April 14, 2018. It was a humid sunny morning when the faithful of the Parish of Santa Maria Josefa warmly welcomed the Archbishop, Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, in the Church in Payak, Bato, Camarines Sur as they were set ready for the Church to be consecrated to their Patron Saint, Santa Maria Josefa.
In the celebration, the Archbishop emphasized that as having the Church blessed and dedicated, each one is called to participate actively, fully, and consciously in the Sacraments of the Church, in remembrance of the Cross and in the jubilation of Christ's resurrection. He thanked the faithful for showing support and expressing themselves as true community of Christ in their valuable participation.
Within the Eucharistic celebration, a first class relic of Santa Maria Josefa was entombed beneath the altar, the archbishop anointed the Altar and the pillars of the Church with chrism oil and the entire Church was filled with aroma of incense. The altar was decorated and the Church was fully lighted signaling the consecration.
In his thanksgiving message, Fr. Cresencio Abinal, Jr. acknowledged the support of the faithful and donors that made the completion of the Church possible. He especially mentioned the Archbishop for his fatherly guidance and support, and his predecessor, Fr. Jayvee Rosero who laid the foundations of the Church in Payak.
The Sisters from the Siervas de Jesus joined in celebration the consecration of the completed Church. They were asked by the Archbishop to render a song in Honor of Santa Maria Josefa at the near end of the Holy Mass.
The Parish in Payak was established in 2004 by the late Archbishop Leonardo Legazpi, OP., and will celebrate the 15th year as parish next year 2019.
