Misa Pasalamat Commemorates 50 Years of Miraculous Survival

A solemn and meaningful Misa Pasalamat was held last, May 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish as the faithful gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a miraculous survival at sea involving three former seminarians whose cargo ship sank while travelling to Manila on May 26, 1976.

The Holy Mass was personally celebrated by the three survivors who, after five decades, have now become devoted priests of the Church: Archbishop of Zamboanga Most Rev. Julius Tonel, D.D., Rev. Fr. Pete Lamata, and our very own OLMMP Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Maximo Sarno.

Joining them in the Eucharistic celebration were four other priests who concelebrated the Mass in unity and thanksgiving namely: Fr. Kim, Fr. Dexter, Fr. Roy & Fr. Roland.

Parishioners, visitors, relatives, and friends gathered together in prayer and gratitude for the lives of these priests who once survived a tragic and terrifying shipwreck while still young seminarians.

One of the most unforgettable parts of their testimony was the appearance of a Miraculous Medal floating in the open sea while they were struggling for survival. For them, it became a powerful sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s protection and intercession during that life-threatening moment.

The celebration also recalled how this miracle inspired the vision of establishing a parish dedicated to the Blessed Mother under the title of the Miraculous Medal.

The Misa Pasalamat became more than a remembrance of survival; it became a celebration of God’s enduring mercy and a witness that miracles continue to unfold through faith and prayer. (Marilou Albarico Luzon | Photos: OLMMP SoCCom)