Historical and biographical review of some of the main figures of the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine of the Order of Augustinian Recollects from its foundation to the present day.
Juan Ruiz de San Agustín (1728-1796), Builder of the Cathedral of Vigan
Juan Ruiz de San Agustín, a Spanish religious from Cáceres, Spain, was ordained as a bishop with extensive experience in construction. As vicar and later as prior provincial (1776-1779), he was deeply involved in the restoration of their church in Intramuros following the earthquake of 1771.
Juridically, from December 1780, he was the bishop of Nueva Segovia, one of the four episcopal sees in the Philippines at that time. He governed the diocese from May 1782, although his episcopal ordination did not occur until January 1786.
By the time of his consecration, he had already constructed the Palacio del Arzobispado (Archdiocesan Palace) of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and the cathedral’s construction was nearing completion. Both structures were part of the well-proportioned complexes in the Philippines, including the historic town of Vigan, a World Heritage Site since 1999.
His obituary states: “He died as a poor religious, having spent all he received as bishop on constructing his palace and cathedral, and on adorning the church with priceless jewels of gold and silver, among other ornaments.”
It is also noted that he devoted his life to his projects, which ultimately led to his illness and death in Manila on May 2, 1796.
Joaquin Encabo (1740-1818), Charitable Bishop of Cebú
There were parallels between Fray Joaquín Encabo (below) and Fray Juan Ruiz (above). Both prelates hailed from Cáceres, Spain, and took their vows at the convent in Madrid. They travelled to the Philippines in 1767 in a mission organized by Ruiz. Encabo was primarily a professor and held various administrative positions, including prior provincial between 1782-1785 and 1788-1791, succeeding Juan Ruiz. During the interim, Fray Joaquín served as secretary to Fray Juan in Vigan. In 1796, he delivered the funeral eulogy for his distinguished compatriot, Bishop Juan Ruiz.
Several years elapsed —six, to be precise— from his recommendation as bishop to his consecration. King Carlos IV nominated him to the episcopal see of Cebu, and he was ordained as bishop on May 15, 1808.
While Juan Ruiz dedicated his income to construction, Encabo allocated his to helping the needy: “He was exceptionally charitable to the impoverished, investing 4,000 pesos from his stipends to address the needs of others.”
He paid special attention to the numerous lepers in the area by founding a hospital, initially funded from his own resources. The Order continued to contribute to this cause into the 20th century.
Eugenio Sese (1750-1803), First Bishop in Colombia
Little is known about Eugenio Sesé, despite his elevation to the episcopacy. He was from Aragon, in the province of Teruel, and joined the order at the convent of Portillo in Zaragoza. He taught theology in the same city until he was 39 and then volunteered for the Philippines.
Although he went to the Orient with great enthusiasm, he stayed only three years. He spent two years in the missions north of Manila and one year in Manila, dedicating himself to preaching and teaching theology.
In September 1793, he was appointed commissary and procurator in Madrid, responsible for managing the affairs of the Philippine Province at the royal court and the Holy See.
For six years, he performed this delicate role to the satisfaction of his superiors and, apparently, the Spanish government, which recommended him for the episcopacy. On September 28, 1801, he was appointed bishop of Santa Marta, in what is now Colombia, where he died on October 31, 1803.
Interestingly, his adopted Philippine Province issued him a certificate of fraternity on April 9, 1804, unaware that the bishop had passed away more than five months earlier.
