is located in Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga.
Vision
By the year 2007, EDNL, has become a matured Diocese, vibrant with the active participation of a nurtured, equipped and committed Clergy and Laity for mission and ministry; faithfully reaching out to peoples and communities in the proclamation of the Gospel and the pursuit of programs responsive to their well-being towards the building of God’s Holy Church.
Of the Seal of the Diocese
The Seal was designed by Dr. William Henry Scott.
The Bishop’s Miter at the top represents Episcopal Authority.
The motto, TSEDEK VISHALOM, is Hebrew for Justice and Peace.” Tsedek is also often translated “righteousness”; it is common to most of the Prophets when they enveigh against unrighteousness. Shalom does not mean peace in a passive or quiet sense: it means inner well being because of proper relationship with man and God.
The triangle represents the Trinity to symbolize the Church’s orthodoxy, frequently challenged by personalities cults and charismatic sects.
The crossed weapons symbolize the defense of justice, peace and the Trinity, and they are crossed as a sign of peace. Local weapons have been chosen in order to suggest the traditional role of the peace pact in a larger Christian context.
The colors red and yellow represent Kalinga, seat of the Diocese and primary mission work of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon.
The major geographic regions of the Diocese are symbolized by three figures – the heraldic symbols for mountains, flowing water, and the leaves of the biga plant (alocasia, macrorrhiza).
The mountains represent both the Cordillera and the other ranges within the Diocese. The flowing water represents the Cagayan River and Valley. The biga plant represents the Ilocos, being the symbol of Vigan, a name derived from kabigaan because that plant grew wild there.
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