Installation of the New Parish Priest for Lourdes Shrine

Archbishop Palma presiding the Holy Mass

Cebu City, Philippines. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes(ASOLL) was in a festive mood last July 23, 2002, as it received its new Parish Priest in the person of Fr. Lamberto “Jhun” Paradiang, SDB. Fr. Jhun served the Parish of Sto. Niño in Suba-Pasil for the past 6 years. He replaced Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB, as the new Parish Priest and Rector of ASOLL, who is now the Rector of Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu.

Giving of the Key of the Barangay
(photo from Barangay FB page)

A drum and bugle corps serenaded the influx of parishioners, adding to the already jubilant atmosphere of the Shrine. Prior to the 6pm Mass where the installation of the new Parish Priest took place, Fr. Jhun was presented with the Key of the Barangay by the Barangay Captain, Jhun Andales, as a symbolic act of acceptance and collaboration between the Barangay and the Shrine.

The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Cebu, Jose Palma, DD, together with the Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Cebu, Antonio Rañola, DD, the FIS Provincial Superior, Fidel Orendain, SDB, and concelebrating Salesian and Diocesan Priests. The Shrine was jam-packed with representatives from the different mandated organizations of the Shrine, members of the Parish Pastoral Council(PPC), Religious Sisters, youth from DBYC-Lourdes, and the parishioners of the Shrine.

After the proclamation of the Gospel, the Letter of Appointment of the New Parish Priest was read by the Provincial Superior. Then a homily by the Archbishop followed where he expressed his joy and enthusiasm for the appointment of the new Parish Priest. The rite of installation came next where Fr. Jhun, together with his team of Pastors, Fr. Vernil Lopez, SDB, and Fr. Honesto Geronimo, SDB, prayed the formula of installation – the Nicean Creed. A thunderous applause from those present erupted as a sign of welcome and approval.

Before the Holy Mass concluded, Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB, the former Parish Priest of ASOLL, gave a speech where he expressed his gratitude to everyone for making his 6 years in ASOLL a success. In his turn, Fr. Jhun also gave a speech where he promised to work in close collaboration with the Barangay Officials and the parishioners.

A fellowship followed the Holy Mass in the DBYC gymnasium where many gathered in celebration for this new chapter in the life of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.