Biking Bishop leads Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine

San Fabian –9 January 2010. Bishop Lasam Utleg is the Bishop of the Diocese of Laoag (Ilocos Norte). He has a passion for the protection of the environment. Biking and hiking are just but two of his hobbies. He is also 66 years old.

Together with about 200 bikers from Ilocos Norte who are members of different Biking Clubs, Bishop Utleg embarked on a pilgrimage from Luna, La Union to Manaoag, Pangasinan.

The cycling event was dubbed as "Bike for Mother Mary and Mother Earth". The trek covered 105 kilometers from the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan, Luna, La Union to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, Pangasinan.

The pilgrim-bikers have been regularly biking around Ilocos Norte. The Pilgrimage by biking has been on its third leg, and on its third year. Bishop Ulteg said that they are visiting Marian shrines. This year's event is just a continuation of their pilgrimage last year from Bantay, Ilocos Sur to Luna, La Union.

Our Lady Apo Baket of Namacpacan was the title given to our Blessed Virgin Mary by the natives of La Union because she appeared to the indigenous people of the Cordilleras as an old woman and offered them food and invited them to be baptized. Apo Baket is how the people call the elderly woman as a sign of respect. The Image got the name from the town itself.

The Our Lady of Manaoag (formally: Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, literal translation: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag) is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, associated with a statue in Manaoag, Pangasinan said to be from the 16th century. She is the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy. She is also the patroness of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

The pilgrims left Luna at around 5,30 AM.

From Luna, the bikers went to San Fernando and then to Agoo, La Union for a rest and stopover. In every stopover, the group prayed one decade of the holy rosary.

They had a brief stopover at the Parish Church of San Fabian at around 11,00 AM where they prayed the fourth Glorious Mystery. A simple snack was prepared for the tired pilgrims. From San Fabian, they proceeded to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag.

The Biking Bishop, Msgr. Sergio L. Utleg, DD of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

To see more pictures of Bishop Utleg of the Diocese of Laoag and his biker-companions, please click HERE.

Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas installed as the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

Dagupan City – 4 November 2009. In solemn rites, Msgr. Socrates Buenaventura Villegas was installed as the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan at 10:00 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Parish Church, Dagupan City. The Canonical Installation was attended by 70 arch/bishops, and more than 350 priests coming from different arch/dioceses of the country, and participated in by more than 3,000 guest and visitors coming from Bataan where Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas served as bishop prior to his appointment as archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, and by visitors coming from Manila and nearby provinces.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal also attended the canonical installation. The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams formally installed the new archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. Msgr. Rafael S. Magno, Jr, the Chancellor, read the message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

The newly appointed archbishop was received by Msgr. Renato P. Mayugba, DD, the Auxiliary of Lingayen-Dagupan during the Rite of Reception.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas was ordained priest by then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in October 5, 1985. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in July 25, 2001, and ordained Bishop and Titular of Nona in August 31, 2001. He was appointed Bishop of Balanga (Bataan) in May 3, 2004 and installed in July 3, 2004.

On 8 September 2009, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD as archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and appointed Bishop Socrates B. Villegas as Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan.

Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, DD with the clergy of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan immediately after the canonical installation of Archbishop Soc.

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD retires

8 September 2009. The resignation of Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD as archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan was simultaneously announced in Vatican (12 noon) and in  Manila (6 PM). In the same announcement, Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas, Bishop of Balanga (Bataan) was named as his successor.  Msgr. Cruz has been the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan since 1991 when he was appointed as its prelate in 15 July 1991. He was installed on 24 August 1991.

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD succeeded Msgr. Federico G. Limon upon the retirement of the latter. He has served the Archdiocese for almost two decades with integrity, pastoral charity and commitment to social justice.

According to the CBCPNews online, Archbishop Cruz said “the first thought that came to my mind upon knowing of the change of my ecclesiastical status is to thank the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.”

“The reason is it’s her birthday anniversary today,” he said.

In the same report, he was quoted to have said that "he is most grateful to the clergy, the religious and the laity in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, “for being very patient with me and understanding.”

