Six Decades of Synodality: SADeP at 61

Our journey continues to raise the same question: Where exactly are we today?

With joy in marking the 61st Parochial Fiesta and in the spirit of synodality, San Antonio de Padua Parish – Agdao, joins the Archdiocese of Davao in the 75th Diamond Jubilee, with the theme “Journeying together as a Synodal Church living out the Spirituality of Stewardship in our BEC/GKK.”

Back in 1963, Archbishop Clovis Joseph Thibault, P.M.E., sent Rev. Fr. George Reid, a P.M.E., a missionary priest, and the first parish priest of San Antonio de Padua, led the faithful community in the construction of a parish church when there were only a few Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). One is the San Roque Chapel, which served as the foundation for the church.

Now, 61 years later, our parish is home to 76 active Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo, the parish priest, continues to pray and hope that our parish will be “a beautiful place to visit” and encourages its leaders and people to constantly “do their best for San Antonio de Padua.”

Did we do our best as parishioners during the last 61 years? Yes, and that is because of the intercession of our patron, who has served as an example for our community. Through San Antonio de Padua’s prayers and protection, we have matured in faith and service, aiming to carry out his symbolized principles. More importantly, his commitment to the poor and spirituality have inspired us to help those in need, develop our community relationships, and deepen our relationship with God.

In fact, this fiesta is more than just a celebration; there have been demonstrations of gratitude and charity, strengthening community spirit in Agdao. One of its special celebrations was the arrival of our parishioner, termed “kindergarten bishop” as a child, who answered the call to join the Order of Preachers in 1988. Since then, he has faithfully served the province in various roles, including formator and spiritual director, as well as missionary work in Sri Lanka’s conflict zones.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed Most. Rev. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., O.P., D.D., to lead the Diocese of Alaminos after a four-year sede vacante status, or a diocese without a bishop. He was warmly welcomed by his family and neighbors in Zone 4, parishioners, brother priests, and deacons, who presided on the 9th day of Novena mass on June 12.

Before the final blessing, Fr. Arroyo thanked the bishop for gracing the parishioners with his presence, even quickly. He also recalls his conversation with the prelate, whom they met at one of the alumni homecomings at UST, where Bishop Sipalay said, “Nindot na man diay ang atong Parokya, Padz.” To his surprise, Fr. Arroyo asked the bishop why he knew about it. It can be recalled that before becoming a bishop, he visited his family once in a while, and when he attended mass, the bishop didn’t usually wear his clerical uniform and was not recognized as a priest. The parish priest also uttered that maybe its parishioners had already been beside the bishop in one of the masses.

Right after the novena mass, Bishop Sipalay was invited to attend the Parish Night, a traditional parish-led event gathering all GKK Servant Leaders and members. He was introduced to the newly-renovated Holy Family Gymnasium, formerly St. Mary’s Hall, and La Purisima Hall, formerly known as the Old Convent.

He also witnessed various zones’ performances in their quest to win the Retro Dance Competition. The Parish Youth Apostolate (PYA) led and organized this, where each zone was asked to pick their entry and pre-assigned music, such as Modelong Charing and many others.

On June 13, the feast day of San Antonio de Padua, a series of masses was scheduled; at 6:00 am, the mass was presided over by Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D., and at 8:00 am, the mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jose Marie Z. Escuadro, at 3:00 pm, it was presided over by Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo. At 5:00 pm, the Archbishop of Davao Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. presided over the Pontifical Mass.

During the Pontifical Mass, the Archbishop was co-celebrated by Rev. Ritzchild John Cariaga, Rev. Ranie Boy Pamplona, Rev. Julius Lugay, Rev. Amiel Arado, and Rev. Fr. Oliver Ganas, Rev. Fr. Alfredo Bustamante, Rev. Fr. Russell Bantiles, and Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo.

Contemplating our parish’s journey, defined by waves and valleys that have challenged and deepened our faith, I am reminded of the community’s persistence and commitment. Despite obstacles, San Antonio de Padua Parish has grown stronger and more unified in our shared purpose. Although this thought may persist in our hearts and minds, where exactly are we now? One thing is certain: our faith, togetherness, and optimism will guide us through whatever is ahead, and we should have confidence in the divine plan unfolding before us.

As Fr. Arroyo continues to invite all leaders, “dili pwede ang pwede na.”

San Antonio de Padua, pray for us.

(Justin T. Felicia, SADeP SoCCom | Photos by SADeP and DCH)