Calabanga marks 275th foundation anniversary with grand procession

By Myrna S. Bermudo

A grand vicarial procession was made to commemorate the 275th foundation anniversary of the parish and the town of Calabanga last July 14, 2024.

“Together, let us join Prusisyon kan Banwaan 2024 to thank God for the blessings we have received as a united Christian community, “ La Porteria parish said in their social media post.

Dubbed as “Harubay kan Pagtubod: Pagsalingoy sa Gira kan Kapinonan, Lakaw hali sa Inmaculada pasiring sa La Porteria,” the procession gathered the 48 barangays of the town bringing the images of their patron saints in a solemn procession. Done for the first time, many participated actively and filled the main streets where the procession traversed.

The images of the six titular patron saints of the parishes that compose the Vicariate of Our Lady of La Porteria also participated in the procession. It started with a mass at 5:00 PM at the Parroquia De La Inmaculada Concepcion in Quipayo Church, then the procession commenced going to La Portería parish church.

The six parishes of the vicariate, all in the town of Calabanga, participated in the religious activity bringing with them the images of the patron saints of the barangays under their care. Fr. Francisco Parza III of the Parish of Divine Mercy in Paolbo, Fr. Russell Pletado of the Parish of Black Nazarene in Binanuaanan Pequeño, Fr. Abenson Martinez of the Parish of the Holy Cross in Manguiring, Fr. Charlie Audal of Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Quipayo, Fr. Johan’z Vibar of the Parish of St. Peregrine Laziosi in Sto. Domingo and Fr. Gilbert Leopoldo Briguera, parish priest and Fr. Aljan Galvez, assistant parish priest of the Parish of Our Lady of La Porteria are the priests who are serving the parishes in the town of Calabanga.

For many, the very first grand vicarial procession was a moment of unity and a manifestation of reverential faith of the Christian community in Calabanga.

“Built in 1616 by Fray Francisco Gaviria, OFM, the Quipayo Church is one of the oldest brick churches in the Bicol region. In July 15, 1749, the parish of Calabanga together with the founding of the municipality of Calabanga was approved by Fray Juan De Arecherra, Bishop Elect of Nueva Segovia of the Commissionary of the King .” (Cáceres of Bikol )

Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. presided the thanksgiving mass of the 275th anniversary of the Parish Our Lady of La Porteria in Calabanga on July 15. All seven priests of the six parishes in the Vicariate of La Porteria concelebrated in the momentous occasion.

Prusisyon kan Banwaan 2024 commemorated the 275th foundation of the parish and the town of Calabanga, Camarines Sur. It was participated by 48 barangays and six parishes across the town bringing with them the images of their patron saints. (Photo credit: LGU Calabanga)