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Toward a new Horizon |
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Toward a new Horizon |
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For over 13 years now, the Holy Trinity Parish has been serving the multitude of people surrounding its Church in Barangay Pansol, Calamba, Laguna
The rather small church that could hardly accommodate large gatherings stands on a rented piece of property bounded by massive and modern edifices and facilities of several privately-owned resorts. Limited physical space, the Holy Trinity Parish has, nonetheless, survived to meet the spiritual and other needs of its parishioners.
In the 1990's, the Church was able to purchase an 800 square-meter lot across its present location.
On October 13, 1996, the ground-breaking ceremonies for the construction of the new Parish Church was held. But the rites proved to the signal for a greater and more difficult task. After spending some 130,000 thousands for billing materials alone to elevate the surface of the property, the church finds itself still lacking of sufficient funds to pursue its objectives.
Presently, the church is in dire need of support from its parishioners and other golden-hearted folks. The only fund-raising project that has taken off is its "Pa-Raffle '97" para sa Bagong Simbahan" last July 6 and whose proceeds did not really suffice to finance the entire construction.
Fr. Jessie Somosierra, HT's parish priest, left no stone unturned as soon as he took over his assignment. Now he is faced with the construction of this church. Yet he is confident that the Holy Spirit will be there to guide him in this task, with the full support of well-meaning and generous parishioner and benefactors.
The province of Laguna is well known for its historic scenery, including the legendary Maria Makiling mountain and the hot springs believed to be medicinal, within the famous Pansol, a resort-filled barangay in Calamba.
In 1911, the Philippine National Railways built a railway station in Pansol and people started living around it. In 1922, Barrio Pansol came under the governance of the Calamba municipality.
After the war in 1946, Don Juan Cordova, together with cuople Don Ramon Ramos and Dona Pilar Ibanes Ramos, initiated among the people the teachings of the catholic faith. They spearheaded the construction of the first chapel in the barrio and installed the image of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity was adopted by the people as their Patron. Because of the people's tradition of offering flowers to the Blessed Virgin during the month of May, it was likewise decided to celebrate the 30th of May as the Barrio Fiesta of the community.
When the Catholic Church separated the Diocese of San Pablo from the Archdiocese of Lipa, Pansol was included in the Parish of San Juan Bautista (Calamba) Parish under the able guidance of Fr. Angel Villaluz. A better and bigger chapel was constructed in the property owned by the Garcias.
Among those who helped maintain the spiritual needs and activities in Pansol were Msgr. Valeriano Cagiula, Msgr. Elias Poblete, Fr. Abad, Fr. Jacobe, Fr. Leo Drona and Fr. Militante.
In 1978-79, Bishop Pedro Bantigue assigned Fr. Modesto Bonzon as administrator to handle the Pansol church. Due to unforseen event was transferred to the property of the Mejias (present location of the Parish Church) and Fr. Bonzon's industry and hard work was complemented by Tata Ambo Martinez. It was also during this time that a church organization was created. Bro. Diano Basio became president with Bro. Delfin Pascua as vice presidents, Sis. Lorie Pascua as secretary, Sis. Rita Mejia as Tresurer and Bro. Vivencio Leus as auditor. Fr. Bonzon was able to realize so many projects and the parishioners displayed their support.
The Dominican Priest of Letran College like Fr. Senen Ecleo, Fr. Ambo, Fr. Lana, Fr. Eugene and many others were able to lend significant assistance in the pastoral work. Calamba's Parish Priests Fr. Icarangal and Fr. Renato Cosico were untiring in their spiritual work.
On March 16, 1985, the Holy Trinity Church was erected as a parish. Under its parochial territory were barangays Bucal, Bagong Calsada, Sucol, Tadlac, Masile and Talim or Wonder Island. In 1991, Barangay Halang likewise came under the Parish's wings.
The first Parish Priest of Pansol was Msgr. Eliseo Dimaculangan. In May 1987,
In October 1988, Msgr. Anacleto Salvosa became the next parish priest. Though advanced in years, Msgr. Salvosa was full of energy and inspiration. On August 4, 1990, Msgr. Salvosa had a heart attack while celebrating a Charismatic Mass and died on September 16, 1990.
From August to November 1990, Msgr. Federico Navarro was placed at the helm as Parish administrator. From November 1990 to March 1992, Fr. Danilo Fernando took over and was responsible in organizing the barangays under the parish and created mini councils which helped the Parish Council of the Laity (PCL). During his time, Fr. Danny was able to hold the first Parish Congress, supported sports activities, was installed as director for Social Action and began distributing goods and foods for the parish.
From March to August 1992, Fr. Rey Belen administered the parish. He was responsible in providing sleeping quarters for the priests in the Church.
On August 14, 1992, Fr. Rolando (Olan) Ardes was installed as the new Parish Priest. It was Fr. Olan who continued to unify the parish in creative pastoral activities and make arrangements for the Church to purchase its own lot.
On June 18,1994, Fr. Romy Ponte was assigned as the parish church, replacing Fr. Olan. It was Fr. Ponte who purchase the lot. The building of a new church was formerly launch through the ground breaking ceremony. The Bishop and other distinguished guests.