He said the clergy, religious and laity “were able to bear with me for about two decades and that is to their credit.”

Parish Social Action Apostolate Ministers undergo “Antabay” Formation Program

16 August 2009 – San Fabian. The “'’Antabay’: Becoming Neighbor” formation program for the ministers of Social Action Apostolate was held at the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr last 16 August, Sunday. The “Antabay” formation seminar was given to the core team members of the different Parish Social Action Apostolate of the four vicariates of the Archdiocese.  The Parish of St. Fabian is now re-echoing the same program to the parish social action ministers.

The core team of the parish facilitated the seminar. Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza and Bro. Estephen Espinoza gave the main talks to the participants. Thirty-six (36) parishioners participated in the “Antabay” seminar. The core team of the parish is composed of Bro. Tony Supremido, the Social Action Apostolate Chairperson, Sis. Elizabeth Terte, Secretary, Sis. Shirley Tersol, Treasurer, Bro. Felipe Dagarag, BEC coordinator, Bro. Marvin Borja, Youth Apostolate Coordinator. The three ministry coordinators are: Sis. Ma. Rowena A. Nicer, Caritas, Bro. Martin Estayo, Advocacy, and Sis. Leonara Datuin and Sis. Nida Bautista, Justice and Peace.

The different Desk Coordinators and the members  were also chosen after the one-day seminar.

The Archdiocesan Social Action Apostolate (ASAP) has been undergoing a re-organization, re-structuring and formation since Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD, formalized and institutionalized the apostolate. ASAP is the ecclesial response to our being sent by Jesus, through the Church, to fulfill the mission of loving our neighbor and loving our God, for one cannot be separated from the other. It is our service as a Church, specifically, the local church of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. It is our service as Christians to the poor and the marginalized in our society, for this kind of service is also directed to the cause of God for His people.
The ASAP ministers of the parish undergoing a workshop during the “Antabay” formation seminar.
  Role-playing for the participants of the “Antabay” seminar.

Brgy. Binday hosts “Visitation”

25 July 2009 – San Fabian. The chapel of Brgy. Binday was one of the barangay chapels destroyed by Typhoon Cosme last May 2008. This did not deter the residents of Binday to welcome the sacred images of the Divine Mercy and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was decided among themselves that the home of Mrs. Marissa Gachallan will shelter the images. The Adult Formation Program was held in the same place.

The Youth Encounter, however, was held at the Barangay Hall.

Mass and the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism were celebrated on 25 July 2009, Saturday. The images were received by Brgy. Ambalangan Dalin from Binday in the afternoon of 25 July, Saturday.

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To see more pictures of the visitation in Brgy. Binday, please click HERE.

Parish Project almost finished

24 July 2009 – San Fabian. After a little more than a month, the project initiated by the Parish Pastoral Council as a commemoration of the hosting of the Vicariate III Celebration of the the Solemnity of Christ this coming 22 November 2009, is about 95% finished. The Pastoral Pastoral Council last 20 May 2009 decided that one of the two major projects that would be built would be the construction of a covered pathway linking the parish church, the parish center and the Mt. Carmel Chapel. The other project is the repair of the roof of the parish rectory.

The project was started lat 10 June 2009. Bro. Bernie Solis was tasked to build the covered pathway with Engr. Santiago Alhambra.

Polycarbonate material is used to cover the pathway. The project will protect parishioners from rains and will provide shade for parishioners as they walk from the church to the parish center.

When finished, the project will cost about Phil Pesos Two Hundred Eighty One Thousand (P281,000.00). Funds for the construction of the pathway are being solicited from the generosity of the parishioners.

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To see pictures of the project since its start, please click HERE.

Parish holds 38th PREX Weekend Seminar

12 July 2009 – San Fabian. The 38th Parish Renewal Experience weekend seminar was held last 10-12 July 2009 at the Parish Center. Despite the rains and the bad weather, the 38th edition of the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) was one of the best attended.

Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest, with Bro. Estephen Espinoza gave the talks to the participants. PREX Class 37 sponsored the weekend seminar. Bro. Cris Bautista was chosen as the PREX Class Coordinator. The Parish Renewal Experience is an adult formation program which has been with the parish since 2004.

Please click HERE to see more pictures of PREX Class 38.

Brgys. Mabilao and Lipit-Tomeeng welcome the Divine Mercy and Blessed Virgin Mary images

11 July 2009 – San Fabian. Brgy. Mabilao welcomed the images of the Divine Marcy and the Blessed Virgin Mary during the week of 27 June to 4 July 2009. Brgy. Lipit-Tomeeng had their Visitation a week later, from 4 to 11 July 2009. The Visitation was highlighted by the Formation Program involving the adults on topics such as “The Family”, “Basic Doctrines” and “The Bible”. The youth had their formation during these days with the seminar on Youth Encounter.

Rev. Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest, celebrated the mass to culminate the visit in Mabilao while Fr. Abraham Esquig, celebrated the culminating mass in Brgy. Lipit-Tomeeng, a week later.

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Click HERE to see more pictures of the Visit.

San Fabian Parish Church circa January 1945

24 June 2009 - San Fabian. A photograph taken almost 64 years ago showing the San Fabian Church's belfry in ruins was given to the parish priest by the grandson of the soldier who took the photo. The photo was taken in January 1945, just after the Americans landed in San Fabian, Pangasinan. The photographer was Carl R. Thien.

Carl R. Thien was born in New York. During the war, he served as a combat photographer with the 201st CIC Corps which served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. His grandson, Justin R. Taylan, is the creator of the website Pacific Wrecks.

The Parish Church of San Fabian, c. January 1945. (Photograph courtesy of Sgt Carl R. Thien, 201st CIC; given by Mr. Justin Taylan (grandson of Carl R. Thien).

The present church of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, June 2009; taken from same spot as it was taken 64 years ago.

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Please click HERE to see the two photos together.

Brgy. Rabon welcomes Mama Mary and the image of the Divine Mercy

13 June 2009 – San Fabian. Brgy. Rabon is the sixth barangay (out of 34 barangays)  in the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and  Martyr, to welcome the Blessed Virgin Mary and the image of the Divine Mercy as part of the Barangay Evangelization Program of the parish. The program includes the Barangay Adult Formation Program and the Youth Encounter. The Adult Formation Program is given to the adult members of the barangay on three occasions, covering three topics on the Family, the Basic Doctrines and the Bible. The Youth Encounter is a three day program for the youth of the barangay.

The Adult Formation Program was given to Brgy. Rabon at 7PM of 10-12 June. The Youth Encounter was held from 12-14 June.

Mass, Wedding and Baptism

On 13 June, the last day of the Visitation, at 2:00 PM, a holy mass was celebrated with Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest, as the celebrant. Two couples received the sacrament of matrimony. The sacrament of baptism was celebrated after the mass.

Procession to Brgy. Tiblong

The images were brought to Brgy. Tiblong, the next host of the Evangelizaton Program. The residents of Brgy. Tiblong met the images at the boundary of the two barangays. A procession was held from there until the Brgy. Chapel of Tiblong. The images will stay in Brgy. Tiblong from 13 – 20 June 2009.

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To see more pictures of the Visitation in Brgy. Rabon, please click HERE.

San Fabian Parishioners join Prayer Rally against Con-Ass

12 June 2009 - Dagupan City. The celebration of the 111th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines was celebrated in the city of Dagupan with a Prayer Rally against Con-Ass.

Msgr. Ocar V. Cruz, DD said, “House Resolution 1109 stands not only as its big and clear formal ignominy but shall also remain as its gross official disrepute in the annals of its history. Its much calculated yet obviously devious move in favor of Charter Change via its solitary call as a Constituent Assembly, only demonstrates its utter subservience to the Executive Department – apparently for the right price. With such a distinctly base and infamous resolve, the Upper House of Congress en contra thereto now appears standing way up there as it possibly can.”

