Philippines: Good Shepherd Parish in Mindoro Declared SVD Perpetual Parish During 150th Anniversary

Joy and gratitude marked several days of celebration in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, as the Good Shepherd Parish—under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose (AVSJ)—was solemnly declared an SVD Perpetual Parish on January 8, coinciding with the 150th founding anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).

The declaration was part of the Vicariate’s thanksgiving activities honoring a century and a half of SVD missionary presence worldwide and their long-standing service in Mindoro. Preparations began earlier in the week, including a Thanksgiving Mass on January 7 at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish in San Jose town.

Church and local authorities worked closely to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of the events, with personnel from disaster response, health, fire, police, and traffic units on standby—reflecting strong collaboration between Church and community.

The highlight came on January 8, when the Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol  (the Good Shepherd parish) was formally entrusted to the SVD as a perpetual mission. The celebration emphasized unity, shared history, and a renewed commitment to walk together as one parish family, inspired by the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd who never abandons His flock.

In his homily during the thanksgiving liturgy, Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Central Province, situated the local celebration within the global SVD mission. He recalled how thousands of Divine Word Missionaries and Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit now serve in dozens of countries, living out the vision of St. Arnold Janssen, who believed the Gospel was meant for the whole world, including its most distant and neglected corners.

The homily also traced the roots of the SVD mission in Mindoro, from the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture in 1936 to the heroic witness of early missionaries, particularly during the Second World War. These missionaries, church leaders noted, embodied the spirit of the Good Shepherd by choosing to remain with the people amid danger, hardship, and uncertainty.

The newly renovated parish church now stands as a visible symbol of faith, perseverance, and generosity. The restoration was seen not merely as a physical achievement, but as a testament to shared sacrifice and trust in God’s providence.

The importance of preserving historical symbols of the SVD mission was also underscored. Remnants of earlier mission structures and stories serve as living reminders of resilience, humility, and steadfast service—connecting present generations to the missionaries who first crossed seas and mountains to bring the Gospel to Mindoro.

Parish priest Fr. Antonio “Fr. Ton” Tria, SVD, who celebrated his 25th sacerdotal anniversary on December 9 last year, expressed gratitude to fellow missionaries, diocesan clergy, religious sisters, parish leaders, benefactors, and parishioners who journeyed together toward the declaration. He emphasized responsible stewardship, especially in honoring the sacrifices of ordinary faithful who contribute even from very little.

Bishop Pablito Tagura of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, together with other Church leaders, called on the community to continue supporting the parish and its mission—guiding people toward Christ through service, compassion, and faith lived in daily life.

The signing and promulgation of the decree on the altar symbolized a deep bond of trust between the local Church and the SVD. As the Vicariate gives thanks during the SVD’s 150th anniversary, the declaration of the Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol as a perpetual parish stands as both a remembrance of missionary beginnings and a commitment to carry the Gospel forward with renewed hope and love.