Quasi-Parish Proves Spiritual Growth in Spite of Pandemic

Excitement reverberated on June 13, 2020 for the formal declaration of a quasi-parish in the Diocese of Mati, during the celebration of the 53rd fiesta celebration of the GKK San Antonio de Padua, now declared as Quasi-Parish, in Brgy. San Antonio (Baugo), Municipality of Caraga.

Parishioners celebrated the momentous and historic occasion, still complying to the minimum health standards set by the Dept. of Health and the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19, like wearing of face mask and social distancing.

Bishop Abel Apigo was also ecstatic since it was his first time to make such declaration after assuming the shepherding of the Diocese of Mati as Bishop.

“With the new quasi parish, clearly, this is a manifestation that the faith of the people in the Diocese is growing and getting stronger, and that the local church in the Diocese is journeying successfully,” he said.

“This means that there is new life, new hope, and a vivid insight of what the quasi parish now intends to be,” he added.

With the declaration done in this time of pandemic, Bishop Abel Apigo is proud since this proves that no amount of hindrance, of pandemic can hinder the growth of the people’s faith.

“The pandemic did not demoralize, did not weaken the faith of the people. Despite the crisis, the faith is so alive,” he furthered.

Newly appointed Administrator Rev. Fr. Bernard M. Albao was exuding with joy and optimism with the new responsibility bestowed on him.

“I am ever ready to serve the church, to serve my parishioners. Though this is really a big responsibility, but with the people’s help, we can do things. We can do things for the physical improvement, and for more spiritual growth. And with Bishop’s help also and guidance, things will be easier,” he added.

For parishioner Emilito Manginlaud, it was a beautiful realization of a long-time dream. They are grateful to all who played equally vital parts in their dream’s fulfilment.

“At last, the wait is over. This is really a milestone, and now that this is given to us, we commit our support to the endeavours of this new local church,” he stressed.

Fr. Diomedes Lagroma, parish priest of San Salvador del Mundo, reiterated his happiness with the quasi-parish declaration.

“I am happy and honoured to be part of this Eucharistic celebration, paving the way to your independence. As you will be on your own now, continue your eagerness to be nourished spiritually. I am sad in a way because as I said, you are on your own now, but I am happy because you are a product of your mother church,” he explained.

Municipal Councilor Gerry Sobiaco Duma-an emphasized that the declaration only proved that in matters like faith, there is no separation of the church and state.

“The local government of Caraga is happy with this development. This adds and strengthens our rich spiritual heritage,” he uttered, to the nod of his colleagues.

Under the San Antonio Quasi-Parish are Brgy. Pichon, Lamiawan, San Antonio, San Luis, Manorigao, and Alvar. It has its jurisdiction 32 GKKs in 6 barangays. Fr. Bernard Albao is appointed as its first administrator. (Neela G. Duallo)