In his letter announcing the holding of the Prayer Rally, Archbishop Cruz stated the reason for the Prayer Rally. “When expressedly called for by no less than CBCP itself, to register our expressed yet peaceful and prayerfully group dissent towards the morally objectionable and ethically offensive House Resolution 1109 about the anti-Constitutional holding of a CON-ASS eventually leading to the likewise anti-Constitutional term extension of the presumed President of the land – long since well known for serious graft and corrupt practices – we cannot but respond accordingly.”

The massive Prayer Rally was held at the Dagupan City Astrodome, and attended by more than5,000 people from various groups and different parishes of the Archdiocese. More than a hundred parishioners from San Fabian joined the protest action.

The program was opened by a prayer of Rev. Fr. Julius Cuison, the Spiritual Director of the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary. The students of the Malasiqui Catholic School presented a haunting presentation depicting the various social ills and governmental corruption.

The resource speaker was Atty. Feliciano Bautista, the National President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Atty. Feliciano Bautista is from the province of Pangasinan. He explained the implications and the unconstitutionality of the House of Representatives convening iteself into a Constitutional Assembly without the participation of the Senate in changing the Constitution. He answered several questions from the audie061220091167.jpgnce during the open forum.

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia spoke after the forum. De Venecia, once a staunch advocate of Charter change said he has turned against it because present efforts were meant to “perpetuate President Arroyo in power.” He urged the Pangasinenses to fight Con-Ass and said that Pangasinan shall take this lead in the North.

A Holy Mass with Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD as the main celebrant together Msgr. Renato P. Mayugba, DD, the Auxiliary Bishop, and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan was celebrated. A singing of the “Bayan Ko” was led by the clergy after the mass. The whole assembly sang the “Bayan Ko” with raised hands and clenched fist. “Bayan Ko” was the song of protest during the Martial Law years. The rally was interrupted many times by shouts of “Con Ass, AGCO!” and “Con Ass ni Gloria, AGCO!”

Mr. Tony Liwag and Mr. Dong Jajardo hosted the program. The Archdiocesan Social Action Apostolate coordinated the whole affair. The Prayer Rally was dubbed as “Bayan Ko, Mahal Ko. Con-Ass, AGCO!” AGCO has been used as a by-word in the advocacies of the Archdiocese. It means “I do not like” “I am against”. AGCO is also a broad coalition of various sectors of the society which is led by the Archdiocese.

The huge crowd of more than 5,000 filled the Dagupan City Astrodome to protest Con-Ass.

The students of the Malasiqui Catholic School performing a haunting depiction of the ills of society brought about by unbridled greed and corruption in government.

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD and the clergy during the mass.

Parish celebrates Mayflower and Santacruzan

31 May – San Fabian. The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  May is considered the season of the beginning of new life. Already in Greek culture, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In Roman culture, May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of bloom, of blossoms. The Romans celebrated ludi florales (literally: floral games) at the end of April, asking the intercession of Flora for all that blooms.

May, dedicated to Mary

This Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were wont to take place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

The practice became especially popular among the members of the Jesuit Order — by 1700 it took hold among their students at the Roman College and a bit later it was publicly practiced in Rome. From there it spread to the whole Church.

Flores de Mayo, daily offering of flowers

A daily offering of flowers was done by the parishioners every after mass. The flowers are offered at the foot of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary while the song “Tierna Madre” is being sung. The “Salve Regina” is then sung by the community. At the end of the offering, the Pangasinan song “Adios O Reyna’y Tawen” is sung.

Santacruzan

The parish usually celebrates the Mayflower and the Santacruzan during the last Sunday of May. Santacruzan is a festivity to commemorate Queen Helena’s search of the Holy Cross. The legend tells us that Queen Helena at the old age of 75 and around 300 years after Christ had died on the cross had come in search of the Holy Cross at Calvary. She was able to discover three crosses and so she instructed one of her sick servants to lay on all three crosses and the one where the servant was miraculously healed was believed to be the Holy Cross. The anniversary of Queen Helena’s discovery of the cross is on May 3.

