by Margaret DelaCruz
“One PEOPLE, One DESTINY and One STRONG COMMUNITY towards YOU”
Despite the threat of inclement weather, the parish of Kristo Rai celebrated its 41st celebration of its parish fiesta. The theme indeed became a reality, “One People, One Destiny and One Strong Community towards You”, when everyone gathered to join the parishioners of Kristo Rai celebrate its patron saint – Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
But in order for us to appreciate what Kristo Rai is today, one must be aware of its history. Originally, this church was named Bithen de Carmen and was built by the Spanish Augustinian Recollect Fathers in 1892 headed by Fr. Tomas Cueva de la Virgin de Aracelli, who was the Pastor of San Isidro Parish in Garapan. The church was destroyed during World War II and it was for this reason that the church was transferred to Chalan Kanoa. So our church, since its establishment is 127 years old.
Between 1966 and 1968, the population growth in Garapan became very noticeable and the need for a chapel was voiced out by the people. Such enthusiasm was really felt when the late Fr. Emmery Nemeth, OFM CAP began celebrating Mass for the Garapan community inside the Camacho’s movie theater in Garapan.
It was in 1969 when the building was erected and in 1978 the people of Garapan witnessed the completion of a steel beam reinforced by concrete structure with a 120 ft. long and 96 ft. wide building that can comfortably sit 600 people was realized – a church built by its people. On November 26, 1978, the Church was blessed and dedicated which now is Kristo Rai Church.
This year’s fiesta returned to its original time of having the novena and mass in the afternoon rather than the morning. The church was fully packed with people who came from all over the island to join in the celebration. Opening the celebration was the singing of “The King of Glory” welcoming all and giving the atmosphere of fostering unity amongst all in attendance. It was also the first time that the choirs from the Northern Cluster – San Roque, Santa Remedios and Kristo Rai all joined together as one choir to sing for the fiesta mass which is a true manifestation that the Clustering Concept indeed can work.
The 41st Fiesta Celebration was not the originally parish fiesta that one is used to. The highlight for this celebration was the installation of Fr. Albert A. Pellazar, OAR as the Pastor of Kristo Rai Parish. Witnessing the installation was the Prior Provincial of the St. Ezekiel Moreno Province, Fr. Dionicio Q. Selma, OAR. The congregation had the opportunity to witness Bishop Ryan Jimenez, Bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa bringing Fr. Albert Pellazar, OAR to the three most important areas of his ministry as Pastor and those were the Baptismal Font, the Confessional Box and the Tabernacle. Furthermore, everyone witnessed the presentation of the new Pastor by Bishop Ryan Jimenez at which Fr. Albert A. Pellazar, OAR officially became the new Pastor of Kristo Rai Parish. Congratulations Fr. Albert A. Pellazar, OAR.
A sincere appreciation is extended to Bishop Ryan Jimenez, Fr. Dionicio Q. Selma, OAR of the St. Ezekiel Moreno Province, the Clergy and Deacons of the Dicoese of Chalan Kanoa and the and to everyone who in one way of another have contributed to the success of the 2019 Kristo Rai Parish Fiesta and the installation of Fr. Albert A. Pellazar, OAR as the new Pastor of Kristo Rai Parish.
Who would have thought that 127 years after – the Order of Augustinian Recollects would return and administer the parish of Kristo Rai. All one can conclude was that “God works in mysterious ways”.
For more photos, check here.
