By SIDTP SoCom

Published on October 19, 2024

In a show of faith and community unity, San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish will celebrate its 418th Foundation Anniversary with a nine-day novena mass from November 3 to November 11, 2024, focusing on the theme “Kalinga ni San Ildefonso.”

Each day of the novena will cater to a specific community sector, with daily masses led by parish priest Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado and guest priests from neighboring parishes.

Daily Novena Activities:

• Day 1 – November 3 (Sunday): Kalinga sa Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC)
  The novena begins with prayers for the Basic Ecclesial Communities, as members gather to reflect on the role of the faithful in local evangelization efforts.
• Day 2 – November 4 (Monday): Kalinga sa Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)
  A special mass at the local jail will be held to remember the incarcerated and their families, with prayers for their rehabilitation and spiritual renewal.
• Day 3 – November 5 (Tuesday): Kalinga sa Farmers, Fisher Folks & TODA
  The focus shifts to the parish’s agricultural workers, fishermen, and members of the local transport sector, acknowledging their contributions to the community’s daily life.
• Day 4 – November 6 (Wednesday): Kalinga sa Senior Citizens, Elders, Grandparents & Widows/ers
  The parish honors the wisdom and life experiences of the elderly, offering prayers for their health and continued guidance.
• Day 5 – November 7 (Thursday): Kalinga sa 4P’s & Persons with Disability (PWD)
  Activities and prayers will center around marginalized sectors, particularly the 4Ps beneficiaries and persons living with disabilities.
• Day 6 – November 8 (Friday): Kalinga sa Migrante
  A special tribute will be paid to migrant workers, recognizing the sacrifices they make for their families and their role in the global economy.
• Day 7 – November 9 (Saturday): Kalinga sa Youth
  The parish will focus on its younger members, encouraging them to take an active role in both their faith and community.
• Day 8 – November 10 (Sunday): Kalinga sa Church Workers
  The celebration will highlight the dedication of the church workers who serve behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of parish activities.
• Day 9 – November 11 (Monday): Kalinga sa Indigenous People (IP)
  The novena concludes with a special focus on the Indigenous Peoples, honoring their heritage and contributions to the cultural tapestry of the community.

The festivities will also feature a visit from Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje (Virgin of Antipolo), marking the beginning of the novena.

This visit is expected to draw many from neighboring communities to participate in the spiritual journey.

On November 12, the culmination of the 418th Foundation Anniversary will be celebrated with a 9 a.m. concelebrated mass led by Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo.

The grand event will bring together parishioners and guests to honor the enduring legacy of the parish, which has been a spiritual center for the local community for over four centuries.

Besides these, Parish-wide formation programs will also be conducted for all parishioners on November 3, 10 and 17 with topics about Minor Basilica, Year of Prayer, and Jubilee Year to be discussed, respectively.