Retired Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, now 92, has finally fulfilled a longtime aspiration: to chronicle the rich history of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

His new book, Growing in Age, Wisdom, and Grace: Journey of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao 1910–2020, was recently released—more than a decade after he first conceived the idea in early 2011.

“This book is long overdue,” the archbishop admitted, noting that its completion was delayed by several challenges, including typhoons, a change in residence, and a period of hospitalization. “But as they say: better late than never.”

The book presents a comprehensive historical account of the archdiocese, which Archbishop Talamayan led for around 25 years. Turning 93 in October, he has personally witnessed nine of the ten decades covered in the book. His reflections are deeply personal, weaving in anecdotes, discernments, and theological insights from his years of service and faith.

More than just a scholarly work, the book captures the spiritual journey of the people of Cagayan province, highlighting the establishment of parishes, schools, and Basic Ecclesial Communities. It also draws heavily from historical sources, especially the lives and contributions of past bishops of the archdiocese.

“Through my research and interviews, I discovered how steadfastly our people held on to their faith,” Talamayan said. “Their efforts to keep Christianization alive are nothing short of admirable.”

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, praised the archbishop’s dedication to documenting the local Church’s heritage. He emphasized that history is more than a collection of facts—it's a means of understanding identity and destiny.

“That, I believe, is what [Archbishop Talamayan] is doing in his book—making sense of our history,” Cardinal David said.

Ordained a priest for the then-Diocese of Tuguegarao in 1956, Archbishop Talamayan went on to earn a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of Santo Tomas in 1957, a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 1961, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Universidad Central de Madrid in 1962. He also completed a master’s degree in teacher education at Columbia University in New York in 1970.

He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Tuguegarao by Pope John Paul II in October 1983 and was ordained bishop in January 1984. Two years later, in January 1986, he was named archbishop of Tuguegarao.

Following his 1956 ordination, he became instructor at San Jacinto Seminary in Peñablanca, Cagayan." Talamayan was later appointed president of Lyceum of Aparri, the town where he traces his roots, and its Vicare Forane from 1971 to 1986. He also founded the Our Lady of Piat Museum at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat.

"Fluent in three local dialects - Tagalog, Ilocano and Ibanag - Talamayan also speaks English, Spanish and French.