Thursday, March 17, 2022
On March 15, 2022, the Delegation of Asia established a new local community in the diocese of Balanga (Bataan), about 124 km away from Manila. The new community under the patronage of St. Francis Xavier will serve in the newly erected Quasi Parish of St. Martin de Porres and St. Daniel Comboni, entrusted to the Comboni Missionaries on January 1, 2022 by the Bishop of Balanga, His Excellency Ruperto Cruz Santos.

This move towards Bataan came after the Delegation Assembly of 2021, taking into consideration the long expressed desire to have a pastoral and evangelization commitment in the Philippines, decided for the new opening.

The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. David Costa Domingues, Delegate Superior of Asia.

The decree of establishment of St. Francis Xavier community was given to the Local Superior of the new community during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. David Costa Domingues, Delegate Superior of Asia. Representatives of the two communities in Manila were present. The chancellor of the diocese was also present. The Christian community of the Quasi Parish participated actively in the Mass which was offered in honor of St. Daniel Comboni, on his 191 birthday celebration.

After the Mass, the whole assembly proceeded to residence of the community for the blessing of the rented house. After the blessing, the community offered a meal, shared by all who were present at the occasion. It was a moment of joy and gratitude to the Lord for this new beginning. The Christian community of the quasi parish is happy for the presence of the Comboni missionaries in the area. Unlike before, they now have the possibility to attend everyday Mass. St. Francis Xavier community will commit itself in the pastoral service and missionary outreach in the quasi Parish. The community will also engage in vocation and mission promotion activities in the area. We pray that the Lord may bless this new beginning for the good of people and for his glory.