CWL sponsors the Mayflower and Santacruzan

The Catholic Women’s League of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Marty, is the yearly sponsor of the celebration of the Mayflower and Santacruzan. It is one of their association’s fund raising activities for the projects of the parish. The construction of the covered walkway connecting the Church, the Parish Center and the Mt. Carmel Chapel is the main project being funded.

The Reyna Elena 2009 is Kristine Joy P. Narvarte, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Narvarte. Emperador Constantino is Rovic Jay N. Quirimit, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Quirimit. The sagalas of the Santacruzan and their consorts are the following: Reyna Ester (Marie Antonette Rivera), Prince of Faith (Rench A. Santos), Reyna Flora (Nicole F. Romero), Prince of Hope (Leandro R. Zafra), Reyna Estralla (Hazel Jhed de Guzman Rosario), Rosa Mistica (Retchie Vienna C. Pantas), Prince of Charity (Jose Neil P. Castronuevo), Queen of Virgins (Justine Ivy P. Bautista), Prince of Loyalty (Joel Ivan P. Bautista).

Sis. Alicia Z. Gubatan is the present President of the CWL – San Fabian unit.

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To see more pictures of the Santacruzan 2009, please click HERE.

Brgy. Gumot hosts Barangay Evangelization Program

28 May 2009 – San Fabian. The Barangay Evangelization Program, or the Visitation, was held in Brgy. Gumot last Thurday, 28 May. Team Three of the Adult Formation Program gave the one-day seminar. The seminar has three main topics: Family Life (including a discussion on the Natural Family Planning Method), Basic Doctrines of the Church and the Bible.

Team 2 is composed of Bro. Leopoldo Manalo and his wife, Sis. Marlene Manalo, Sis. Ma. Rowena Nicer, Sis. Leonora Datuin, Sis. Elizabeth Terte and Sis. Shirley Tersol. Every week, a different team gives the seminar. There are three teams formed by the parish.

Bro. Estephen R. Espinoza was on hand to support Team 2 in holding the seminar.

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To see more pictures of the Brgy. Gumot Visitation, please click HERE.

Altar Servers enjoy a day of outing

27 May 2009. San Fabian - Several members of the Ministry of Altar Servers, together with Bro. Estephen Espinoza, went on a potluck outing on Wednesday, 27 May, in Boating World Resort at the San Fabian beachfront. A whole day of fun and laughter was shared among those who were able to join the outing, spending the day swimming, boating, and videoke-singing on such hot, sunny day.

The Ministry of Altar Servers is composed of girls and boys who come from the different private and public schools of San Fabian. Girl-altar servers joined the ministry only last 2004. Before this, the altar servers were only boys.

The altar servers do not only serve in all the masses of the parish but also join other liturgical celebrations such as processions and stations of the cross and the like.

The whole-day outing for the altar servers began at eight in the morning and lasted until six in the evening with the sacristans asking for a bit more time to soak in the water. Everyone went home with sun-kissed skin and with smiles gleaming like the playful waves of the beach.

The parish is calling on young girls and boys to join the ministry. He/she must have already received first communion. Meeting is scheduled every Saturday at 2:00 PM in the Parish Church.

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To see more pictures of the exciting outing of the sacristans, please click HERE.

Thirty-two Baptized in Makukuli, Inmalog Norte

23 May 2009. San Fabian. The Barangay Evangelization Program or the Visitation was held in Makukuli, Brgy. Inmalog Norte. The images of the Divine Mercy and the Blessed Virgin Mary stayed for one week in the chapel of Makukuli (literally, it means “industrious”).

The program elements were held during the week with the Adult Formation held on 20 May, Wednesday. Bro. Dado Vallejos and Bro. Tony Supremido talked on “Family Life and Responsible Parenthood”. Included in the talk was the discussion on the Natural Family Planning Method. Bro. Tony discussed with the group the next day about the “Signs and Symbols.” Youth Encounter (YE) was also held facilitated by the Parish  Youth Apostolate Committee. It was held from May 21-23, 2009.

