Members of the Order of Preachers (OP) worldwide, both Anglicans and Roman Catholics, honor their founder, Saint Dominic de Guzman, throughout this month of August.

Dominic modeled a life of profound compassion, radical simplicity, and relentless zeal for the truth. A secular priest born in Spain in 1170, he responded to spiritual darkness not with harsh judgment but by speaking only with God or about God, bridging deep prayer with active mercy.

He established a community grounded on four pillars: prayer, study, community, and mission, teaching that we must absorb God’s truth before we can share it. “Contemplata Aliis Tradere” — to contemplate and to share with others the fruits of your contemplation.

Dominic tells us that preaching is not limited to priests or altars. Dominic reminds us that our workplaces, homes, and quiet conversations are our primary pulpits.

He taught that the Gospel is meant to be a transformation, not just text. When we choose mercy over comfort and light over fear, we echo his mission.

When encountering those in error, Dominic would deal with them through patient dialogue, listening, and love over condemnation.

A Filipino Church

Meanwhile, former Roman Catholic priest Father Fortunato Clemeña played one of the most important roles in the birth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) in Cavite, particularly in Bacoor.

Father Clemeña was the Roman Catholic parish priest at the historic Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Bacoor.

He was a Filipino secular priest who supported the growing movement for a Filipino-led national church after the Philippine Revolution.

In 1902, Father Clemeña left the Roman Catholic Church and joined the new movement under the leadership of Monsignor Gregorio Aglipay, also a former Roman Catholic priest, and Isabelo de los Reyes.

According to the historical records preserved by the city government of Bacoor, Father Clemeña became the first Obispo (Bishop) of the IFI in Cavite. On 4 December 1902, when he joined the IFI, the Bacoor parish became the center of the movement in Cavite.

Bacoor quickly became one of the strongest IFI communities in the country because many Katipuneros and revolutionaries supported the new church.

The present IFI Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel traces its origins to this period and remains the cathedral of the IFI Diocese of Cavite.

After Father Clemeña and many parishioners joined the IFI, a dispute arose over control of the Bacoor church building. The property was eventually returned to the Roman Catholic Church following court decisions, while the IFI continued to grow in Cavite with its own cathedral and institutions.

The IFI has a long tradition of standing with farmers, workers, Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities while promoting justice and the integrity of creation.

On another note, congratulations to First Lieutenant Nica D. Aaron (QMS), PA, on being awarded CMOR’s Best Junior Officer 2026. Your dedication and exemplary service bring pride to the Mahigalaon Family. Keep soaring and continue to inspire others through your unwavering commitment to the service.