The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mabalacat led by Vice Mayor Christian Halili passed Resolution No. 146, Series of 2017 recognizing the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OARs) as the founder of the township of Mabalacat and the Our Lady of Grace Parish in 1712.
The resolution was given to Reverend Father Emilio Edgardo A. Quilatan, Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR). Quilatan is the first AOR priest to preside a holy mass at OLGP after the death of Fray Gregorio Bueno hundreds of years ago.
The awarding of the resolution joined by Councilors Atty. Geld Aquino, Rox Peǹa, Eddie Sotto, Bok Tiglao, Carlo Rivera and Dan Bayani took place at the ‘Matuang Pisamban’ (Old Church) on Tuesday, the eight day of the ‘novenario’ and mass in celebration of the feast of Nuestra Seǹora de Gracia, patroness of Mabalacat City on February 2.
Parish Finance Council Head Luz Dungca also handed over a framed replica of the Our Lady of Grace to the recollect priest.
“I am here to inform you that Mabalacat is the mother parish of the towns of Botolan, Odonel, Capas and Bamban,” Quilatan, dean of Recoletos School of Theology in Tandang Sora in Manila said.
Fray Bueno, who had served the town for more than 20 years and known for his despotism was executed by the townspeople during the Philippine revolution. Bueno was believed to had put a curse before he died – that “Mabalacat will never prosper.”
“Despite of such story happened in Mabalacat during the Philippine revolution, the death of its last parish priest Fray Bueno who is now in heaven watching us. Whatever happened in the past, all is forgiven,” the priest exclaimed.
Back in 1712, this former town was an Aeta settlement lorded over by ‘Haring Garagan’ (basis for today’s Caragan Festival held every third week of February).
According to Robby Tantingco, of the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Mabalacat is the only town in Pampanga to be administered by OARs.
He also cited that Fray Diego Cera, OAR, builder of the world’s famous bamboo organ in Las Piǹas, was the parish priest of Mabalacat before being assigned in Las Piǹas.
Other Recollect missionaries who evangelized the pioneer settlers of Mabalacat are Fr. Andres de San Fulgencio, Fr. Juan de Santo Tomas and Fr. Manuel de San Nicolas. –Larrica Angela Cunanan