By SIDTP SoCom

Published on November 18, 2024

TANAY, RIZAL –  San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish in Tanay, Rizal, celebrated its 418th founding anniversary with a meaningful and community-centered event, Kalinga ni San Ildefonso, a nine-day novena that ran from November 3 to November 11, 2024.

The celebration highlighted the parish’s commitment to serving different sectors of the community through a series of themed days that focused on various groups in need.

Each day of the novena was dedicated to a specific group, with different parish and community sectors being given priority and celebrated.

Throughout the event, guest speakers and priests shared inspirational messages, while local sponsors from both the public and private sectors provided assistance to those in need.

Here is a summary of the “Kalinga ni San Ildefonso” activities over the nine days:

– Day 1 (November 3): Kalinga sa Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC)
The novena opened with a focus on the Basic Ecclesial Communities, highlighting the importance of small faith groups in strengthening parish life and community spirit.

– Day 2 (November 4): Kalinga sa Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)
On the second day, special attention was given to Persons Deprived of Liberty, with talks on the power of faith and redemption, and support from the community for those incarcerated.

– Day 3 (November 5): Kalinga sa Farmers/Fisherfolks & TODA
The third day honored the hardworking farmers, fisherfolk, and members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), recognizing their vital contributions to the local economy.

– Day 4 (November 6): Kalinga sa Senior Citizens, Elderly, Grandparents & Widow/ers
A day dedicated to the elderly, including senior citizens, grandparents, and widows/widowers, celebrated the wisdom and strength of the older generation, offering them both spiritual and material support.

– Day 5 (November 7): Kalinga sa mga 4Ps & Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
The fifth day highlighted the government’s 4Ps program and persons with disabilities, emphasizing inclusivity and the church’s role in advocating for social justice.

– Day 6 (November 8): Kalinga sa Migrants
On Day 6, the parish focused on migrants, offering prayers for those who seek better opportunities abroad and emphasizing the importance of community support for those far from home.

– Day 7 (November 9): Kalinga sa Youth
The youth of the parish were celebrated on Day 7, with inspiring talks and activities aimed at empowering young people to live out their faith and contribute to the community.

– Day 8 (November 10): Kalinga sa Church Workers
The penultimate day honored church workers and volunteers, acknowledging their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth functioning of the parish and its services to the people.

– Day 9 (November 11): Kalinga sa Indigenous People (IP)
The final day of the novena was dedicated to the Indigenous People (IP), with special prayers and gestures of solidarity extended to these marginalized communities, highlighting the parish’s commitment to social justice.

Throughout the nine days, sponsors from both the public and private sectors actively participated, leading the celebrations and providing material assistance to the target groups.

Their contributions, which included food, supplies, and financial support, were integral to the success of the Kalinga ni San Ildefonso program.

The event not only served as a spiritual journey for the parish community but also as a concrete demonstration of the church’s dedication to addressing the needs of the less fortunate and marginalized sectors of society.

The novena was a fitting prelude to the grand anniversary Mass and procession held on November 12, with Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo presiding over the service and honoring the parish’s deep-rooted commitment to both spiritual and social causes.