Our History

The Jesuit mission spread throughout Mindanao from the 1860's. By 1895, there were 106 Jesuits in eight regions (62 priests and 44 brothers). In the 1930’s, sub-regions of the island were turned over to other religious orders. This enabled the Jesuits to focus on the remaining areas of Basilan, Zamboanga peninsula, Lanao region, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental.  

(Photo: A Jesuit missionary among Tiruray people of Tamontaca, circa 1861)

The evangelization of the native tribes in Bukidnon began towards the middle of the 19th century. The first mission station was Malitbog, situated in the canyon behind Tagoloan. The Spanish Recoleto friar of the parish of Jasaan (of which Tagoloan was a dependent chapel,) made visits to Malitbog. There was a chapel already existing there by 1848.

(Photo: Fr Mateo Gisbert with the Bagobo Datu and his people, circa 1880's)

Heeding the calls and challenges of Pope Francis and recognizing the priorities of the Universal Society of Jesus, the Philippine Jesuits have directed their apostolic focus on Mindanao:  the continuing poverty and marginalization of peoples and  the pervasive military conflicts between Government and rebel groups.

(Photo: Book cover of Jesuits in Mindanao The Mission; Media Wise Communications, publisher)

When the Jesuits took over the missions in Tagoloan, Jasaan, and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. in 1877, their area of ministry also included Bukidnon with Sumilao and Linabo as visitas.  Sumilao became a mission in 1889 with Linabo as a station. More stations were added in three years. In 1890, Oroquieta (now Malaybalay) was reopened as a mission.

(Photo: Fr. Joseph Reith, SJ with church construction workers in Patpat, circa 1950s)