21 January 2009

Parish celebrates Fiesta of St. Fabian

San Fabian - 20 January. A procession in honor of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, started the day's fiesta celebration of the patron saint of the parish and of the town. After the 6 o'clock AM mass, the parishioners gathered at the Church patio for the procession. The different barangays participated in the procession. They brought along with them the images of their patron saint which were all decorated with flowers and put on beautiful carriages, while others were put on tricycles but still beautifully decorated for the procession.

The procession was led by the members of the Ministry of Altar Servers. The Archdiocesan School of San Fabian Drum and Lyre Band provided the band music accompanying the parishioners during the procession. The procession passed through Block 4, Sagud Bahley, before turning left to the main highway and finally entering at the main gate of the patio of the Parish Church. The members of the Knights of Columbus accompanied the statue of St. Fabian during the procession.

Msgr. Rafael S. Magno, Jr, Vicar General and former parish priest of San Fabian presided over the mass at 8 o'clock AM. The native priest-sons of San Fabian concebrated in the mass. They were: Rev. Fr. Abraham Equig, Rev. Fr. Francisco Ungria, Jr. and Rev. Fr. Alfred Viernes. Rev. Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest, joined them in the mass.

Fr. Frank Ungria, Jr. is incardinated in the Archdiocese of Manila and is presently the parish priest of St. John the Baptist Parish, San Juan, MM. He is the son of Atty. and Mrs. Francisco Ungria, Jr. Fr. Alfred Viernes is incardinated in the Diocese of Alaminos. He is presently the parish priest of Sto. Nino Parish, Mabini, Pangasinan. Fr. Alfred is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ildefonso Viernes. Fr. Abe Esquig is now retired in the active ministry but he is still helping in the parish of St. Fabian. He celebrates regularly the 8 o'clock AM mass every Sunday. He now lives in Brgy. Bolasi.

Msgr. Rafael S. Magno, Jr. in his homily spoke about the value and meaning of peace. He reminded the parishioners about the story of the dove perching on St. Fabian which became the acknowledged sign that he was chosen by the Holy Spirit to become the next pope after Pope Anterus died. The dove is a symbol of peace. Msgr. Magno encouraged everybody to work for peace.

Rev. Fr. Joel F. Ynzon, the Vicar Forane, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation after the mass.

To see more fiesta pictures, please click here.

Parishioners attending a Sunday regular mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Esquig, a native son of San Fabian.