SANTIAGO DE BUENAVISTA
SAINT JAMES THE GREAT PARISH • 1973
Brief History
In 1867 the Spanish Governor of Surigao and Agusan, Manuel Boscasa, in his attempt to subdue the natives of Upper Agusan wanted to transfer the people of the villages of Talacogon, Bunawan, Suribao and San Juan de Suribao to the new reduccion of La Reunion de Cabadbaran.
In response the villagers of Talacogon petitioned that "they wish to transfer to the seacoast to a place called Guinjahon, between Butuan and Nasipit."
Those of Bunawan "ask permission to transfer to the place Quijaoan in the bay of Butuan; in that place there is enough land, good water and good climate because it is near the sea."
"The people of San Juan de Suribao, ask for transfer to the sitio Quijaoan between Butuan and Nasipit." They however were forced to settle in the reduccion La Reunion de Cabadbaran.
In our baptismal books Quijaoan appears many times as the place of residence of parents of children baptized in our parish.
The river alongside our town is Guihao-an River by today's naming.
"Thirty-four years later in 1901 Fr. Urios writes that when he was in Tortosa on the 11th of that month (and Fr. Peter Schreurs, MSC adds now Buenavista!) the barrio captain did not allow him to enter the cemetery."
Municipal records point out that sometime in the early 1920's Buenavista was declared a regular barrio of the Municipality of Butuan. And on January 1, 1937 the barrio of Buenavista, by virtue of Executive Order No. 65, issued by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, became a municipality through the efforts of Assemblyman Apolonio D. Curato and Governor Jose R. Rosales, Commissioner of Mindanao and Sulu Teofisto Guingona, Sr. and Secretary of Interior Elpidio Quirino.
In 1935 the Dutch missionaries of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, took over the pastoral care of Agusan from the Jesuits. Hence upon the creation of our parish our priests were Dutch MSC missionaries.
In our Canonical Books we find the date April 20, 1937 as the date that our canonical books were open for entries. Thus this date is chosen as the founding date of our parish. Before April 20, 1937 we belonged to the parish of Butuan.
Reference: Fr. Moran's BookSacred Spaces
The church in the image is a blend of classical and contemporary architectural styles. Key features include:
- Facade Design: The church has a traditional yet simplified facade with a prominent, large rose window above the entrance. This window is characteristic of Gothic revival designs, though the rest of the church has a more modern aesthetic.
- Bell Tower: The church's bell tower, topped with a dome and a cross, is designed in a clean, minimalistic style. The dome is painted in a bold blue color, contrasting with the otherwise neutral palette of the structure. The vertical slits on the tower provide a modern touch, allowing natural light to filter in.
- Front Courtyard: In front of the church, there are decorative landscaping elements like palm trees and statues, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The statues and the signage suggest the church may have historical or religious figures, which is common for churches with rich histories.
- Columns and Ornamentation: While the facade doesn't have the ornate detailing seen in older Baroque or Gothic churches, it maintains simple, elegant arches and column-like structures that frame the entrance. These give it a stately, welcoming feel.
- Overall Aesthetic: The light-colored exterior, along with the modern lines and large windows, creates a bright and airy atmosphere. The use of white and beige tones contrasts nicely with the lush greenery and the blue dome.
Sanctuary
These stained glass artworks are part of the newly renovated sanctuary of Saint James the Great Parish Church in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, completed during the pandemic years of 2020-2022. The first image shows a radiant depiction of Christ the King, while the second features the Last Supper beautifully installed beneath the main altar—both enhancing the sacredness and solemnity of the church interior.
These meaningful additions were generously donated by a religious and a devoted family, as a lasting gift of faith and devotion to the parish community.
Sacristy
This is the current sacristy of Saint James the Great Parish, made possible through the generous donations of parishioners and benefactors. From furniture to religious items and sacramentals, each piece reflects the shared devotion and support of the faithful community.
St. James the Great Reliquary
This is our reliquary, a sacred treasure of Saint James the Great Parish, housing first-class relics of Saint James the Great and a fragment of the True Cross of Jesus Christ—a special patrimony of the Church. These precious relics were acquired through Fr. Dennis Duene Ruiz and were solemnly venerated on July 25, 2022, during the Parish's 85th Fiesta Celebration.
