San Alfonso Parish Celebrates 23rd Parochial Fiesta And Installs New Parish Priest

With smiles and hearts full of excitement and faith, the parishioners of San Alfonso Maria de Liguori Parish of Mandug manifested a momentous day on August 1, 2025.

The parishioners celebrated the 23rd Parochial Fiesta in honor of our patron saint, St. Alphonsus Liguori, alongside the installation of our new parish priest Rev. Fr. Severino A. Capulong and the presentation of the new parochial vicar Rev. Fr. Oliver Ganas.

The feast day began at 7:00am with a Pontifical Mass presided by His Most Excellency, Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. The Eucharistic celebration was joined by parishioners from various GKK/chapel communities, parish mandated organizations, ministries, apostolates and civic groups. The parishioners and devotees filled the church grounds with joy as they honored the divine presence of St. Alphonsus in the parish.

During the fiesta mass, the whole assembly witnessed the installation of the new parish priest Rev. Fr. Severino Capulong as the same will serve the parish for six (6) years. In his homily, Archbishop Valles emphasized the lessons we get from the life of St. Alphonsus, whose life was a grace and spent his lifetime to serve God and His people. The significance of faithful service – urging all that like St. Alphonsus, we serve the parish faithfully.

Fr. Capulong’s assuring presence during the installation made the orchestrated event even more meaningful. Whilst standing in front of the assembly, Fr. Capulong was seen to be more inspired to serve the parish as everyone felt the prayers and support. Following the installation, the presentation of the parochial vicar Fr. Oliver A. Ganas, was carried through.

After the significant fiesta mass, a baptism was held at 11:00am, as the sacrament was presided by Fr. Oliver Ganas. During the feast day’s lunch, a fellowship meal was shared by the Parishioners, GKK leaders and members in their respective tents and places within the church grounds. A variety program was facilitated at the open basketball court where games and presentations took over as organized by the Parish Youth Apostolate. The lunch fellowship and the program made the day even more memorable and engaging. At 4:00 pm, a Basketball Exhibition between the Davao Clergy and Barangay Mandug players was witnessed, as one of the feast day’s highlights.

The fiesta’s preparation was a collaboration of the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Mandated Organizations, Parish Youth Apostolate and all the parishioners whose heart and commitment are into loving service. Further, during the nine-night novena, some competitions were organized as part of the parish’s festive pre-fiesta celebration, with schedules as included: July 23 – 30, 2025 – (5:00pm Rosary, 5:30pm Novena, 6:00pm Novena Mass) July 23, 2025 – (7:30pm to 9:00pm – Zumba Sa Parokya) July 26, 2025 – (7:30pm to 9:00pm OPM Group Acapella and Duet Competition) July 28, 2025 – (7:30pm to 9:00pm Battle of the Acoustics & Contemporary Dance Competition) and July 31, 2025 – (3:00pm Rosary, 3:30pm Novena, 4:00pm Novena Mass, 5:00pm Grand Procession).

With this year’s theme, “San Alfonso, nagapanaw kauban ang malaumong katilingban” the celebration highlighted the parish’s mission to become a community of faithful, journeying together and serving the mission in the spirit of synodality.

As San Alfonso Maria De Liguori Parish moves into a new chapter with a new parish priest and parochial vicar, a new hope to evangelization and commitment to service, prompts the parishioners to continue the service we have started.

The parish that stands for twenty-three years, is a testimony of the parish’s increasing and enduring faith and love toward greater commitment to serve the growing Church. (Theresa A. Lelis | San Alfonso Parish SoCCom)