History of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Mintal

Years before the outbreak of World War II, Davao had already been heard in the entire Philippine Archipelago as the haven of a number of Japanese nationals who painstakingly invested their agricultural prowess and expertise which ushered the emergence of the popular by word, The Land of Promise.

While their activities were scattered around the region, their vast landholdings were concentrated mostly within the periphery of Guianga District. Taking cognizance of the rich and untapped resources of the area, the barrio of Mintal topped their choice for the construction of hydroelectric plant, a crude ice plant, paper factory, hospital, and some other business establishments.

In this predominantly Nippon community of Mintal, a handful of migrant Christian Catholics from the Visayan Islands and some parts of Luzon joined hands in building their first chapel where they can pay homage to our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which in year to come will be installed as the permanent barrio Patroness.

The early war days saw a rebirth of the undying devotion carried by the undying devotion carried by the same small Christian community that survived the onslaught and the fury and the devastation of the bitter, inhuman and unchristian conflict. Their firm and pious determination and the overzealous faith in the Almighty lead them to reconstruct the chapel on lot where the Japanese hospital once stood. Masses then were celebrated once a year during its feast day every 8th day of December which later became a regular monthly, and eventually a weekly celebration.

The year 1948 took a historic significant rejoicing upon the arrival of the long awaited image of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception ordered from the United States by one of the faithful devotees in the parish, a prominent pioneer resident from Luzon. The presence of the image of our Lady in the chapel lent solemn and splendor that has to remain in the hearts of the residents in the years to come. Aware of this mission, Fr. Robert Lemay, PME, set out to spread his missionary objectives and ideals by forming his flock the different church organizations. Church activities then were shaping up and flourished rapidly, that the fast growing Christian community who witnessed the countless administering of the church sacraments by some of the Redemptorist Missionaries who came to assist every now and then, inevitably became a revealing experience that prompted that eventual acquisition from the Ledesma Subdivision a lot that finally become the permanent church site.

In the vanguard of church activities that ensued some outstanding resident devotees were in the midst helping, heading organizing and providing financial assistance for the realization of their long cherished dreams and aspirations that is – to build a church that will serve as a permanent sanctuary of our beloved patroness, where Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception will be enshrined. All offerings then were diligently deposited with Fr Robert Lemay, who was then the parish priest of Calinan and which savings in the later years contributed substantially for the purchase of the church site.

In 1958, the chapel was transferred to its present site. Finally on July 16, 1959 this period became a historic significance for the catholic community. There was rejoicing upon receipt of the official advise about the creation of the new parish within the Prelature “Nullius” of Davao, thus, the Immaculate Conception Parish of Mintal was born.

The first Parish Priest was Fr. Marcel Lavoie, PME, who with a deep seated concern towards the residents of Mintal regarding youth education, established a parochial school, the Holy Cross of Mintal, on the same period the new parish was decreed. Subsequently, the School Administration was entrusted to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and it remained up to the present.

Several priests took over the parish since its inception. Their own individual persuasive approach inspired the parishioners to take care of the permanent edifice which is now standing whose landmark serves as a legacy to the catholic generations to come.

In 1980, the parishioners were exposed to a new outlook in diocesan administration as well as a revitalized parish. Fr. Henry Ceniza, DCD, was the first Diocesan Priest assigned in the parish.

He was assisted by Rev. Fr. Pedro P. Lamata and the late Rev Fr. Jose Valentino Ungab. He encouraged active participation in the various activities of the mandated catholic organizations.

In 1991, there were 108 GKKs. Forty years after its foundation, 114 GKKs that comprise the Immaculate Conception Parish.

The parish was not exempted from problems and worries. It encountered so many trials, difficulties and sufferings but parish officers and members with the inspiration from the priests assigned in the parish were inspired to respond to God’s call with faith, hope and love in our hearts as we serve, teach and pray. Now the strength of the Immaculate Conception Parish is the 13 districts composed of 100 GKKs and 32 center organizations.

Today, 101 GKKs comprises Immaculate Conception Parish of Mintal and will be celebrating its 57th parochial fiesta this coming December 8, 2016 with the theme “Eyukaristiya Kalig-on ni Birhen Maria, sumbanan sa Pamilya’’. The spiritual growth of the parishioners and of the parish, in general, has been consistently empowered with the help of their Parish Priest, Fr. Jovilo Bongay, DCD and Parish Parochial Vicar, Fr. Jose Marie Escuadro, DCD. (Reprinted from ICP Mintal Souvenir Newsletter for its 50th year, with report from Corrine Casia, ICP SoCCom)