ST. ANTHONY MARY CLARET IN SANTA BARBARA PANGASINAN: A Follow-up Report

KAPATIRANG CLARETIANO INC., (KCI)

PANGASINAN CHAPTER

SANTA BARBARA, PANGASINAN

PHILIPPINES

ST. ANTHONY MARY CLARET REDISCOVERED IN SANTA BARBARA PANGASINAN

By Romano M. Bulatao

President, KCI - Pangasinan Chapter

On December 26, 2012, the KCI Pangasinan Chapter had the annual gathering and meeting to finalize some of the plans in line with the initial reports to KCI National. Present were the following: Mr. Louie Lamsen, Mr. Romano Bulatao, Mr. Rizalday Sison, Mr. Steve Inigo, and Mr. Oliver Eucapor.( Photo credits by Mr. Oliver Eucapor. Thank you very much OlieJ)

 First of all, as regards the inscription on the altar of St. Anthony Mary Claret (which was erected at the right side of the Church in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan), it was decided that that the emblem of Claret be incorporated and the wordings are as follows:

SAN ANTONIO MARIA CLARET

1807-1870

CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS

On that same day (December 26, 2012), I called up Rev. Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF (Provincial Superior, Claretian Missionaries in the Philippines) and asked him to note my letter to Archbishop Socrates Villegas, D.D. (Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan) for the approval of the putting of inscription. I am very happy that Fr. Leo is very supportive of said activity. At this point, the letter is with Mr. Steve Inigo for him to hand carry it to Mr. Armand Nucom (KCI President) and Fr. Leo Dalmao for their signatures. Right after that, Mr. Inigo will send to me the letter by which I will send to Archbishop Villegas. As soon as the request will be approved, we will place the inscription immediately.

Secondly, regarding the CAPILLA DE SAN ANTONIO MARIA CLARET (suggested name) in Dalongue, Santa Barabara, Pangasinan, we (KCI-Pangasinan Chapter) is planning (subject to the approval of KCI National) to adopt this community. As a first step, we (KCI) committed ourselves to participate in their barangay fiesta celebration on May 4, 2013 (first Saturday of May), at 4:00 PM, and join them in the celebration of the Mass. It would be more meaningful if we could invite at least one Claretian Priest to con-celebrate the Mass. Aside from attending the Mass with the people, may I suggest the following (for your comments, suggestions, approval, and possible funding):

1. Reproduction of the Novena (in Pangasinan language) for Claret (50 – 100 copies), preferably to be printed by the Claretian Publications, Mr. Robert Laurio, please help (target date: April 2013);

2. Out-reach program like medical-dental mission, and or donating books (target date: May 4, 2013 morning);

3. Feeding program and or games (target date: May 4, 2013 morning – 3:00 PM);

4. Meeting with the officials/elders for a yearly activity (target date: May 4, 2013 after the Mass); and,

5. Other bright ideas? (please recommend)

          

Steve Inigo and Rizalday Sison in front of Dalongue chapel

The Altar with the image of St. Anthony Claret (center), from left to right: an elder, Romano Bulatao, Steve Inigo, and Louie Lamsen

St. Anthony Mary Claret

       

St. Anthony Mary Claret with Romano M. Bulatao – 

President, KCI-Pangasinan Chapter

Romano Bulatao and the two elders looking closely at the 

Novena for St. Claret

Aside from the only statue of St. Anthony Mary Claret, this is also the only copy of the novena for St. Anthony Mary Claret printed in Pangasinan language dated September 30, 1950 (around four months after the Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Claret on May 7, 1950, by Pope Pius XII).

The KCI-PC believes that we must continue sustain the signs that the spirit of St Claret is leading all of us. In our own little ways, let us spread the fire of love wherever we may be. Again, we must always be inspired by the words of St. Claret, “May the love of Christ moves us on!” (CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS!)