Introduction
Since the creation of the Diocese of
Tarlac in the year 1963 as an independent diocese from Pangasinan and Pampanga,
there have been many developments and accomplishments since then. Different
parishes were created throughout the diocese. Many vocations to the priesthood
led to the blossoming of the present parish priests and parochial vicars who
are primarily in charge of the shepherding of God’s flock in Tarlac. One of
these many accomplishments and progress is the founding of the Parish of Our
Lady of Sorrows, independent from the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Capas.
The Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows
reminds its faithful that God is present in their midst, in their community, in
their struggles and problems. This parish reminds us that God wants to dwell
with His beloved people. The present achievements of the parish are gratefully
acknowledged every now and then. Thus, it is proper for us to always see this
parish as God’s dwelling place, a place where God meets His flock, a place
where the faithful are challenged to always follow God and His commands, a
place where one finds and encounters God in the Eucharist.
Undoubtedly, since its
establishment, the parish has gone through thick and thin, through many
tempests and challenges. Through God’s providence, the community still journeys
as a pilgrim towards holiness and love of God and neighbour. However, though
there is an obvious flourishing of the community, it is still evident that the
parish has still a lot to develop especially in its attempt to provide greater
participation among the members and the faithful. Thus, in this research, the
writer aims to revisit the history of the parish as a means to evaluate and so
to propose programs for the parish and its mission to bring the faithful closer
to God in service and fellowship to our neighbour.
I. History of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
After eighteen
years of its existence, the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows is still standing
firm, maturing in faith, going beyond borders, reaching heights and fostering a
community of love because of and for God. The community was able to overcome
struggles and magnificently navigate to the path of God’s light. Under the
guidance of the Blessed Mother, it has grown from a little chapel to a
full-pledged parish that never failed to astound people through breakthroughs
and far-reaching influence. The parish’s history is a tale of the people’s
rapport, consolidation and harmony. Thus, let us take a look back at its humble
beginnings and ponder on how God paved the way for its progress.
A. History
and Foundation of the Parish
The roots actually
go back to the Spanish times. Many of us may wonder what could have been our
religion if the Spaniards did not introduce Christianity. But at present, what
matters most is that through God’s grace and works, the Spanish conquerors
became blessings in disguise by sowing the seeds of Christianity to our land.
The Spanish missionaries, especially
the Augustinians and Recollects, reached Capas and Brgy. Dolores and made the
fertile soil of the place a ground for the proliferation of Christianity. The
colonizers eventually converted many natives in the religion. Many of the
people of Capas, especially Dolores, were baptized and drawn closer to God. It
is blatant that it was the Spaniards who named the place “Dolores”.
The late Mrs. Maria Alzadon
Cauguiran was the one who brought the image of Our Lady of Sorrows to Brgy.
Dolores. This is according to Mrs. Paulina Cayabyab Pabustan who was her
granddaughter, and who was the one of the people who said that the place was
already called “Dolores” even before their birth in 1921 and even in the time
of Mrs. Cauguiran. The image was placed inside a small nipa hut and gave way to the acceleration to the religiosity of the
people. The people used to gather in that hut and a certain Fr. Simbol presided
over the Masses.
A group of bandits referred to as “Markang Bungo” invaded the place and
killed many people, so that concerned citizens moved the image away to the safe
hands of Apung Gunda Pabustan, and it never returned to that place again.
A big-hearted landowner from
Concepcion, Tarlac named Pablo Tsuseco Pineda wholeheartedly donated a portion
of his land in Dolores for the construction of a barangay chapel which dates
back on November 1954. Our Lady of Sorrows was enshrined as the patron of the
flourishing community. The Tsusecos also donated the image of the sorrowful
Mother.
Anticipated Mass for Sundays, occasional Masses for fiestas and holy days of
obligations were celebrated. The primary shepherds during that time were
Fathers Magtoto and Monico Pineda (both deceased).