On May 23, Saturday, the Holy Mass was celebrated at around 2:20 in the afternoon after a brief Pre-Cana talk given to the parents and godparents of thirty-two children who were to receive the sacrament of baptism.

Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza took the opportunity to share with the residents about the Message and Devotion of the Divine Mercy. The Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated after the mass.

After a brief veneration of the images, the Divine Mercy and the Blessed Virgin Mary were then loaded in the truck of Bro. Bernie Solis and brought to Brgy. Gumot. Some residents of Makukuli, Bgry. Inmalog Norte, riding in a jeepney, accompanied the images until Bgry. Gumot.

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• To see some pictures of the Visitation in Makukuli, Inmalog Norte, click HERE.
• To see more pictures on the Transfer of the images from Makukuli, Brgy. Inmalog Norte to Brgy. Gumot, click HERE.

PPC identifies Parish Projects

San Fabian. In a meeting by the members of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, held last 20 May 2009, Wednesday at the Parish Rectory Hall, the PPC  identified and resolved to finish the following projects, in line with the Vicariate III celebration of the solemnity of Christ the King in which the parish is the host: the repair of the Parish Rectory Roof and the construction of a covered pathway which will link the parish church, the parish center and the Mt. Carmel Chapel.

The parish rectory was destroyed during the bombings by the American forces in the battle to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese forces. In a short article about the history of the Parish of St. Fabian, Msgr. Rafael S. Magno, Jr, a former parish priest of San Fabian, wrote: “The naval bombardments during the American-Japanese war for liberation in the early days of January 1945 significantly damaged the church and practically destroyed the convent; the bell tower crumbled in ruins.” (click here for the full article).

In 2003, after almost 58 years after the destruction of the belfry in 1945, the bell tower was fully restored. The restoration of the belfry was the project decided upon by the PPC when the Parish of St. Fabian hosted the Vicariate III celebration of Christ the King in 2003. The PPC would like to continue the full restoration of the church and the convent with the repair of the convent roof as it hosts once again the vicariate celebration of Christ the King.

The convent roof had been in disrepair for a while. After its destruction in 1945, the convent was repaired. But the roof that was in place was not in the design and structure before it was destroyed by the bombs. In 2008, during the onslaught of Typhoon Cosme, the convent roof was blown away by the strong winds. Hopefully, when the PPC undertakes the repair of the roof, its original design will be restored. Engr. Santiago Alhambra together with his committee members will supervise the repair of the convent roof. Since 1955, Engr. Santiago Alhambra, one of the parish lay leaders, does much of the planning and the supervision work of the parish projects.

Parish celebrates “Misa de Gracia” in Manaoag

7 May – San Fabian. The annual “MIsa de Gracia” or Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, in Manaoag, Pangasinan.

The “Misa de Gracia” was scheduled at *8 o’clock in the morning. Hundreds of parishioners of San Fabian flocked in the church of Manaoag to offer their thanksgiving to God for the many blessings they have received from God for the past year. It was also an opportunity for them to thank Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Manaoag, for her motherly intercession and protection offered to the parishioners of San Fabian.

Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the Parish Priest, with Fr. Abraham Esquig, celebrated the mass. The parish children choir, Angelicum, led the parishioners in singing the songs The members of the Ministry of Altar Server were on hand to serve during the mass.

Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza in his homily challenged the parishioners to ask the question,"What would Jesus want ME to do?", to answer it and act upon it, when faced with a situation that would tend to split their spirit and soul.

Parish Church receives new look

San Fabian. The Parish Church received a new look. This is more noticeable at night. The facade received an outline of lights which showed the silhouette of the parish church of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr.

Engr. Jesse Tandoc and family  provided the much needed support for the project. The lights were first switched on during the Easter Vigil this year.

Brgy. Bolaoen welcomes the images of the Divine Mercy and BVM

2 May 2009 – San Fabian. The parish has started its Barangay Formation Program in Barangay Bolaoen. The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the image of the Divine Mercy were brought to Brgy. Bolaoen from the parish church. They were transported by truck. The truck was owned by Bro. Bernie Solis.

