St. Sebastian honored

A double celebration was held on January 20, 2007: the feast of San Sebastian, the diocese patron saint, and the blessing of the new San Sebastian Rectory. A concelebrated mass at 10 a.m. officiated by Bishop Vicente M. Navarra and Vicar General Victorino Rivas, was attended by Gov. Joseph and Aida Marañon, Mayor Bing and Elsa Leonardia, Rep. Monico and Patching Puentevella and other dignitaries of the province. Then it was off to the San Juan side of the cathedral grounds for the blessing ceremony. Doña Gloria Esteban and Jomarie Sy cut the ceremonial ribbon, and this was followed by the prayers and blessing by Bishop Navarra.

Architects of the building were RJ Ureta and Erick Matulac. The first floor of the Rectory will house the Parish offices, the second floor will be the residence of priests assigned in the San Sebastian Cathedral, and the dorm for visiting priests, and the third floor will be a multi purpose hall where one can hold meetings, seminars, and other social gatherings. This project is the brain child of Msgr. Vic Rivas with the help of Bishop Navarra, priests, generous benefactors and parishioners.

Church goers, especially balilkbayan friends of mine have always commented how magnificent and majestic the cathedral is now, how clean and conducive to praying it is.

An entertaining and lively program was staged before a sumptuous lunch was served to about 200 parishioners. This is the 74th year of celebrating the feast of San Sebastian and everybody is hoping that the 75th or Diamond celebration will be the grandest.

Remember: "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination."*