The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro has played a central role in the growth of the Catholic Church in Northern Mindanao, both spiritually and socially. Since its establishment as a diocese in 1933—and later elevated to an archdiocese in 1951—it has been led by devoted and visionary leaders who have shaped the region’s religious landscape. Below is a chronological account of the five archbishops who have served Cagayan de Oro from its early years to the present day:
1. Bishop James T.G. Hayes, S.J. (1933–1970)
First Bishop and Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
An American Jesuit missionary, Bishop James Thomas Gibbons Hayes was appointed the first bishop of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro on April 28, 1933. Under his leadership, the Church in Northern Mindanao expanded significantly in terms of parishes, Catholic schools, and seminaries. In 1951, the diocese was elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese, and Bishop Hayes became its first archbishop. He is remembered for his deep commitment to education, founding institutions like Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
Archbishop Hayes also founded the San Jose de Mindanao Seminary in 1956. Located on top of Camaman-an Hill in Cagayan de Oro City, it was the first college seminary in Mindanao.
In recognition of Archbishop Hayes’ role in the history of Cagayan de Oro, the road traversing St. Augustine Cathedral to the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary was named after him.
He died on March 28, 1980.
2. Archbishop Patrick H. Cronin, S.S.C. (1970–1988)
Archbishop Cronin, an Irish missionary from the Society of St. Columban, succeeded Archbishop Hayes in 1970. His tenure was marked by efforts to localize Church leadership and deepen social justice advocacy during the Martial Law years. He supported lay empowerment and pastoral programs for the poor and marginalized.
In 1985, Archbishop Cronin established the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro, an interdiocesan theological seminary that provides formation for candidates for priesthood.
After his retirement in 1988, he lived at the archdiocesan seminary until his death on February 9, 1991 at Maria Reyna Hospital (now Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital) in Cagayan de Oro.
3. Archbishop Jesus B. Tuquib, D.D. (1988–2006)
Originally from Bohol, Archbishop Tuquib became the first Filipino archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. Known for his pastoral sensitivity and educational advocacy, he continued to strengthen the archdiocese’s social programs and clergy formation. He previously served as Bishop of Pagadian before his appointment to Cagayan de Oro. He retired on March 3, 2006.
Archbishop Tuquib passed away on August 1, 2019.
4. Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D. (2006–2020)
Born on March 28, 1943, in Iloilo City, Ledesma entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1963. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 16, 1973. An academic by nature, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government from Ateneo de Manila University, followed by a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Loyola School of Theology. He later completed his Master’s and Doctorate in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA.
Before being appointed Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, Ledesma served as a professor and administrator at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and later as the Bishop of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was appointed Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro in 2006, succeeding Archbishop Jesus Tuquib.
Archbishop Ledesma is widely respected for his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and social justice in Mindanao. A bridge-builder among Christians, Muslims, and Lumads, he supported the Bangsamoro peace process and championed interfaith dialogue. He was a vocal critic of extrajudicial killings, advocating for justice rooted in compassion, while also promoting environmental stewardship inspired by Laudato Si’. A strong proponent of education, he nurtured the formation of clergy and lay leaders across Northern Mindanao. Archbishop Ledesma retired in 2020 at the age of 75, leaving a legacy of thoughtful and courageous leadership.
5. Archbishop Jose A. Cabantan, D.D. (2020–Present)
The current archbishop, Most Rev. Jose Araneta Cabantan, was appointed in 2020 by Pope Francis. A native of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental and former bishop of Malaybalay, Archbishop Cabantan brings a pastoral, grounded, and missionary approach to his leadership. Amid contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and digital transformation, he continues to guide the archdiocese with a focus on renewal, synodality, and social engagement.
Archbishop Cabantan has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Cebu Institute of Technology in Cebu City. He finished a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from St. John Vianney Theological seminary in Cagayan de Oro.
The remains of three of the departed archbishops have been interred at St. Augustine Cathedral.
They can be found at the back of the altar.
Before he became Bishop of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, he was a Parish Priest of Lumbia, CDO. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Cebu Institute of Technology and a Chemical Engineer.