The number of churchgoers grew in
number that after thirty-four years, during the time of Fr. Alberto Bruno, the
chapel was renovated to accommodate the greater number of people. Through the
collaboration of the residents and principal donors including Bro. Romy
Cayanan, Bro. Ignacio Gomez, Bro. Feliciano Sicat and Sis. Concepcion Castañeda,
the chapel’s new face was achieved on February 1989. Regular Sunday Masses were
scheduled and officiated by Fr. Bruno and his successors Fr. Diosdado Guese and
Fr. Tirso Daquigan.
The overwhelming grace of God did
not break there. So, on July 17, 1998, the humble petite chapel of Brgy.
Dolores became the seat of a new parish, still under the patronage of Our Lady
of Sorrows. It was Rev. Fr. Romeo G. Ramos who was installed as the first
parish priest by His Excellency Most Reverend Florentino F. Cinense, bishop of
Tarlac. The parish originally encompasses the barangays of Talaga, Sta. Rita,
Manga, Estrada and Sta. Rosa. For the spiritual growth of the faithful, regular
Masses were celebrated on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as the celebration of
the sacraments. The temporary priest’s vicarage was the house of Mr. and Mrs.
Magno Nogoy.
God
set the path of the construction and development of the parish. Barely two
months after Fr. Rome’s installation, through the concerted efforts of the then
Board Member and now Mayor of Capas Reynaldo Catacutan and Fr. Rome himself, a
group of companies, including Mabuhay Landscape and Mabuhay Zoo under the
regulation of Mr. Luis Arriola, donated 2,000 square meters of land adjacent to
the National Road for the erection of the parish church.
On
January 17, 1999, the groundbreaking activity transpired after the celebration
of the Mass officiated by Bishop Florentino Cinense and other priests. This was
during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, presidency of Joseph Estrada, term
of Mayor Hermes Frias Sr. and leadership of Brgy. Captain Benigno Pabustan. The
third and biggest image of Our Lady of Sorrows was donated by Mr. and Mrs.
Dionisio Siy-Hian of Villa Angelina Subdivision, Angeles City before the
beginning of the 9-day novena on the 17th of March for the feast of
Our Lady of Sorrows.
B. The
Parish Territorial Jurisdiction
As already
mentioned, the parish was originally composed of the barangays of Talaga, Sta.
Rita, Manga, Estrada and Sta. Rosa. Brgy. Estrada was transferred to and is now
part of Sto. Cristo Parish in Burot, Tarlac City. On the other hand, Brgy. Sta.
Rosa became a part of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Tinang, Concepcion
and also became a full-pledged parish last year.
Let
us now see the barangays that comprise the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows and
their brief history.
B. 1. Brgy. Sta. Rita
The beginning of
the chapel of Brgy. Sta. Rita can be traced in the year 1948, pointing to a
certain Conrado Guanzon, a generous landowner from San Fernando, Pampanga who
donated the land for the construction of the chapel. According to the late Mrs.
Benigna Macaspac vda. de Rivera, Mr. Guanzon conferred with the residents about
the building of the barangay chapel. The innate cooperative personality of the
people made them agree to this idea. For two years, there was a bargain between
him and the farmers: the farmers contribute two cavans of palay then Mr. Guanzon will give a counterpart of their produce.
The
building gradually took its form, starting with the labor of workers from Betis
and the help of the residents. The image of the patron saint, St. Rita of Cascia,
the name for both the barangay and the chapel, was sculptured in Manila. It
was on the 22nd day of May that they celebrated the first fiesta in
honor of St. Rita. In order to enhance the chapel, the residents led by Mr.
Juanito Rivera and Mr. Felix Rivera, the chapel underwent a major face renewal
in 1994. This chapel, made of laryo, is situated at the heart of Brgy. Sta.
Rita near the elementary school and the plazuela. The chapel continues to be a
dwelling place of believers where Eucharistic celebrations are held regularly.
