Bishop Medroso leads groundbreaking, unveiling of Mansasa church

TO BUILD A BIGGER CHURCH. This is the mission of the church goers of Sta. Cruz Chaplaincy in Mansasa, this city. Diocese of Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso leads the ceremonial rites in the blessing of the capstone and unveiling of the church perspective last Sunday, January 21. The construction of a bigger church is designed to accommodate the growing number of church goers during Sunday and special masses. The existing dilapidated chapel could only accommodate a third of the church goers.

The bigger church shall be located along Mansasa Dampas Road , on a 1,000 sq.m. lot (estimated to cost around P2,000,000.00) donated by Couple's for Christ's Jose “Pepe” Ong. In his message, Ong admitted that he was once among the vast number of non-practicing Christians. He further disclosed that he still working very hard to become a true Christian. Church's chaplain, Rev. Fr. Julian C. Lupot, Jr. said that the initiative came from the people of the chaplaincy. Lupot acknowledge the people's admirable enthusiasm to realize their dream to build a bigger church.

Immediate goal of the people is raise funds for construction of the main structure that is estimated to cost around P3,000,000.00. This is Phase II of the project that covers the ground preparation, establishment of the main columns, the beam, putting of trusses, roofing and the flooring. Phase II covers the finishing of the concrete columns, putting window panels and stained glasses, and installation of window grills and steel railing. This phase is estimated to cost P5,000,000.00.

The construction of the meeting halls and the convent shall comprise Phase III which cost around P7,000,000.00. Several means are set to raise funds for the project. Among them are thru pledge cards, solicitations, the search for Diamond Queen International which shall be participated in by parishioners who are residing abroad, search for Little Prince and Princess and the second collection of the mass. The construction of the church was a dreamed that began five years ago. The chaplaincy aimed to finish Phase I of the project by 2008 just in time for the diamond jubilee of the church. The construction of the church is aimed to begin by next month upon the accomplishment of the necessary permits.

To the people of the chaplaincy, the goal to build a bigger church is ambitious project. For them, the project is valued that of the cross. They are ready to take the cudgel entailed in the project just as Christ did with the cross. Philanthropists and kind hearted individuals are enjoined donate in kind or in cash. Donations may be deposited thru Philippine Savings (PS) Bank Tagbilaran Branch peso savings account number 129-112000160, Philippine Savings (PS) Bank Tagbilaran Branch dollar savings account number 129-132000020 and thru Metrobank – Tagbilaran Branch peso checking account number 007-123-515214.

For inquiries, donors may contact the chaplain Rev. Fr. Julian Lupot, Jr. thru number 09209501305 or email julianlupot@yahoo.com , CPC chairman Agging Fuderanan thru number 09059136118 or email agging2004@yahoo.com , or the chairman of the Chaplaincy Finance Mayette Gasatan thru number 09209014532 or email com_gasatan@yahoo.com.

l