Belfry
A historic moment in the life of Saint James the Great Parish in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte was marked on November 28, 2019, with the blessing and installation of a replica of one of the Balangiga bells—a powerful symbol of peace and unity. Originally made in 1863 in the United States and donated by Dr. Henry Boland Howard, the bell was installed during the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration and blessed by Most Rev. Cosme Damian Almedilla, D.D., Bishop of Butuan. Its ringing echoed the collective hope for lasting peace among indigenous peoples, Muslims, and Christians in Mindanao, making it not only a treasured parish milestone but also a strong contribution to the national peace movement.
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Camino De Santiago Marker
The Camino de Santiago marker at Saint James the Great Parish was officially opened to all pilgrims as a sacred site of rest and reflection. Renovated and generously donated by Engr. and Mrs. Angel Abrau and family, this marker now stands as the main point of the Camino walk, where peregrinos (pilgrims) perform the traditional "Abrazo" ritual, embracing the image of St. James the Great in gratitude and devotion after a long journey of faith.
Beside the Marker, the 7th National Congress of St. James the Great Parishes and Devotees Marker will be built as a memorabilia of the National Congress to be held in our parish—highlighted by the groundbreaking ceremony of the Camino Marker, led by the Cofradía de Santiago.
Our Patron: Saint James the Great
Santiago de Buenavista
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), in their missionary work in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, likely played a key role in establishing St. James the Great as the town's Patron Saint. While the MSC was instrumental in evangelizing the region and fostering Catholic practices, the selection of St. James the Great aligns with both Spanish Catholic tradition and the local devotion that MSC missionaries helped nurture in the area.
In the Philippines, Catholic communities often select patron saints for their towns or parishes based on local devotion or historical factors. St. James the Great is a popular patron saint in many areas of the Philippines, especially in towns with deep Spanish colonial influences.
St. James the Great (Santiago el Mayor), one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, became the Patron Saint of Buenavista in Agusan del Norte. His feast day is celebrated on July 25th.
Inadlaw-adlaw nga Pag-ampo-debosyon alang kang Sr. Santiago Apostol
Santiago, Apostol sa Ebanghelyo: Sa Galilea ikaw gitawag ni Kristo; Misunod ka kaniya diha sa pagtoo, Imong naandang kinabuhi gibiyaan mo (Mk. 1:19-20). Santiago, uban sa igsoon mo nga si Juan, Mitinguha ikaw og luna sa gingharian. Apan ikaw hinoun ni Jesus gitudloan nga labing daku ang mag-alagad sa uban (Mk. 10:35-45). Santiago, saksi kang Jesus nga kahibulungan: sa pagbuhi niya pag usab sa bata nga mitaliwan (Lk. 8:51-56) sa iyang panagway ug bisti nga kausaban (Mk. 9:2-7) sa Getsemane nga iyang kagoul ug kasakitan (Mk. 14:32-42). Santiago, sa Langit kami ipangaliya: Itugot ang gugma'g kalinaw sa among pamilya, Ang tanang dapit ug imong Lungsod sa Buenavista iiway sa kagubot, kasakit, ug kabalaka.
More DetailsSt. James the Great Parish Hymn
Basic Ecclesiastical Communities
As of 2025, there are a total of 49 Basic Ecclesiastical Communities and 46 Chapels based on their respective Barangays. They are all under the jurisdiction of our Parish. These are the following:
| BARANGAY | CHAPEL |
|---|---|
| Barangay 1 (Os-os) | San Agustin Chapel |
| Barangay 1 (Otao) | San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel |
| Barangay 2 | Sagrada Familia Chapel |
| Barangay 2 (Lawag) | San Jose Chapel |
| Barangay 3 | Sr. Sto. Niño Chapel |
| Barangay 4 | San Vicente Ferrer Chapel |
| Barangay 7 | Sts. Peter & Paul Chapel |
| Barangay 9 | Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Chapel |
| Barangay 10 | Birhen sa Fatima Chapel |
| Barangay 10 (Tangke) | Sr. Sto. Niño Chapel |
| Barangay 10 | Sr. San Juan Chapel |
| Agong-ong (Centro) | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Agong-ong (Crossing) | Sr. Sto. Niño Chapel |
| Alubihid (Lower) | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Alubihid (Upper) | San Roque Chapel |
| Baybay | Sta. Teresa sa Calcutta Chapel |
| Cabulacan | Birhen sa Fatima Chapel |
| Calcalon | Sta. Cruz Chapel |
| Calayagon | Sta. Cruz Chapel |
| Dumurog | San Pedro Calungsod Chapel |
| Kasilak | Birhen sa Kasilak |
| Kitamban | Sta. Cruz Chapel |
| Kalung-kalungan | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Km. 11 | Sta. Cruz Chapel |
