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DABARISILA |
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SAINT
JAMES THE GREATER PARISH Saint James Parish in Dapitan City takes pride in being the oldest in the diocese. With the Jesuit priest Pedro Gutierez as its first superior, it was made a permanent mission of the Society of Jesus in 1631 but dependent on Cebu, then on Zamboanga (1639) and on Loboc, Bohol (1643). It became independent sometime near 1645 under the administration of Fr. Melchor Hurlado, S.J. The Jesuits ministered the flock in Dapitan until their expulsion in 1770. The Augustinian Recollects took charge of a century. In 1871, the Jesuits came back. It was not until 1946 that the Dapitanons received a fellow Filipino and a diocesan priest to be their pastor in the person of Fr. Epifanio Baleares. Two years later, a fellow Dapitanon became their shepherd, Fr. Antonio Hamak, who served them for twenty years. Those who succeeded him include Fr. Engracio Rivera, Msgr. Salvador Mora and Fr. Esteban Gaudicos, Fr. Ranulfo Suarez, Msgr. Emigdio T. Socias, Msgr. Wilson P. Cadano. At present, Fr. Virgilio Belleno, administers Saint James Parish with Fr. Bonifacio Alcantara and Fr. Noel Salderiega assisting him. The laity has also participated prominently in the life and history of the parish. From Manook and his daughter, Maria Uray, to the present lay leaders, ministers, catechists, charismatic and mandated organization members, they have acted as lay evangelizers. As a consequence, the on-going parochial program focuses also on the enhancement of family life and the formation of the laity. With the support of various parish groups and chapels, the parish moves gradually to the establishment of basic ecclesial communities.
SAINT
ANNE PARISH Gold is wealth. Literally and symbolically, this applies to Sibutad. It has gold deposits. But more important is the golden hearts of the people. Gold can corrupt. But the deep faith of the faithful helps them avoid such corruption. Sibutad is indeed blessed! Its parish has been placed under the protection of Saint Anne even before its creation in 1970. The diocesan clergy has always managed it from Fr. Paulo Briones to the present pastor, Rev. Fr. Rodrigo Zafra. Between them were Fr. Bernardo Baura, Fr. Genaro Rebosora, Fr. Alfredo Ganason, Fr. Luis Lapinid, Fr. Faron Calumba and Fr. Philip Alicayos, Fr. Esquirion A. Santisas, Fr. Noel Salderiega, Fr. Bonifacio Alcantara, Fr. Apolinario Bejer, and Fr. Cesar Tinga.
Before the advent of BEC-Program, the parish was brought to life by the mandated organizations and the charismatic renewal movement. When the flock was encouraged to from themselves into communities, the organizations and the movement was challenged to support it. Christian life was thus enhanced. Both the pastor, Fr. Eric Zafra, and his flock are hopeful of the golden harvest out of their efforts spent for Jesus Christ and His Church.
OUR LADY
OF FATIMA PARISH From the neighboring Archdiocese of Ozamiz, one enters the Diocese of Dipolog through the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima. Situated at Rizal, it was erected in 1950. Its first pastor was Fr. Ubaldo Basoc who holds the diocesan record of having the longest continuous tenure as a parish priest of the same place—thirty fruitful and brave years. He did not only lay down the basic parochial structures. He also founded St. Francis Xavier High School for his young parishioners. Fr. Alfredo Ganason took his place in 1980, followed by Fr. Felino Ragonton, Fr. Benedicto Zafra, Fr. Virgilio Belleno, Fr. Apolinario Bejer, Jr., Fr. Gregorio Canonigo, Fr. Filipe Alicayos and Fr. Genaro Daguplo. Presently, Fr. Arnulfo Suarez administers the parish. Like their patroness, Our Lady of Fatima, and hero after whom the town is named, the parishioners are peace-loving. Yet, the place had been beset by political troubles. This inspired the church to initiate, strengthen and expand her basic ecclesial communities. Seminars intended for the spiritual growth and enhancement of the families, youth and lay leaders, ministers and catechists have been going on. With the able support of the mandated organizations and charismatic groups, the parish of Our Lady of Fatima is thriving well.
OUR LADY
OF MERCY PARISH Barcelona is part of City of Dapitan. But as a parish, it has become independent since November 1, 1958. Fr. Paulo Briones was its first pastor. He was succeeded by Fr. Bonifacio Soria in 1972. Three years later, Fr. Hamilcar Blanco took charge, followed by Fr. Malaquias Fuerzas in 1980 and Fr. Asisclo Podelino in 1985. Since then, the parish is served by several pastors: Fr. Podelino (1985), Fr. Enrico Montano (1986), Fr. Adelmo Laput (1987), Fr. Manuel Duterte (1989), Fr. Emigdio Socias (1990), Fr. Oswaldo Bacareza (1992), Fr. Anecieto Tiempo (1995), Fr. Virgilio Belleno (1999) and Fr. Beltran Patangan (2004). Presently, the parish is administered by Rev. Fr. Renato Paluca. The parish is placed under the care of Mary, at first with the title “Our Lady of Ransom” and now, Our Lady of Mercy”. Aside from the presence of the parish engages in family life apostolate and renewal/re-orientation of the charismatic movement. Continuous formation of the lay ministers and catechists are also given emphasis. Seminars explaining the sacraments and retreats are held. The church also offers community based health services to render more concretely the present parochial of building basic ecclesial communities. With Fr. Longkoy at the helm, this parochial dream will soon be a reality! |