Alanao/San Jose, Lupi (Camarines Sur), March 15, 2025. On this bright Saturday afternoon, at 3 pm., a large crowd gathered at what used to be just a diminutive chapel in this village that lie on the northernmost part of Lupi (Camarines Sur), close to the boundary that separates Camarines Sur from Camarines Norte. The occasion was the canonical erection of St. John Mary Vianney Parish with Alanao as its seat, the installation of its first parish administrator (Fr. Joseph Betito), and the pastoral visit of the bishop to the new parish. In spite of the fact that it was Saturday afternoon, when priests should be busy saying the Sunday eve masses, a good number of them came for the occasion. The new parish, now comprising of eight (8) barangays, was carved out of the territory of the mother parish, St. Pius X Parish in Villazar, Sipocot (Camarines Sur). Created as a mission station some two years ago, on August 4, 2023, the new parish used to be St. Joseph’s territory, he being the patron of Alanao. Acquiring seven (7) other barangays as a parish, St. John Mary Vianney is now recognized and proclaimed as the parish’s patron, while St. Joseph remains as the barangay’s patron.
The ceremony started with the reading of the decree of the creation of the new parish and the definition of its territory. This was followed by the reading of the decree redefining the jurisdiction of St. Pius X Parish, which has become smaller, consisting as it does now only of six barangays. Subsequently, Fr. Joseph Betito was installed as the Parish Administrator. Fr. Betito succeeds Fr. Frederick Lodangco, who as a deacon, was the first administrator of what used to be the Mission Station. Four deacons have also assisted in the administration of the Mission Station, i.e., Deacons (now priests) Nikko Alan, Jeric Felizardo, Neil John Bolocon, and Deacon Mark Gil Olayon.
In his homily, Bishop J. Rojas reminded the parishioners that the creation of the parish was a singular blessing to them because it was granted to them without them asking for it. It is thus a cause not only for rejoicing but also for thanksgiving. He urged the parishioners to support Fr. Betito in the same way that he reminded Fr. Betito to care for his flock in imitation of the Good Shepherd.
During the dialogue after mass, the parishioners expressed their gratitude for the grace they have just been blessed with. They noted that in such a short time, the parish has grown in many ways, that is, if the growing number of mass goers is to serve as a gauge. They said they are thankful that going to Sunday mass has become easier and that the sacraments have become easily available. At the same time, they pointed out that much still needs to be done to draw more people to participate in the life of the parish. Catechesis both for children and adults they said yet needs to be strengthened. They rejoiced over the fact that more and more SKK’s were being organized in the parish, though they lamented over the fact that most of the lay leaders were getting old and that there was the need to recruit younger leaders to take on responsibility that requires the energy of youth. Before the parishioners and the guests left, supper was served, to the delight of everyone who came for the occasion.