| Km. 12 | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Macalang (Centro) | San Antonio de Padua Chapel |
| Macalang (Upper) | San Vicente Ferrer Chapel |
| Magbalite | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Mahayahay | San Vicente Ferrer Chapel |
| Malapong | Inmaculada Concepción Chapel |
| Manlangit | San Vicente Ferrer Chapel |
| Manapa | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Matabao | Sta. Cruz Chapel |
| Otao | San Lorenzo Ruiz |
| Navintalan | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Sabang | Chair of St. Peter Chapel |
| Sacol | San Roque Chapel |
| Sampinit | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Sitio Isla Verde | San Matias |
| Suba | Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel |
| Talag-anahaw | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Talo-ao | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Tamusan (Lower) | Birhen sa Fatima Chapel |
| Tamusan (Upper) | San Isidro Labrador Chapel |
| Tinago | Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang |
| Tollbridge | Inmaculada Concepción Chapel |
Ministries
These are the active ministries of our Parish:
- Lectors and Cantors
- Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion
- Knights of the Altar
- Mother Butler Guild (MBG)
- Catechist
- Parish Youth Apostolate (PYA)
- Choir/Song
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA)
- Singles and Couples for Christ (SFC/CFC)
- Social Communications (SOCCOM)
- Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM)
- Inahan sa Kanunay'ng Panabang (ISKP)
- Apostolado/Apostolada sa Pag-ampo
- Kapunongan ng Presidente sa BEC/Kapilya (KPBK)
- Children of Mary Immaculate
- Schoenstatt
Organizations
These are the acknowledged and approved organizations of our Parish:
Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)
| Position | Name |
| Rev. Fr. Joselito T. Galido, DCB | PPC President |
| Mauricio P. Abrao | PPC Chairman |
| Maria Bernaditha M. Quijano | Worship Coordinator |
| Leolita Saga | Evangelization Coordinator |
| Estrelita Cagadas | Services Coordinator |
| Virginia Macomao | Temporalities Coordinator |
| Edna Makiling | |
| Fe Cadeliña | Organization Coordinator |
| Arcelito Pasaylo | Youth Coordinator |
| Merly Abiva | School Coordinator |
| Gabriel Saga | Vocation Coordinator |
| Percianita G. Racho | Hermana Mayor |
Parish Finance Council (PFC)
Knights of Columbus (K of C)
Friends of Santiago
| Position | Name |
| Prospero C. Cacayan | President |
Cofradia de Santiago
| Position | Name |
| Percianita G. Racho | President |
Online Community
Pilgrimage
Camino Walk
A one-day, 28.2 km pilgrimage walk around the town of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, in reverence to St. James the Great. This is the first-ever Saint James the Great Pilgrimage in the Caraga Region. It is an adaptation of the famous St. James Pilgrimage, "Camino de Santiago" (the Way of St. James), with routes stretching across Europe and ending at the tomb of St. James in northwest Spain.
This pilgrimage offers a unique experience and serves as a spiritual retreat, allowing participants to take a one-day break opportunity to refocus, redirect and re-evaluate your greatest purpose. Today, the Camino de Santiago is considered the third most important Christian pilgrimage, has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and is recognized as a First European Cultural Itinerary.
Fluvial Parade
This is a regular fiesta tradition where St. James the Great, a fisherman and the patron of Buenavista, is paraded on the se in a boat around the shorelines of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte (Barangays Manapa, Tinago, Poblacion 8, 9, and 10, Sacol, and Mahayahay).
Each chapel brings and decorates their boats, carrying their patron's image. Before the parade, the boats are blessed by the priest, who also chants a prayer.
The parade begins with the St. James the Great boat, followed by the devotees' boats. The procession is accompanied by music, drums, and lyres, creating a vibrant ensemble as the boats parade on the waters in thanksgiving to the patron for his continuous intercession with God, who blesses the people of Buenavista with abundant sea resources.
Tinagaktak Festival
The Tinagaktak Festival is a religious celebration in Buenavista every July 25th in reverence to Saint James "the Great." It is a profound dramatization of St. James the Great, featuring his apparition and miraculous defense while riding a horse and carrying a sword during the Battle of Covadonga, where he fought against the Muslim invaders, leading to the triumph of the Catholic faith.
"Tinagaktak" comes from the Bisaya term "Tagaktak", which simply means the beat of the galloping horse. It serves as a rhythm of hope for those who are suffering and a sound of faith, signaling that help is on the way.
