Chapter LIII

Curacies and administrations of the bishopric of Zebu

Curacies

615. The sickness and death of the bishop, and the distance of that bishopric, have delayed the news that I had hoped to receive of the curacies in its district. Therefore, I shall proceed with the administrations of the religious throughout that bishopric.

Administrations of religious

616. In the city of Zebu is the convent of the calced Augustinian fathers--the first temple and sacred repository of the miraculous image of the holy Child that was discovered--where, as a rule, three religious live, without administration.

617. Outside the walls is the convent of San Nicolas, or Zebu el Viejo [_i.e._, "Old Zebu"], which was the first village conquered by the Spaniards. Hence its natives are reserved from tribute, and are ministered to by the Augustinian fathers. The number of souls reaches 3,504.

618. The administrations of the villages of Argao, Bolohon, Cotcot (with Liluan), in the island of Zebu, whose souls number 8,666, have been lately ceded (in this year of 1737) to the fathers of the Society, with the necessary licenses.

619. In the province of Panay: in the village and capital of Capis, and in the villages of Batan, Mambusao, Dumalag, Dumarao, and the village of Panay. In those administrations there are reckoned to be about 18,785 souls.

620. In the province of Ogtong, in the villages of Miyagao, Antique, Bugason, Tigbaoan, Cabutuan, Laglag, Passi, Anilao, Dumangas, the island of Guimaras, Haro, Ogtong, and Guimbal--in which there are 52,906 souls.

621. In the two above-mentioned provinces of Ogtong and Panay, there are innumerable souls of the apostate Cimarrones, the children of Christian parents, who have fled to the mountains. Much activity has been always displayed in their conversion, especially since the year 1731, and much gain is hoped from it.

622. The holy Society of Jesus has one of their colleges in the city of Zebu, and near it the administration of Mandabe. But lately the three villages of Argao, Bolohong, and Cotcot (with its annexed village of Liluan), which were conceded to them by the Augustinian fathers, have been added to them in the same province of Zebu. And near Zebu, in the small island of Poro, the chief island of the three called Camotes.

623. In the island of Bohol: in the villages of Loboc, Baclayon, Dauis, Malabohoc, San Miguel de Hagna, Talibong, and Ynabanga.

624. In the island of Mindanao: in Dapitan, with the mission of Ylaya. In Yligan, with the missions of Layanan, Langaran, Lubungan, Disacan, Talinga, and others, which are being reestablished. In Sanboangan, the missions of Bagumbayan, Dumalon, Siocon, Cabatangan, Caldera, Poongbato, and Sirauay.

625. In the island of Negros, in the villages of Ylog, Cabangcalan, with the mission of Buyonan. In Himamailan, Cauayan, Ynayauan, with the mission of Sipalay. In Iloilo, in the port, which is the capital, and in Molo.

626. In the island of Leyte: in the villages of Leyte, Palompong, Ogmuc, Baybay, Hilongos, Maasim, Sogor, Cabalian, Liloan, Hinundayan, Abuyog, Dulac, Dagami, Burabuen, Palo, Tanauan, Haro, Alangalang, Carigara, and Barugo.

627. In the island of Samar: in the villages of Capul, Catbalogan, Paranas, Calbiga, Umauas, Lalauiton, Basey, Balangigan, Giuan, Sulat, Tubig, Borongan, Lauang, Palapag, Catubig, Bobong, Catarman, Gibatang, Bangahon, and Tinagor.

628. In the Marianas Islands: in the villages of two islands, called Agadna, Agat, Merizo, Pago, Ynarahan, Umatag, Rota, and Seypan, where there are about 2,697 souls.

629. The discalced Augustinian fathers have a convent without administration in the city of Zebu. Their administrations in that bishopric are as follows.

630. In the islands called Calamianes: in the island of Paragua, they have the villages of Taytay and Paragua. In the islands of Dumaran, Calatan, Malampayan, Culion, Linapacan, Busuagan, Cuyo, Canepo, Alutaya, Bejucay, and Romblon. In the island of Banton, in Tinaya and Mainit. In the island of Simara, the village of Simara. In the island of Tablas, in the three villages of Cabolotan, Odiongan, and Lalouan. In the island of Sibuyan, in Cauit, and Cahidyocan. In all those islands 21,076 souls are reckoned.

631. Throughout the island of Mindanao, and the province of Caraga; in the villages of Butuan, Linao, Hibon, Hingooc, Habongan, Mainit, Ohot, Tubay, Tandag, Calagdan, Babuyo, Tago, Marihatag, Lianga, Bislig, Hinatoan, Catel, Baganga, Caraga, Higaquit, Pahuntungan, Surigao, Cagayan, Hipinon, Agusan, Manalaga (a new village), Gompot, Balinuan, and Tagoloan, with their missions. In the island of Siargao, in the villages of Caolo, Sapao, and Cabonto. In the island of Dinagat, and in the island of Camiguin, the two villages of Guinsiliban, and Catarman. Those administrations number 21,635 souls.

632. Since the fathers of St. John of God have no fixed convent, they likewise do not have any regularly-established religious.

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