B. 2. Brgy. Talaga
By going
straight upon entering the barrio of Talaga,
one will locate the barangay chapel under the patronage of St. Joseph, husband
of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. The origin of the chapel dates back to
1925. According to Mrs. Felisa Dizon-Arceo, a senior resident of the community,
the first chapel was built with the native materials of cogon and bamboo. The
land in which it was constructed was given by Mrs. Rosario Ocampo of San
Fernando, Pampanga. GI sheets that were utilized for its walls were accumulated
by Celedonio Dizon and Julian Macaspac from Sitio Luclac in Aranguren. Another
chief modification was initiated by Mr. Gener Taruc in collaboration of the
Knights of Columbus. The Castañeda Concrete Products, a local hardware company,
provided the marble items for its flooring.
Interestingly
enough, it is said that the reason why St. Joseph was selected as the patron
saint of the place was the frequent apparitions of an old man with a child
towing at his sleeve. It was then widely believed that this man roaming on the
filthy roads of the place was St. Joseph together with the Child Jesus. A
life-sized statue of St. Joseph was carved by a skilled artist in Mabalacat,
Pampanga. Then, it was brought via caratela
to the chapel a certain Imang Isang and Apung Doming.
This
chapel for many years later became the venue for the celebration of the Salubong in the parish, where the group
of men who took in prayer-procession the image of the Risen Christ and the
group of women bringing the image of the Blessed Mother assembled at the chapel
for the removing of Her veil and afterwards, the celebration of the Eucharist
for the Easter Sunday. It has become a tradition to set the Salubong in this chapel.
B. 3. Brgy. Manga
Unfortunately,
there is no existing account of the history of the chapel. However, the
researcher found out that the barangay was called as “Pulo” because of many fruit trees, mainly mangoes, which were found
in the place. The first settlers of the barangay were the Cajuguiran, Capitulo
and Cayabyab. One day, Spanish conquerors arrived to the place to conduct a
census. According to stories, the foreigners found some settlers, specifically
the Capitulos, under a mango tree. When the Spaniards asked the settlers what
is the name of the place, the natives might have mistakenly understood the
Spaniards that they asked what were the trees’ name were. And so, the term “manga” became the name of the place
since then.
C. Terms
of the Parish Priests (1998-Present)
It is of so much
importance that we should have knowledge about the pastors, past and present,
who served the parish for eighteen years. By knowing them, we can have a
glimpse on the further development and progress of the parish community.
C. 1. Term of Rev. Fr. Romeo G.
Ramos
Rev. Fr. Romeo
Galang Ramos was one of the twelve children of Mr. Vicente and Mrs. Rosita
Ramos. He studied at Bamban Central School and San Roque National High School.
He finished A. B. English, minor in Political Science, at Mindanao State
University in the year 1983. His excellent performance in academics and even in
theatre and drama made him one of the outstanding students of MSU. He engaged
in the teaching profession for two years at Sto. Nino Academy in his hometown
Bamban, Tarlac. But God summoned him to the priesthood, so in 1985, he
submitted himself to His will and entered Mary Help of Christians College
Seminary in Dagupan City and eventually finished his A. B. degree in
Philosophy. Afterwards, he continued his studies at the Immaculate Conception
Major Seminary in Guiguinto, Bulacan where he obtained his degree in Sacred
Theology. Finally, on June 3, 1993 he was ordained priest by Bishop Florentino
Cinense.
His
first assignment was Dean of Studies at Our Lady of Peace College Seminary in
Tarlac City. His assignments that followed include: Parochial Vicar of San
Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Capas, Tarlac (June 1994 – October 1995);
Parochial Vicar of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Camiling, Tarlac (February
– October 1996); Parochial Vicar of San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City
(October 1996 – October 1997); and at Sto. Nino Chapel, Homesite, San Miguel,
Tarlac City (October 1997 – July 1998). He is currently the parish priest of
Immaculate Conception Parish, Tibag, Tarlac City.
During
his term as the pastor of the parish, the permanent and present parish
structure located along the National Road was started (though left unfinished),
religious organizations such as the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Barangay
Pastoral Councils (BPCs) and the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) were
established.
