San Pablo Parish History

7th Anniversary of the Dedication of San Pablo Church

May 30, 1997
6:00 am

Presider: Fr. Guillermo V. Afable
Vicar General – Former Parish Priest of San Pablo at the time of the consecration last May 30, 1990

Co-Celebrants:
Fr. Dionsio Tabiliran – Parish Priest
Fr. Jing Garcia – SVD Priest from Cebu who is a missionary
Fr. Chito Unson – Rector of Jesuit Community
Rev. Gamaya – Associate Deacon of San Pablo

Excerpts from the Homily of Fr. Afable:

San Pablo Church was so constructed that its interior design contains the symbol of the meaning of who we are and what we are called to do as a community of faith. The Parishioners usually take them for granted, but the visitors notice them. They should continue to impress everyone and be remembered.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THINGS THAT SHOULD CAPTURE OUR ATTENTION:

1. THE AMBO
   1. It symbolizes all the individual and group action of this community regarding the LEARNING and COMMUNICATING OF CHRIST, who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT. It reminds us to the continuing efforts of the parish to know Him and to let Him be known by others.
2. THE ALTAR
   1. Symbolizes that we are CELEBRATING PEOPLE – we worship— we celebrate our faith, our hope, our joys in prayer and worship. It is not just celebrating the sacrament but also celebrations of the community. We are celebrating Christ in all the human events of daily living. It symbolizes all our table fellowships that build community.
3. THE CROSS
   1. Symbolizes that we are serving people because we recognize that there are a lot of people suffering, with difficulties, physical, spiritual, and social evils.
   2. It symbolizes service to the suffering members of the society
   3. Symbolizes the sacrifice of ourselves, our time, talent and treasure that is required in order to serve others. Our learning and communicating of Christ and consequent celebrations of faith ineviably lead to life In loving selfs acrificing and redeeming service.
   4. PCP II has identified for us the suffering members of our community that need more of our attention they have been neglected in the past. Special concern means attention and care. They are the following:
      1. Indigenous people
      2. Children and Youth
      3. Women
      4. Urban poor
      5. The farmers
      6. The fisher folks
      7. Person with disability
   5. He said that since we are now 7 years consecrated and 15 years old as a parish, it is time for us to reach out more to the majority who are not yet active, involved and committed. To remember that a faith community is not only self-serving but really more for those who are outside its circle.
4. TABERNACLE
   1. Symbolizes for us the renewed life of people that is produced through our learning, celebrating and serving. The cross leads to redemption, to resurrection.
   2. It symbolizes the fruit, the end result. Despite the suffering and death, new life is mysteriously brought forth. There is beauty in simplicity. There is freedom in obedience. There power in humility and meekness. There is life in death.
5. THE 12 CROSSES
   1. The crosses placed along the walls of the church were anointed and lighted candle were placed there.
   2. They symbolize the people as they symbolize the 12 tribes of israel. Now we have 12 districts. (Note: In 1990 during the consecration of the church there were only 5 communities/district)
   3. The anointing of the 12 crosses means the consecration of the people their dedication to learn, to serve and bring new life to others, which is further symbolized by the lighted candle. You are the light of the world.
6. THE PEOPLE
   1. Gathered in the church These are the people that re symbolized by these 12 crosses, It is they who are the subjects. In them both the symbol and the symbolized are present and thus make the symbolism complete. The people gathered in the church is the most important sign in the Church. It is they that give meaning and relevance to what being church means.
   2. Fr. Afable suggested in closing that these candles could be lighted, not only during anniversaries but also during Sundays and Holidays.

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE

When Pope John-Paul came to Davao on February 20, 1980, the cornerstone of the church which was to be built in commemoration of his visit, was presented to him for his blessing. On March 30, 1981, this cornerstone was laid at the site of the new San Pablo Parish Church.

To celebrate the occasion, Msgr. Antonio L. Mabutas, Msgr. Patricio Alo and Father Nards Vicente were invited to officiate the ceremonies. A concelebrated mass was held at the San Pablo Youth Center, followed by a procession around the proposed building site. Msgr. Mabutas blessed the grounds on which the Church is to rise, after which the cornerstone was laid and the laid and the Time capsule buried in the Ground.

Another highlight of the day was the time capsule. The time capsule contains the history of the parish, the plans of the proposed Church, and the list of the initial sponsors of the parish church construction. This was sealed and buried in the church site where the belfry tower will be constructed.

ERECTION OF SAN PABLO PARISH

Greetings in the Lord!

Among our pastoral duties we recognize the obligation to facilitate for all the faithful entrusted to our care the practice of divine worship and pastoral care in such a way that each pastor might more easily fulfill his obligation towards them.

Therefore, after hearing those concerned, and having also requested, the Presbyterium and Consultors to give their opinion on this matter, we have decided to erect a new parish in the City of Davao in order to provide for the demands of the divine worship and for the progress of religion in accordance with Canon Law by removing from the parish of San Pedro a part of its territory to form the new parish of SAN PABLO.

The new parish will be bounded:
on the North, by the Talomo River
on the West, by the Mc Arthur Highway
on the South, by the Davao River
on the East, by the Davao Gulf.

