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The old facade of the Church |
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St. Andrew Parish, situated in Cabatuan, Isabela, is east of the big municipality of Cauayan, north of San Mateo, south of Aurora, along the banks of the Magat River.
During the Spanish period, it was served by the Dominican friars who also manned the parishes in Gamu, Reina Mercedes and Cauayan. Later, when the Spanish missionaries left, native clergies, most of whom were trained in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, attended to the needs of the parish. As early as September, 1949, Cabatuan began to be visited by the late Fr. Paul Douillard, MS who was in residence at the parish in San Mateo, isabela. Records show that for over a year, regular Sunday masses were held. Fr. Emery Desrochers, MS succeeded Fr. Paul and then came Fr. Maurice Cardinal, MS.
The first La Salettes were content to celebrate the Eucharist in any available convenient place. It can be recalled that Atty. Damian Tomacruz' residence was where the first mass was held and where the priests would board during visits.
It was only in November 30, 1954 that the Parish of St. Andrew was canonically erected. The first to reside permanently was Fr. Alphonse Larochelle, MS who ministered from 1951 to 1955. Fr. Normand Helie, MS who stayed until 1959 started the construction of the church and the convent. Other priests who had had the experience of ministering at St. Andrew were Fr. Raymond Bouley and Fr. Lionel Lacasse. In March 1960, Fr. Andre Lussier, MS was assigned parish priest and it was during this time that the church was further improved. The presence of local Chinese catholics needed the service of two Chinese priests who came to assist Fr. Lussier on a temporary basis. They were Fr. Dominic Kuo and Fr. Purisimo Tiam. On a home leave in April, 1962, Fr. Lussier was temporarily replaced by Fr. Rene Bisaillon, MS. In 1967, Fr. Rutillo Mallillin, MS came in 1967 as the first Filipino La Salette to serve the parish. In 1969, Fr. Efren Musngi, Ms took over the parish. During his term, when strong nationalistic movement was felt, he involved himself for the fight for social justice by letting his parishioners become aware of their rights and privileges as citizens. His concern for the workers' plight demanded that he seeks just wages for them.
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From another
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Fr. William Slight, MS assumed pastorship when Fr. Musngi
was transferred to another assignment. As one of his pet programs, he established Bible Study groups and introduced the Christina comminity approach. He was also active in the ecumenical movement. Fr, Maurice Cardinal, MS who was then the Vice-Provincial Superior substituted for Fr. Slight while on Sabbatical leave. It was during Fr. Maurice's stay that the parish Council was established.
In 1975, Fr. Francisco Maliwat, MS succeeded Fr. slight. He had done much to strengthen the parish but one very evident mark of his achievement was the beautification of the grounds and the Church. In 1977, Fr. Lussier came back for another duty. He was joined by Fr. Salvador Pico, MS who was primarily assigned to take care of the school. In March 1980, Fr. Pico took over and remained a pastor until 1982.
The parish has not been left without a priest. While its pastors come and go, the parish moved into a definite direction. It has grown into a very self-sufficient parish.
After giving birth to the parish, nurturing it through the years and seeing it mature enough to be weaned, the parish was turned over to the Diocese the administration of the parish.
Thus, in May 3, 1987, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ilagan, Msgr. Miguel Purugganan, DD received the parish of St. Andrew from the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette.
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In old, jaded
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