C. 2. Term of Rev. Fr. Ricardo P.
Bie
God sent another
angel to the parish in the person of Rev. Fr. Ricardo Panlican Bie. Born on
March 30, 1959, he is the son of Oscar Bie and Loreta Panlican. He had his elementary
education in different schools; Pacalcal Primary School, Bamban Central
Elementary School and Dela Cruz Elementary School. He finished his high school
education at Sto. Nino Academy. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering from the Holy Angel University in the year 1984. However, he
followed the call to service in the year 1986 when he entered Maria Assumpta
Seminary in Cabanatuan City and studied there for two years. He was further
molded to priesthood at the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, Guiguinto,
Bulacan from 1988 to 1992. On February 28, 1992, he was ordained deacon and
served for ten months. On December 12, 1992, he was elevated to the order of
priests at San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City together with five others.
His
first assignment as a priest was parochial vicar of the Cathedral. Then, he was
designated as parochial vicar of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Concepcion,
Tarlac on October 1994. God expanded his spiritual experience and sent him to
be the first parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Balas,
Concepcion, Tarlac on February 6, 1995. In the year 2000, he was appointed vice
rector of Our Lady of Peace College Seminary, Tarlac City. Fulfilling God’s
purpose of being the second parish priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish started
in his arrival on June 7, 2002 initially to be the administrator of the parish
in the absence of Fr. Rome who went to abroad for further studies. Fr. Dick was
finally installed as parish priest on November 12, 2002. In his term, the
parish’s jurisdiction still includes the barangays of Talaga, Sta. Rita, Manga,
Estrada and Sta. Rosa. He was reassigned as parish priest of Our Lady of
Sorrows Parish from 2012-2013. He is presently the parish priest of St. Michael
the Archangel Parish, San Miguel, Tarlac City.
In
his term, as a builder-priest, the parish church and rectory were finally
finished, the landscape and grotto were beautified, the youth ministry was
established and several organizations like Infant Jesus Catholic Community and
Jesus, Mary and Joseph Community were founded. It was during his term that the
Barangays of Estrada and Sta. Rosa were transferred to another parish
jurisdiction.
C. 3. Term of Rev. Fr. Noel C.
Paguinto
Continuing God’s
care for His flock in Dolores, He sent another shepherd in the person of Rev.
Fr. Noel Dela Cruz Paguinto. He was born to Martin Paguinto and Teofila Dela
Cruz on December 5, 1964. A native of Bamban, Tarlac, he had his elementary
education at Bamban Gabaldon Elementary School and his high school education at
Sto. Nino Academy. Still unaware of God’s call for him, he took BS Business
Administration at the Holy Angel University for one year. However, he yielded
to the call to the priesthood and so entered Mary Help of Christians College
Seminary in Dagupan City. He was one of the pioneering class of the newly
erected seminary and finally graduated in the year 1989. After graduating, he
held a teaching position at the Dominican College of Tarlac for a year. He
pursued his theological formation and studies at Immaculate Conception Major
Seminary, Guiguinto, Bulacan. He was ordained priest by Most Rev. Florentino
Cinense on September 8, 1994.
At
the onset of his ministry, he was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Rose of
Lima Parish, Paniqui, Tarlac (1996-1997). The succeeding assignments are as
follows: assistant parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Capas,
Tarlac (1996-1997); assistant parish priest of San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac
City (1997-1998); assistant parish priest of St. Raymond Nonnatus Parish,
Moncada, Tarlac (1998-1999); first time as parish priest of Our Lady of
Remedies Parish, San Manuel, Tarlac for six months, afterwards as parish priest
of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac on the Maundy
Thursday of 2000. On May 31, 2006, his journey began as the third parish priest
of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. At present, he is the parish priest of St. Joseph,
Husband of Mary Parish, O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Fr.
Noel was the first parish priest to finish his six-year term as pastor of the
community. During his term, several other religious organizations were
established such as the Apostleship of Prayer, Mother Butler Mission Guilds and
Legion of Mary, many pastoral programs were launched such as Block Rosary and
house blessing, dawn procession, home visitation among the parishioners and daily
celebration of the Holy Mass. Other accomplishments such as construction of a
function hall, paving of the parking lot and the upgrading of the retablo and altar were successfully
done.
