The Augustinian-run Parish of Our Mother of Good Counsel (MGCP) formerly known as St. Jerome Emiliani Parish in San Pedro, Laguna celebrated its 40th year as a parish since its establishment in 1983.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the MGCP has organized several activities that shall cater not just to the festivity but also to the spirituality of its parishioners.
Gearing to its anniversary, the parish held a nine-day novena mass from September 15-23, 2023.
Prior to the big celebration, on September 9, 2022, Mr. Arnold Aviles, MA, gave a Marian Recollection following the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The parish scheduled activities within the days of the novena.
On the second day of the novena before the 6:00 pm Mass, parishioners performed a traditional dance ritual of Karakol. The pilgrims danced their way to the church to the tune of a lively marching band, following a waltz rhythm.
As a form of gratitude and giving honor to its patroness, Our Mother of Good Counsel, the parishioners danced a “Karakol” on September 16, 2023.
On September 17, at 7:00 pm after the novena mass, organizations of the parish attended the MGCP Night showcasing their giftedness in arts and culture.
Another highlight of the anniversary was the procession of 12 carrozas coming from the parish, different barangay chapels, and privately owned images on September 23, 2023.
Most Rev. Leo Drona, DD, Bishop Emeritus of San Pablo, presided over the eucharistic celebration, together with him are the parish priest and other Augustinian priests on the afternoon of September 24, 2023, fiesta day.
Earlier that day, Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera, Jr., OSA, Prior Provincial of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu- Philippines, presided over the fiesta mass at 9:00 am.
On its celebration, the Holy See, Pope Francis, and His Excellency Most Rev. Buenaventura M. Famadico, Bishop of Saint Paul in the Philippines, granted a plenary indulgence and blessing.
With the granting of the plenary indulgence, every parishioner and pilgrim of the Mother of Good Counsel Parish was granted a special blessing by the Pontiff from September 25, 2023 to September 25, 2024.
The present pastors of MGCP, who spearheaded all the activities were Rev. Fr. Noel Cogasa, OSA, parish priest, and his parochial vicars, Rev. Fr. Danilo Dagsaan, OSA, and Rev. Fr. Peter John Cardos, OSA.
To view photo highlights of the activities visit the official Facebook page of the parish by clicking here.
