Message from our Parish Priest

I was a volunteer to a remote mission parish of the Claretian Missionaries in Zamboanga Sibugay when I received my new assignment from the Provincial Superior to take the pastoral care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City. I am not really new to the parish for I started the Claret Urban Poor Apostolate and served the parish urban poor slum areas for several years before I was elected to the Provincial Council.

The recently concluded Year for the Consecrated for the Clergy and Consecrated Life called all the members of the clergy and missionaries to be faithful servants, steadfast stewards, and good shepherds. For me, this call extends to all parishioners by virtue of baptismal promises. The challenges can be translated into our formation program to be faithful servants. Our parish is gifted with active pastoral ministries, cooperative organizations and charismatic movements. The parish is also blest with generous benefactors who serve as good stewards of these resources. Moreover, the presence of good leaders shares the task of shepherding of the parish priest.

With this framework, I envision a parish that caters on-going spiritual formation, fraternal solidarity, and pastoral accompaniment. A well-formed and informed flock assures us of deeper commitment. The flock that fosters solidarity enlightens the burdens of the shepherd to bring to the right direction. The good shepherd is known by the cooperation of his flock and his compassion to their plight towards freedom and liberation. This is also the invitation of the General Chapter document of our Congregation: to adore God in holiness; to walk with the people in solidarity; and to accompany them in their search for the justice, peace and dignity of life.

As we journey together in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of our parish community, let us not forget the legacy of the pioneering and veteran parish priests, committed lay leaders, zealous pastoral collaborators who laid the foundation of the parish. I would like also express my gratitude to my predecessors for ensuring all the necessary church structural repairs, improvements of office facilities, beautification of surroundings as well as organizing of communities and formation of leaders. I salute the commitment and dedication of the lay leaders and pastoral collaborators for they remain steadfast amidst the challenges of the times.

In this first year of our journey, I invite you to remain faithful servants and steadfast stewards as I try my best to be your good shepherdIn this first year of our journey, I invite you to remain faithful servants and steadfast stewards as I try my best to be your good shepherd.