OLVP-Recoletos de Urbiztondo had Its New Chapel Blessed

URBIZTONDO, Pangasinan—The Recollect parish community of Our Lady of the Visitation, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, together with several civil and ecclesiastical dignitaries, witnessed the blessing of its newly constructed chapel on the occasion of the 97^th fiesta of the Sto. Cristo Divino Tesoro de Urbiztondo, the patron of the barangay where the parish is located.  

In consonance with the festive spirit of the event, an array of activities highlighted the occasion. At seven o’clock in the morning, everything commenced with the blessing of the new chapel—the Capilla de Sto. Cristo Divino Tesoro de Urbiztondo—built at the left portion of the church façade. And then it was followed by the Eucharistic Celebration at the parish at seven-thirty. Both were presided by His Excellency Socrates B. Villegas, D.D., Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. With him were several concelebrating Recollects from the community itself, Manila, Baguio City, and Cavite City. Present also during the rites were government officials of the municipality and the barangays within the jurisdiction of the parish, Religious Sisters, and some donors. In his homily, he reminded the faithful, “Christian life is a continued Passion [of the Lord]…It is not a contest of flawlessness…” and exhorted them, “As Christians, we should get wounded standing for the Lord…and we should not be afraid of it, for cowardice is never part of Christian life.” Towards the end of the Holy Eucharist, Rev. Fr. Samson S. Silloriquez, OAR, the prior and parish priest, expressed his gratitude to everyone present and to all who contributed to the success of the event, especially the donors of the new chapel.

Right after the Mass, a procession was conducted along the streets adjacent to the parish. The faithful, headed by the sacristans, streamed with the image of the Crucified Christ while praying the Holy Rosary together with the members of a musical band marching and softly playing religious songs at the forefront. After almost an hour, the procession halted at the new chapel where Fr. Samson, OAR, gave the final blessing. Then everybody received a share of packed food. The faithful gleamed with delight for having celebrated again this feast after two years since the pandemic.