The Church being erected in Matina, Davao City on a lot donated to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Davao, Inc. will be the parish church with the title of SAN PABLO and under patronage of San Pablo with all the privileges and rights of a parochial church according to Church Law.

All the lands and buildings of Roman Catholic Bishop of Davao, Inc. including the chapels which are located at the moment of this present decree within the new parish will be administered by the Parish Priest, subject of course, to the over-all administration of the Ordinary of the place

The Parish shall have its own canonical books and from now on, all the pertinent data of the parish be listed in these canonical books.

The parochial benefice consists in the voluntary offerings of the faithful, and the stole fees (jus stolae) received within limits of the norms and customs of the Church and the Archdiocese of Davao. The rights and duties of the parish priest for the time of office are those prescribed by law. Furthermore, in accordance with Church Law, the new parochial benefice is entirely “amovibilis” according to law.

Where for after mature consideration, we hereby erect the afore-mentioned parish of SAN PABLO and declare it lawfully erected with all the rights, privileges and faculties as those bestowed both in spiritual and temporal matters on other parishes in our archdiocese.

Signed by myself and sealed with my seal on the Thirtieth Day of the month of May in the year of the Lord Nineteen Hundred and Eighty – Two in the City of Davao, Philippines.

DATES IN THE LIFE OF SAN PABLO PARISH

• Febuary 20, 1981 – Visit of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II to Davao City
• September 14, 1981 – Deed of Donation, ceding of the One (1) Ha. Property to the Catholic Church.
• December 7, 1981 – BP. No 812143, Approval of the Construction of the Parish Convent and Seminar Hall.
• December 13, 1981 – Presentation of the Church Plans to the Parishioners at the PWC
• March 30, 1982 – Blessing and Laying of the cornerstone of Sn Pablo Parish Church
• April 4, 1982 – Creation of the Sunday Bazaar
• May 28, 1982 – Pentecost Day, Installation of the San Pablo Parish
• December 24, 1982 – First Thanksgiving Mass – celebrated in the uncompleted San Pablo Parish.
• February 20, 1983 – First Parochial Fiesta of San Pablo Parish Changed to last Sunday of January 1990.
• August 16, 1985 – Dedication of the Altar
• February 21, 1988 – 6th Fiesta with Mansiabado Wedding 107 Couples
• October 28, 1988 – Workshop of SPPPC guidelines finished
• March 5, 1989 – Effected or Implemented (Ref Annual Report for 1988 Coord)
• May 30, 1990 – Solemn Dedication of San Pablo Church
• June 23, 1996 – Blessing of the Multi-Purpose Building
• June 31, 1997 – Ordination of the First Parish Born Priest
• For a period of 15 months (1 year and 3 months) since the signing of the Deed of Donation of the Property.

SAN PABLO CHURCH

Viewing the altar, one’s attention is drawn to four imposing objects. The space provided for each one of them and the unity and harmony of materials used indicate whole instruction of our faith.

THE ALTAR:
The altar of the Eucharist represents Christ as the focal point in the Church. The solidness of its material symbolizes Christ Himself Who is the foundation of the Church, His holy people. The offering hands that adorn the body of the altar signify the collective effort and spirit the community has in furthering the faith. It also denotes the congregation’s offering of bread, a human achievement, to the Almighty. It is through this altar the God makes it possible for us to receive Him.

THE AMBO:
The ambo, which is commonly known as the lectern, is the altar of the Word. Here, when God’s word is proclaimed, Christ makes Himself present through the Holy Spirit as represented by the descending dove that carved on it. During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the altar of the Eucharist, the bread of life is broken and shared in the same manner that the Ambo, the Word of God is expounded and shared when the priest preaches God’s word. Not by bread alone does man live but every word that comes from God. Fittingly, our two altars are shaped out of the same Tanguile tree.

THE TABERNACLE:
At the tabernacle rests Jesus Christ in the form of the Sacred Host. The tabernacle is set on the root of the narra tree that is expertly arranged to display God’s marvelous work of art. Significantly we realize the message being conveyed: the root, inspite of being the lowest and the most-unsightly part of tree, really is the source of giver of life. Now, still honored by being made to support Christ’s resting place on earth. The fish simply reminds us of the early symbol Christians employed recognize one another.

THE CRUCIFIX:
The figure of Christ is vividly caught by the artist as one that is not dead but one that still suffers and manifested by the agonizing face and outstretched fingers. How ironic it is that the well-chiseled, tender figure of Christ formed from a Baticuling tree blends or perfectly with an udling iron wood tree. Jesus Christ on the cross symbolizes the humiliating and down-graded manner our Master had to die in order to be our source of new life.

GOD’S DREAM – OUR DREAM:
We now take another big step. God’s aim is to produce the new unity in a divided world and God’s instrument is Jesus. But He is no longer here in the body, through He is in spirit and therefore He too, needs an instrument and his instrument is the Church. We have a tremendous thought God’s instrument is the Church. The Church has to be the voice, mind, hands and feet to bring into the world that unity which is God’s dream. We, the parishioners of San Pablo, extend our hands to help in the fulfillment of his dream. As the late Fr. Horacio dela Costa, S.J. once said, “God will feed the multitudes, but only if we are willing to share our limited resources – our five loaves and two fishes.”