Tigom: Devotional Mass
It has been a recent parish tradition since 2022 to honor our patron, Señor Santiago Apostol, with a Devotional Mass where all the chapels come together and bring their images to attend the Mass. These images are placed at the sanctuary for a blessing after the Mass.
During the celebration, the pilgrims are blessed on their foreheads with the relic of St. James the Great, which is exposed only during this time of the month. As a form of thanksgiving, they then offer candles to the image of St. James the Great at the altar.
Panaw-Duaw ni Santiago
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the strict guidelines for social distancing, churchgoers were limited in attending Mass inside the church. As the annual fiesta celebration drew near in July, a month-long "Panaw-Duaw" took place, during which the image of St. James the Great visited each chape. This occurs before July 25.
From the Parish, the image is transported by vehicle, followed by devotees in a motorcade procession to the assigned chapel each day, with a total of 36 chapels. A solemn enthronement is held when the image arrives at the chapel's altar. This is followed by a Holy Mass presided over by the priest. The image remains at the chapel for the night while devotees pay tribute to the patron. The next day, a prayer is changed before the image is transported to another chapel.
The cycle continues until July 24, when the image is returned to the Parish. This is celebrated with a Holy Mass, and all devotees from each chapel come together.
National Congress of St. James the Greater Parishes and Devotees
Our parish's participation in the National Congress of St. James the Greater Parishes and Devotees began at its inaugural gathering in Cavite in 2018, ably represented by Rev. Fr. Stephen M. Brongcano and then PPC President Mr. Mauricio Abrau. Since that time, our parish has faithfully attended each annual congress.
- The 2nd National Congress took place in Compostela, Cebu, hosted by the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Santiago de Compostela and our delegation numbered five parishioners.
- The 3rd Congress was held at St. James the Greater Parish in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte in 2020, with ten of our parishioners in attendance.
- In February 2022, the 4th National Congress convened at Santiago Apostol Parish (Saint James the Apostle Parish Church) in Plaridel, Bulacan. Our parish sent 13 representatives.
- The 5th National Congress occurred in Ibaan, Batangas at the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint James the Greater. We were proud to send an even larger group of participants.
- More recently, our parish took part in the congress held in Batuan, Bohol at the St. James Parish of Batuan—which drew over 20 participants from our parish.
Looking ahead, our parish is deeply honored to have accepted the invitation to host the next National Congress in 2026.
7th National Congress of St. James the Greater Parishes and Devotees
February 4-6, 2026This year's congress carries the theme,
GREATER: Beyond the Nets.
"They left their nets at once and followed Him."
That simple and direct call is a pivotal moment for Saint James. There was no detailed roadmap, no grand explanation, just a call and a choice. St. James dropped his nets and chose faith over fear, mission over comfort, and purpose over predictability. This is the essence of being GREATER, not in pride or prestige, but in depth, obedience, and surrender to God's will.
Parish Activities
One with the world, the Parish celebrates activities and local tradition based on the liturgical calendar.
| Month | Activities | Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | - | - |
| February | - | - |
| March | Sugat Kabanhawan | Easter Sunday |
| April | Parish Founding Anniversary | April 20 |
| May | Flores De Mayo | May 1-31 |
| June | - | - |
| July | Novena Masses and Fest Day, St. James the Great | July 16-25 |
| August | - | - |
| September | - | - |
| October | Birhen sa Barangay | October 1-31 |
| November | Red Wednesday | Wednesday after the Solemnity of Christ the King |
| December |
|
|
Mass Schedule
This is the regular schedule of Mass. For special occasions and other activities, please refer to the Facebook page for more updates.
| Schedule | Mass | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | First Mass (Cebuano) | 05:15 AM |
| Second Mass (Cebuano) | 07:00 AM | |
| Third Mass (Cebuano) | 09:00 AM | |
| Fourth Mass (Cebuano) | 04:45 PM | |
| Regular/Weekday Mass (Monday to Friday) | Daily Mass | 05:30 AM |
| Saturday | Daily Mass | 06:00 AM |
| Tigom: Devotional Mass | Every Last Saturday of the Month | 06:00 AM |
Roman Catholic Cemetery
The Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint James the Great Parish in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte is a sacred resting place exclusively serving the faithful Roman Catholics of the parish. Located along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion 2, this cemetery was originally a public burial ground, but was formally renovated and consecrated in July 2017 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Stephen M. Brongcano, DCB, then Parish Priest.
Guided by a committed Parish Technical Committee (PTC), the cemetery now upholds a clear policy: all Roman Catholics and members of the Balik-Halad residing within the territorial jurisdiction of Saint James the Great Parish are entitled to be served by this cemetery. A contestability period of six (6) months is observed before a member can avail of its benefits—except in cases of accidental death.