The images were accompanied by Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest, with Bro. Randolp Romero, a seminarian from San Fabian studying at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology, Vigan City, and some parishioners. They were met by the people of Brgy. Bolaoen at the foot of the hanging bridge connecting Brgy. Bolaoen with Sison, Pangasinan.

Since the hanging bridge was not wide enough, the residents of Bolaoen brought the image of the BVM by a bamboo raft, and was brought to the Bolaoen-side just before the mini-dam of the barangay. From there, the people had a procession while singing Marian songs. The people prayed the holy rosary and the chaplet of the Divine Mercy in the chapel.

To view more pictures, kindly click here.

PPC meets, discusses programs and plans for 2009

San Fabian. The Parish Pastoral Council of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr met yesterday, 29 April 2009, Wednesday to discuss parish programs and plans for the coming months. The meeting was called by Rev. Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest.

The Parish Pastoral Council is a representative group of Christian faithful who by their counsel assists the parish priest in the sound administration and effective pastoral governance of the parish. The PPC is composed of the presidents and coordinators of the different parish religious organizations and movements, as well as parishioners appointed by the parish priest for their field of expertise. By its very nature, the PPC is an advisory or consultative body to the parish priest who has the final and accountable decision in the parochial agenda in accord with the provisions of Church Law and in line with Archdiocesan policies and norms.

The main agenda of the meeting was the organization of the working committees that will prepare, coordinate and effectively put into action the different activities and programs in line with the celebration of the Vicariate III celebration of the Christ the King which the Parish of St. Fabian will host this coming November 2009. Different committees with their respective chairpersons and coordinators were formed.

The following are the chairpersons and members of the working committees: Committee on Worship (Chairperson: Sis. Lilia Santos with the presidents of the Lectors and Commentators, Lay Eucharistic Ministers (EEM), Adoration Nocturna, Mother Butler Guild, Usherettes, Choir Directors, Ministry of Altar Servers as members.

Committee on Christian Education (Chairperson: Bro. Tony Supremido with the Coordinators of the Basic Ecclesial Communities, Catechetical and Family and Life Apostolate, Parish Youth Apostolate Committee, Parish Renewal Experience, Couples for Christ, Charismatic Movement.

Committee on Finance (Bro. Gregorio de Guzman, Chairperson with Sis. Alicia Gubatan and Sis. Filomena Sagun, as Coordinators of the Sub-Committee on Solicitation. Other members are: The Parochial Board on Church Temporalities, and all the presidents of the different Religious Organizations.

Committee on Church Construction and Improvements (Bro. Santiago Alhambra, Chairperson). Committee on Lights and Sound System (Bro. Jessie Romero). Committee on Procession and Route Decoration (Bro. Diosdado Vallejos, with the members of the Knights of Columbus, and Bros. Joey Estandarte and Leo Carrera).

Committee on Souvenir Program (Bro. Josefino Abrigo, Chairperson). Committee on Peace and Order (Bro. Martin Estayo and the members of the Holy Name Society). Committee on First Aid and Health (Dr. Leopoldo Manalo, Chairperson). Committee on Accommodations (Sis. Rowena A. Nicer, Chairperson with Sis. Remy Zarate).

Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza also gave an orientation to the body regarding the on-going pastoral program of the parish involving the visitation of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to all the barangays. The visitation which will last for a week in all the barangays is an opportunity for evangelization. Two levels of formation will be given to the barangays: the youth and the adult formation. The youth will undergo a three day Youth Encounter seminar; the adult will undergo an adult formation program which will mainly consist of the adult catechetical weekend seminar on Family and Life, Basic Doctrines and the Bible.

Foremost in the list of projects of the PPC is the construction of the covered pathways linking the church, the parish center and the Mt. Carmel Chapel. Also considered are the improvement of the church patio, and given the resources, the construction of the Parish Pastoral Center which will house the different offices of the parish apostolates, including the Parish Credit Cooperative.