San Miguel Parish celebrates 23rd foundation day

Due to the need of a parish nearer to the area, members of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish and St. Francis Xavier of Tibungco asked for approval to open a new one to Monsignor Julius Rodulfa, the then parish priest of Sasa. Together with his Associate Priest Fr. Bill Larouse, they decided to hold the first meeting on August 11, 1993.

It was agreed to temporarily use the chapel of San Miguel Centro. After 4 days, the first mass for the proposed parish was held with Fr. Bill Larouse as the officiating priest. Afterwards, election of officers and a study committee were conducted and created.

Sooner, a 5,000 square meter lot was found. Donation of Ᵽ200,00.00 came from the St. Joseph Parish, while an ample amount was given by the Archdiocese of Davao as its counterpart. The remaining balance was raised by the community. So, several fund raising events took place to to acquire an additional 5,000 square meter land.

On June 19, 1994, San Miguel Parish in Panacan was officially declared as a parish with Fr. Loreto D. Bastasa, DCD as the first parish priest. The corner stone of the Parish was laid out by the late Archbishop Antonio Ll. Mabutas. He was hesitant at first due to the hugeness of the project. But the plan was pushed through by the Parish Pastoral Council officers headed by Mr. Rudy J. Sultan. Thus, on June 25, 1996 the construction started and the church was built along with the “bayanihan spirit” among parishioners and sponsors.

After a year and a half, the first mass was held at the newly-constructed church Midnight of December 24, 1997.

Developments of the church took place with the leadership of various priests. After Fr. Bastasa, the following were assigned: Fr. Jovilo Bongay, Fr. Sixto V. Vistal (+) and at present, Fr. Proceso “Jhun” G. Gimeno Jr., who in his last term proposed to undertake the construction of the sanctuary.

The said project was unveiled last June 11 at the third mass in time for the nationwide celebration of the “Year of the Parish” and “Holy Trinity Sunday” by Abp. Romulo G. Valles, D.D.

The priest/celebrant’s chair, tabernacle, altar table, and the pulpit were blessed along with the images of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Michael the Archangel.

Presentations from the GKK Servant Leaders followed in the afternoon’s program. Surprise tokens were given to Pangulo sa Alagad (1st place), Pangulo sa Panudlo (2nd place), Pangulo sa Liturhiya (3rd place), Pangulo sa Katilingban (4th place), Pangulo sa Kristohanong Banay (5th place), and Pangulo sa Batan-on (6th place). PSK delegation got the most number of ministry members present. (Dolly Fernandez | SMP SoCCom)