August 15, 2023. Today on the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea also celebrates an important event: the solemn blessing and dedication of their newly renovated church. The retablos of the patroness, saints and angels behind the altar shone brightly in gold, a glorious reminder of God’s presence among us in this sacred place. The concelebrated Mass started at 9:30 in the morning and was officiated by His Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, DD along with several other priests headed by the newly assigned parish priest: Rev. Fr. Zacarias Alinton and the outgoing parish priest, Rev. Fr. Miguel Cahanap.
In his homily, Bishop Bong stressed that the Church Dedication’s value lies in God to whom we offer our love and faith as a Christian community along with Mary, Our Mother who in the 1st Reading is described as a woman who shines radiantly as the sun. He also pointed out that the beauty of this newly renovated church is but a glimpse to what awaits us in heaven. He therefore enjoined each one to live heaven through our good works while still here on earth.
The Litany of the Saints and the Blessing of the Altar using the sacred symbols of the Holy Oil, Incense and the Lighted Candles took place just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Fr. Cacay as he is fondly called, expressed his heartwarming gratitude to so many peoples and organizations from the different zone communities, to the sponsors, the choir, seminarians, offerors, collectors, readers, priests and religious present with special gratitude to Bishop Bong and finally to God for the countless blessings received. Fr. Mike in his parting message to the community likewise expressed his profound gratitude in the realization of their dream of rebuilding a beautiful church for the community in Tukuran.
Bishop Bong also blessed the baptismal font before the Final Blessing. A sumptuous lunch awaited the guests and visitors at the parish convent while the rest of the community shared their delicious food with one another right after the joyful celebration.
Congratulations ug Welcome to your new parish assignments: Rev.Fr. Zacarias Alinton, Rev. Fr. Noel Capadngan and Rev. Fr. Ramil Ganub! God bless us all!