C. 4. Term of Rev. Fr. Elmer
Gonzales
Little is known
about Rev. Fr. Elmer Gonzales because of his three-month long tenure as parish
priest. He is a native of Angeles City, Pampanga and an alumnus of San Carlos
Seminary, Makati City. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Tarlac on
December 12, 1992. Prior to his assignment as parish priest of Our Lady of
Sorrows Parish, he was assigned as parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
Maliwalo, Tarlac City and St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, San Rafael, Tarlac
City. His term lasted from June – August 2013 when he was transferred to St.
Isidore Parish, Estipona, Pura, Tarlac.
During
his term, daily Masses were still celebrated, Marian devotions were promoted
and other devotions to saints were introduced to the parishioners.
C. 5. Term of Rev. Fr. Claro B.
Ortiz
The legacy of
shepherding the flock of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish endures in the hands of
Rev. Fr. Claro Bustamante Ortiz. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Ortiz of
Gerona, Tarlac. He had his elementary education at Gerona North Elementary
School and finished high school studies at
Gerona Institute. Heeding the call to the priesthood, he entered Our
Lady of Peace College Seminary in Tarlac City on June 1989, making him a part
of the pioneering class of the newly established diocesan seminary of Tarlac.
After obtaining his degree in philosophy, he took his regency program for a
year and became a teacher at Concepcion Catholic School. He continued his
theological studies at St. Vincent School of Theology, Quezon City. He was
finally ordained priest on March 17, 2001.
At
the onset of his term, there were continuous Parish Renewal Experience (PREX)
seminars held in the parish. Cursillo
in Christianity and Recollection in Christianity were introduced. Another major
project under his administration was the repainting of the church’s ceiling
with different icons of saints. Devotion to Padre Pio was also a remarkable means
of helping the parishioners, especially the sick, that he brought to the
parish. At present, there is an on-going extension project for the church’s
wings to accommodate more churchgoers.
II.
Pastoral-Spiritual Proposals for the Parish
For
more than eighteen years, the parish has undoubtedly developed into a community
according to what God has planned it to be. There have been many developments,
established religious organizations and pastoral programs initiated by the
different parish priests. However, we have to admit that there are many other
possibilities for growth and there are also many rooms for improvement of the
parish community. Thus, in this part of this opus, the researcher offers several
proposals for possible programs and developments for the parish.
A. Basic Ecclesial Communities
One of the
significant developments in the Church after Vatican II is the emergence of
Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in various parts of the world including the
Philippines. The family is the basic
unit not just of the society but of the Church as well. As such, the family is
called as the “domestic Church”, where the family becomes the first and
fundamental teacher of the faith among its members. For a parish to become a
more pastoral community, the most important aspect that should be given proper
and serious attention is the family.
For
this reason, the researcher proposes to establish Basic Ecclesial Communities
(BECs) within the parish, especially to the rural and slum areas of the parish
like Sitio Pies and Sitio Kural in Brgy. Dolores, Sitio Lourdes in Brgy.
Talaga, Sitio Katorse in Brgy. Sta. Rita, and Brgy. Manga. A BEC parish
formation team has to be formed for the parish. There should also be a pastoral
and strategic plan for the parish formulated by the parish priest, parish
formation team and selected lay leaders. Lay organizations, movements and
associations should be given orientation on BEC and encouraged to actively
participate in the formation of BECs in their village or neighborhood.
B. Restoration of Public Devotions
The Second
Vatican Council recognized the importance of popular devotions in the life of
the Church and encouraged pastors and teachers to promote sound popular
devotions. For many years, the parish has initiated the observance of many
popular public devotions. Since the liturgy is the center of the life of the
Church, popular devotions should never be portrayed as equal to the liturgy,
nor can they adequately substitute for the liturgy.
