Sto. Niño Parish History

Kaputian, Penaplata

The Sto. Nino Parish used to be just one of the Chapels of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Penaplata, Davao. Its first patron was Sta. Teresa del Nino de Jesus. In the year 1958, the patron saint was changed to Sto. Nino, upon the leadership of Pedro Yap, Juan Diva, Juan Rojas, and Mrs. Andrea del Campo.

Mr. Juan Rojas and Juan Diva borrowed a statue of Sto. Nino at Limao, Penaplata, Davao. Construction of the chapel was immediately undertaken with Mr. Isidro Martinez serving as the master carpenter.

A chapel made of coconut lumber and coconut leaves (for roofing) soon arose in the shoreline of Poblacion, Kaputian. Rev. Fr. Florain Rock, PME celebrated the first Holy Mass on January 15, 1958 on the occasion of its first fiesta.

The site of the chapel was later eroded due to the strong typhoon that hit the area. Church activity, however, was strengthened by the leadership of Mrs. Andrea Del Campo. The latter inculcated in the minds of the natives strong faith to our redeemer Jesus Christ.

The second chapel was constructed on the site of the cockpit area of Kaputian (the cockpit area was transferred to Talicud during the time of Rev. Fr. Rino Rengel Enopena, DCD). The 3rd chapel was constructed along the pavement going to the Health Center of Kaputian. The 4th chapel was the old convent, currently the seminar house of the Parish.

The Kaputian Christian Youth Organization was the first organization that existed. The first president was Manolo “Boy” Yap. Youth activity during that time was very fruitful. It established projects that helped alleviate the lives of the natives.

On May 30, 1983, the Sto. Nino Chapel became a parish, thereby separating itself from the mother parish Immaculate Conception. Its first parish priest was Rev. Fr. Rino Rengel Enopena, DCD. The only existing organization when he first came was the Adoracion Nocturna Filipina under Juan “Boy” Esperanza as the Jefe de Turno.

For almost 4 years that Fr. Enopena stayed, 38 chapels were created on his first year alone. Four more chapels were later added: the San Vicente Chapel in Dapia II I n 1983 and in 1984, Nuestra de Salvacion of Lisob and San Vicente Ferrer of Baong, Talicud.

Rev. Fr. Alijandrino Calapis Abing, DCD served the parish after Fr. Enopena. His administration paved the way for the construction of the parish convent and the creation of Camotesan Chapel in Talicud Island.

Rev. Fr. Loreto “Bebs” Bastasa was installed as the third parish priest in 1988. He made important revision on the church’s policy that started a pattern for the real duties and obligations of the Church and Lay Leaders. It was the birth of sectoral representation. He intensified the Lay Leaders Formation particularly the 3 existing ministries, i.e. the PSA, PSL and PSP in order to provide a strong foundation and harmonious relationship among members of the GKK (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban).

Rev. Fr. Jovil Bongay, DCD, served as parish priest next. He started the Youth Development Training for the parish youth. His term gave importance to Youth Formation. The Parish Youth Convention was held together with Mayor Aniano P. Untalan. Samarian was also conducted in the Parish with the assistance of the Local Government Unit through the latter. Formation of Parish and Lay Leaders Formation were also intensified.

During the term of Rev. Fr. Henry Campeon, DCD, the formation of GKK leaders was given focus. Campus Masses were held for students. Poblacion groups chose their patron saints and Fiesta Mass was celebrated in their respective purok or group.

Various constructions were added in the next administrations. Rev. Fr. Nelson Lucas, DCD, constructed comfort rooms for the seminar hall and also in the convent for males and another for female guests. Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias installed fiber stained glasses, renovated the altar and the windows of the convent. The fiber stained glass installation continued during Fr. Ricky Flores term.

The Knights of Columbus as well as the Charismatic Renewal group were also organized during Fr. Flores administration.