REVEREND FATHER

CONSTANT JURGENS, CICM

1879-1952
INTRODUCTION

• Fr. Constant Jurgens was the only Dutchman among the

pioneers. Like Fr. Carlu, he also entered the novitiate as a
priest. He belonged to a very well-to-do family engaged in
manufacturing of margarine and other products. The family
Business was later associated with the British Uni-Lever firm.
INFORMATION

• Birth: December 12, 1879 in Oss, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands

• Vows: September 8, 1906
• Ordination: June 17, 1905
• Death: June 3, 1952 in Manila at the age of 72
EARLY PRIESTLIFE
• One of the mission stations Fr. Jurgens was assigned to before
becoming a bishop was Bontoc, Mt. Province. While in Bontoc,
he worked with Fr. Sepulchre who was assigned in nearby
bauko in same province. Both Started their missionaries initially
constructed a dormitory for boys which eventually became a
school where the students were offered Christian Education. Fr.
Jurgens was in fact the one who envisioned Saint Mary’s
University
BISHOP OF TUGUEGARAO

• Father Jurgens is well Known in Area of Catechism. He single-

handedly took care of catechesis during the pre-war period
through publications. His accomplishments as an effective
catechist led to his appointment as Bishop of Tuguegarao which
was supported by request of the diocesan priest. In his mural at
the Tuguegarao Cathedral, Father Jurgens was described as a “
Bishop Catechist”
AS AN ECONOMIST

• Fr. Jurgens made a number of attempts to improve the

economic condition of the communities he was assigned to. One
notable attempt was the silk-worm industry he put up in
Bontoc. The industry had a positive impact on the lives of the
people when they started selling silk threads in Manila
IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS

• Katecismo ti Doctrina Kristiana

• Msgr. Constant Jurgens, CICM, D.D. established diocesan
secondary school named Cagayan Valley Atheneum in 1938 and
later became University of Saint Louis
• Initiated the Early beginnings Of Saint Mary’s University