The dedicated individuals behind the Institutional Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the cemetery are as follows:
PTC Staff and Authors of the IRR
| Rev. Fr. Joselito T. Galido | Parish Priest, PTC Honorary Chairman |
| Eduardo P. Makiling | PTC Co-Chairman |
| Mauricio P. Abrao | PTC Secretary |
| Virginia J. Macomao | PTC Treasurer |
| Edna E. Makiling | PTC Auditor |
| Alejandra Perlita P. Uayan | PTC Business Manager |
| Maximiano A. Uayan, Jr. | PTC Public Information Officer |
| Fernando G. Bingculado | PTC Cemetery Custodian |
| Rev. Fr. Francimar A. Mutia | Parochial Vicar, PTC Honorary Member |
More Details
This cemetery stands as a testament to the parish's pastoral care for its faithful, ensuring dignity in life and honor in eternal rest.
A chapel within the cemetery was officially opened and made usable on November 1, 2022, providing a sacred space for funeral Masses. Initially held every first Monday of the month, these funeral Masses are now celebrated by schedule.
Priests
Below is the list of all priests who have served in our parish, along with their respective congregations and years of service.
| Name of Priest | Congregation | Years of Ministry |
|---|---|---|
| John Ruitjer | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | April 1937 - July 1944 |
| Martin Fransen | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | November 1938 - March 1939 |
| Antonious Bevers | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | March 1939 - October 1940 |
| Adrianus Stiejger | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | December 1941 - December 1947 |
| Johannes Bouter | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | October 1943 - April 1948 |
| Atanacio de Castro | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | July 1956 - December 1958 |
| John van Berkel | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | December 1947 - May 1948 |
| Martin vant Westeinde | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | April 1948 - May 1961 |
| Bernard Willemsin | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | November 1951 - September 1956 |
| Matheus van Stantvoord | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | May 1961 - December 1963 April 1979 - April 1985 |
| Jose van de Berg | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | December 1963 - June 1966 |
| Andres Gysberts | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | June 1966 - June 1972 January 1973 - July 1978 |
| Antonius Zwart | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | December 1968 - July 1969 June 1972 - July 1974 April 1976 - June 1977 June 1982 - November 1984 |
| Piet Reichwien | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | January 1970 - December 1970 |
| Jose van de Sande | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | September 1978 - April 1979 |
| Pedro Gerali | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | February 1982 - April 1985 |
| Marciano dela Cruz | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | May 1985 - April 1986 |
| Jovito L. Beguña | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | March 1985 - July 1987 |
| Joven Esteban | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | July 1987 - July 1989 |
| Florentino de Guzman | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | July 1989 - August 1991 |
| Alberto D. Parajes | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | August 1991 - May 1996 |
| Rufino A. de Gracia | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | August 1991 - June 1992 |
| Eduardo Teo | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 1992 - April 1993 |
| Rodulfo A. Pitogo | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | April 1993 - December 1994 |
| Silverio Relova | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | December 1995 - May 1996 |
| Achilles Ayaton | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | December 1995 - May 1996 |
| Jonathan Larombe | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | April 1998 - June 1998 |
| Roldan M. Nuñez | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 1998 - June 2005 |
| Eustacio D. Arnigo, Jr. | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | December 1998 - November 2001 |
| Cielito Orias | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 1999 - July 1999 |
| Ricky Amante | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 1999 - July 1999 |
| Randy Jasper Odchigue | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | August 1999 - September 1999 |
| Jose Sincero | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | August 1999 - September 1999 |
| Aldrin P. Alaan | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | December 2001 - May 2003 |
| Everett C. Corvera | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | May 2003 - May 2004 |
| Alberto B. Eslier | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | May 2004 - May 2005 |
| Loven E. Tutas | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2005 - June 2010 |
| Ernesto S. Lasala, Jr. | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | February 2007 - May 2010 |
| Roel U. Griar | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2010 - May 2015 |
| Isaac Manuel V. Moran | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | July 2010 - October 4, 2021 |
| Stephen M. Brongcano | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2015 - May 2020 |
| Leonardo Guiritan | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2015 - May 2020 |
| Johnny A. Villanueva | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2020 - May 2023 |
| Francimar A. Mutia | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2023 - June 2025 |
| Nelbert A. Grana | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | July 2025 - Present |
| Joselito T. Galido | Diocesan Clergy of Butuan | June 2020 - Present |