Priest: Communion is ‘visible expression of faith’

TACLOBAN City – As the St. Michael de Archangel parish in San Miguel, Leyte marked its 103th year, its parish priest reminded the faithful of how central communion is to parish life, calling it “the visible expression of faith.”

Taking a cue from the call of Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines to celebrate the “Communion of Communities” in this Year of the Parish, parish priest Fr. Elmo Manching underscored what he called a “pastoral inventory” of support to the life of the local church.

“This is a pastoral inventory of how we have truly embraced and devotedly put into practice the goal of communion, which is the visible expression of faith in the holiest of communions, the Community of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” said the priest.

‘Ako, Ikaw, Kita Usa nga Parokya’

He reported that in June 2017, as part of the parish’s centenary following its canonical foundation, the First Parish Assembly (FiPA) was held.

In this gathering, the mission, vision, programs, projects and finances of the parish were discussed.

“With it we have gotten a grasp on how the parish lives, operates and successfully manages every single day of its existence,” explained Manching.

He expressed hope that through the FiPA, the parish will be able to “assimilate and own” the meaning and implications of the archdiocesan tagline: ‘Ako, Ikaw, Kita Usa nga Parokya.'”

New rectory

Manching hopes that with the strong and powerful assistance of their patron saint, St. Michael, they will be able “to pursue and faithfully live our journey of communion.”

According to him, Palo Archbishop John Du will celebrate the ninth day novena, departing from the previous years where the prelate led in the fiesta concelebrated Mass.

This year, the Vesper Mass will be led by Msgr. Bernard Pantin, while on the feast day, Msgr. Jaime Villanueva will be the main celebrant.

Twenty-one barangays of San Miguel town are expected to participate in a grand procession slated on June 28.

Prior to the fiesta day, various religious activities were lined up, such as the confirmation of about 100 children, a mass wedding and baptism.

The parish’s new rectory, financed through the support of the parishioners through fund-raising events, is scheduled to be blessed by Archbishop Du on June 28. CBCPNews