By Edalyn B. Acta
Seventy-five years of faith, perseverance and missionary service come alive in the pages of Beneath the Azure Sky: A History of the Archdiocese of Capiz (1951–2026).
Capiz Archbishop Victor B. Bendico led the launching of the book written by Fr. Dedert V. Duarte at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas City last July 11, 2026.
As the archdiocese’s chancellor, Fr. Duarte has written the first comprehensive historical account of the canonical establishment of the Diocese of Capiz in 1951 to its present-day mission as a Metropolitan Archdiocese.
Commissioned by Archbishop Bendico, the book is the product of years of meticulous research using diocesan archives, Vatican records, parish documents, private collections, oral testimonies, and previously unpublished sources.
The book traces the roots of Catholicism in Capiz beginning with the arrival of the Augustinian missionaries in 1566, the establishment of the Diocese of Capiz in 1951 and its elevation as a Metropolitan Archdiocese in 1976.
The book’s most significant highlight is its documentation of the Diocese of Capiz’s canonical creation. Through extensive archival research, Fr. Duarte established that the official date of canonical erection was July 11, 1951 and correcting the long-observed May 28 anniversary. This discovery is supported by Vatican documents, the Papal Nuncio’s records, and the original Act of Erection and Act of Possession.
Readers are also introduced to the remarkable growth of seminaries, Catholic schools, charitable institutions, healthcare ministries, social action programs, and communications apostolates that have made the Archdiocese of Capiz one of the country’s leading centers of priestly and religious vocations.
The book also preserves the rich spiritual traditions that continue to define Capiceño Catholic life including Marian devotion, Holy Week observances, parish fiestas, Basic Ecclesial Communities, and unique local expressions of faith such as the Considerad.
As the Archdiocese marks two historic milestones, Beneath the Azure Sky stands as both a tribute and a legacy.
More than preserving memories, it celebrates the enduring faith of the Capiceño people and reminds future generations that the history of the Church continues to be written through lives dedicated to service, communion, and the Gospel. (With reports from the Archdiocese of Capiz)