There
had been block rosary during October, first Saturday dawn procession in honor
of the Blessed Mother, Sto. Niño Mission during January, Mama Mary Mission on
May and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on certain important celebrations
like Corpus Christi Sunday. For
unknown reasons, these devotions are gradually abandoned, therefore leaving
reactions from the parishioners who have developed their devotions from the
said activities.
C. Establishing the Skolar nang Apung Dolores Project
For
many years, there had been many parishioners who have become professional
teachers, licensed engineers, physicians, lawyers and many others. Presently,
there are still many youth in the parish who have the determination and intellectual
capacity to study but are unfortunately unable to go to college because of
financial inadequacy.
Thus,
the writer proposes the founding of the Skolar
nang Apung Dolores project in order to help these capable and deserving
students in their studies.
D. Fostering Priestly and Religious Vocations
Since
the establishment of the parish in the year 1998, there were many young men who
attempted to enter the priesthood. Unfortunately, not even one of these made it
to ordination. However, even before the parish was created, Celso Guevarra, a
native of Brgy. Dolores, later became the Bishop of Balanga. Another son of
Brgy. Dolores who became a priest was Father Magtoto. For many decades now, the
parish have not yet produced its first priest for the Church.
Through
God’s grace and love, the parish at present has two seminarians, who are both
studying in the theologate, one at Mary Help of Christians Theology Seminary in
Pangasinan and hoping to become a diocesan priest, and the other at Maryhurst
Seminary belonging to the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM)
in Baguio City as a future religious of the said congregation. However, the
need for priestly and religious vocations not just of the parish but of the
Church in general has been consistently increasing.
Fostering
vocations to the priesthood is a constant challenge for the Church. The most
favourable environment for vocations to the priesthood is every Christian
community that listens to the Word of God, prays with the liturgy and gives
witness with charity. Prayer for the increase of vocations is the first and
most important step. As a proposal, the parish may collectively pray for
vocations. For instance, one weekend per month, the parish may recite a
specific vocational prayer after communion. The parish may also organize a day
of prayer, renewal and fellowship which aims to help and foster vocations among
the youth, young professionals, and those in formation through fellowship,
sharing, and prayer as one community of young people, religious in formation
and aspirants or youth in discernment.
E. Catechetical Apostolate
Religious
education in our schools should aim not only to a simple intellectual assent to
religious truths but also to a total commitment of one’s whole being to the
Person of Christ.
To provide catechetical programs that lead to a better understanding of the
faith and improving the quality of pastoral life of the parish, the parish may
designate persons who are willing to conduct catechism classes, recollections
and retreats, seminars and workshops.
F. Founding of Other Religious
Organizations
As stated
earlier, there are already existing mandated religious organizations in the
parish. However, there are also many other great opportunities of establishing
other organizations for the spiritual growth of the parishioners who are
willing to serve the parish. Such organizations that are seen to be important
are Adoracion Nocturna Filipina,
Knights of Columbus, JHS Chaplet
(as a branch of the existing JHS Chaplet in the nearby Parish of San Nicolas de
Tolentino) and many others. This is to help the parishioners to have a greater
participation in the life of the parish.
G. Regular Updating of Religious
Organizations and Lay Ministers
We cannot admit
that a certain religious organization, after being founded and stabilized, has
no need of further formation and updating. Since the Church adapts to the signs
of the time, so there is also a great need for regular updating for the
faithful. Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers and
the rest of the lay ministers should at least have a monthly assembly for an
updating and if possible, spiritual formation such as recollections. In this
manner, the parish does not only augment their understanding of the faith but
also foster unity and camaraderie among the members and the parish priest.
Conclusion
A community, and
in this sense the parish, that puts God as its center, source and origin, finds
it fulfilling to spread the faith more fully, more effectively and more
seriously. By gratefully keeping in mind the history of the development of the
parish, we can now help in contributing to the further progress and nurturing
of our faith in accordance to the will of God.
What
have just been presented by the writer are all possibilities and proposals for
the growth of the parish. However, it is the writer’s utmost prayer and hope
that these proposals will not just remain in letters and ideas, rather may they
be brought to life by the parish priest in collaboration of the parishioners.
