San Salvador del Mundo Parish in Caraga Rededicated

Excitement reverberated in the four corners of the newly restored San Salvador del Mundo Parish in the municipality of Caraga as parishioners waited patiently for the formal opening of the church, even made more special as it coincided with the 136th parochial fiesta on July 16, 2020.

As Bishop Abel Apigo, the main Presider of the Eucharistic celebration said “come, let us go inside the house of the Lord,” signalling the start of the 9am thanksgiving mass, people, went inside, and eyes were feasting to the marvelous restoration works done.

As the altar spoke of the solemnity of the occasion, the rededication rites ignited the manifestation of faith of the lay faithful.

“I am so happy and we are blessed to have this church rededicated to God. This beautiful structure adds to the fervor of faith, and will always be a testament to the strong faith of the people, not only in Caraga but the whole Diocese, faith that stands for 136 years. This is a concrete way of evangelization, of showing that the faith is very much alive,” he said.

Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang was awed with the restoration and rededication.

“I am equally happy because the service of the church to the people continues, and even strengthened. And this also proves of a beautiful convergence between the state and the government. I really see no reason why we can’t work together, after all, it’s the same people we are serving,” he explained.

Exuding with gratitude for the momentous occasion was the former parish priest of San Salvador del Mundo, Fr. Uldarico Lolong Toroba.

“I am overwhelmed with what transpired today. We had been through so many challenges in pursuing what San Salvador is today. And seeing it now, everything is compensated, and even more. This is only fitting to the oldest church in Mindanao, and it happens to be in the Diocese of Mati,” he added.

Solemnity was felt when the altar was adorned, made complete when flowers were offered candles were lighted and beautiful selections of songs were rendered.

In his two years shepherding his flock, Bp. Abel Apigo is humbled that the Diocese is indeed growing, with the newly ordained deacons and priests and declaration of a quasi-parish also in Caraga.

“We need to sustain the momentum that we have now. So, we need more priests so we can build more churches. Let us then strengthen our vocation campaign for the religious life,” he furthered.

Local and barangay officials led by Mayor Alicia Mori and Vice-Mayor Melody Anne Benitez, took part of the rededication. (Neela Duallo)