OAR chapels, parishes in Cebu declared places of pilgrimage

THE parishes and chapels of school campuses under the Order of the Augustinian Recollects (OAR) have been declared as places of pilgrimage from April 29, 2021 to April 29, 2022.

University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) president Fr. Christopher Maspara read the decree during the Eucharistic celebration on April 29.

The period from April 29 this year until April 29 in 2022 has also been declared “A Special Year of Grace” for the parishes and school campuses’ chapels under the OAR.

The declaration was granted to parishes and campuses’ chapels including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish-Recoletos on Magallanes St. in Cebu City; Our Lady of Consolation Parish-Recoletos in San Roque, Laray, Talisay City; St. Augustine of Hippo Quasi-Parish-Recoletos in Inayawan, Cebu City; UJS-R Main Campus’ chapel on Magallanes St. in Cebu City; St. Ezekiel Moreno Chapel in USJ-R Basak Campus; and La Consolacion Chapel in USJ-R Balamban Campus.

The decree, which has been signed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, states that every Catholic who takes part in the liturgical services or activities in the included chapels will be granted “plenary indulgence” after praying the Apostle’s Creed, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

The liturgical services and activities that the faithful may attend are institutional masses, recollections, novenas, vocation week celebration, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, “Adlaw sa Pagpamalandong” and others.

On April 29, the Augustinian Recollect community also unveiled the 400th anniversary commemorative marker located at the lobby of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

Palma, who presided over the holy mass after the unveiling ceremony, said the OAR’s presence in Cebu is worth celebrating because of its contribution.

Palma said the OAR did not only focus on its religious mission but also on its educational advocacy.

“They continue to reflect on their vision and mission and we know what they are,” said Palma in his homily.

“We don’t have to look far to be able to appreciate your presence. Attached to this big church is a university and we are aware of your educational advocacy,” he said.

Palma also thanked the OAR priests for living out their mission which has helped improve the lives of people through its educational advocacy.

The Augustinian Recollect community is celebrating its 400-year missionary presence in Cebu. (JJL)