1 | Page DIOCESAN SHRINE AND PARISH OF NUESTRA SENORA DE LA MERCED AN AFFILIATE OF THE PAPAL BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
2 | Page TABLE OF CONTENTS I. STATUTES ......................................................................................1 II. MISSION-VISION ..........................................................................9 III. HISTORY ....................................................................................... 10 THE ORIGIN DECLARATION IV. PROFILE OF IMAGE .................................................................. 13 V. MIRACLE ...................................................................................... 13 TESTAMONIES VI. ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATION .................................... 22 VII. LITURGICAL CELEBRATION ................................................. 27 VIII. POPULAR PIETY ........................................................................ 31 IX. CHRISTIAN SERVICE ………………………........................... 34 HAPAG NI MARIA MEDICAL MISSIONS COMMUNITY PANTRY CLEAN-UP DRIVE GIFT GIVING AND PAMASKONG HANDOG X. CHRISTIAN FORMATION…………………............................. 41 SEMINARS AND TEAM BUILDING LIVELIHOOD TRAINING XI. SERVICES OF THE SHRINE ..................................................... 43 XII. ADMINISTRATION OF GOODS ............................................... 44 LAND TITLE FINANCIAL STATEMENT XIII. PLACE OF WORHSIP ........................................................... 47 XIV. FACILITIES ............................................................................. 55 XVI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................... 60
3 | Page STATUTES OF THE DIOCESAN SHRINE AND PARISH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MERCED ARTICLE I Name, Address, Nature, and Objectives Section 1: The name of the shrine is the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. Section 2: The Church is located at 318 Brgy. Matatalaib Road, Tarlac City, Tarlac. Section 3: The shrine is also a parish. As a Diocesan Shrine and Parish, the church shall minister to the pastoral needs of the parishioners, pilgrims, and devotees of the Nuestra Señora de la Merced coming from the different regions of the Philippines. Section 4: The aims and purposes of Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced shall be: a. To propagate and sustain veneration and devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced. b. To promote the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. c. To inspire pilgrimage among the faithful by reason of special devotion to Our Lady of Ransom, “by diligent proclamation of the Word of God, the suitable promotion of liturgical life especially through the celebration of the Eucharist and of penance, and the cultivation of approved forms of popular devotion (Canon 1234 §1). d. To practice sincerely the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel and the virtues of the Virgin Mary in order to demonstrate admirable examples for every Christian. e. To nurture, sustain, and instill in them the need to trust and to have full confidence in God and Mary. f. To provide for the proper formation of the lay devotees that would enhance the fulfillment of their particular duty to imbue and perfect the order of temporal affairs with the spirit of the Gospel (Canon 225 §2).
4 | Page ARTICLE II Ecclesiastical Organization of the Shrine Section 1: The Shrine shall be under the pastoral administration of a Rector. Section 2: Other clerics of the Diocese of Tarlac may assist the Rector in the Pastoral Care of the pilgrims. Section 3: A Parish Pastoral Council and Shrine Ministry Officers (Confradia), composed of representatives from various sectors of the parish and from church organizations, movements, programs shall be established at the Shrine, and shall enjoy a consultative vote. Section 4: A Finance Committee shall also be established at the Shrine to help the Rector in the administration of the goods of the Shrine. ARTICLE III Canonical Provision for the Offices Section 1: The local Ordinary of the Diocese of Tarlac shall appoint the Rector of the Shrine, who also takes the office as the parish administrator. Section 2: The term of the Rector shall be from six years, which is still subject to the discretion of the bishop in accordance with his prudent judgment. Section 3: The local Ordinary may also appoint Parochial Vicars. Section 4: The Rector of the Shrine shall appoint members of both the Pastoral and Finance Councils of the Shrine.
5 | Page ARTICLE IV Duties of the Rector and His Vicars Section 1: The Rector of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced shall perform all the functions of the office of Parish Priest, according to the Canons 515-539, diocesan customs and practices, and other expressed duties mandated by the local Ordinary of the place. Section 2: The Rector can conduct liturgical celebrations, even solemn ones, in the shrine entrusted to him on condition that in the judgment of the local Ordinary, these celebrations do not in any way harm the parochial ministry. Section 3: The local Ordinary may direct the Rector to celebrate in the shrine certain functions for the people and also to open the shrine to certain groups of faithful so that they may hold liturgical celebrations. Section 4: Without the permission of the Rector or some other superior, no one may celebrate the Eucharist, administer the sacraments or perform other sacred functions in the shrine. This permission is to be given or refused in accordance with liturgical and canon law. Section 5: The Rector is obliged to see that sacred functions are worthily celebrated in the shrine in accordance with the liturgical and canon law. Section 6: The Rector shall also be the administrator of the properties of the shrine unless another person is to be appointed by the local Ordinary, who shall see to it that the properties of the shrine are carefully administered and that the maintenance and adornment of the furnishing and building are assured. He must also ensure that nothing is done which in any way will be unbecoming to the holiness of the place and to the reverence due to the house of God. Section 7: The Parochial Vicars shall act in accordance to the provisions of Canons 546-552 and other diocesan customs and practices.
6 | Page ARTICLE V Activities at the Shrine Section 1: Christian Worship a. Since the Eucharist is the font and summit of the Christian Life, masses shall be celebrated everyday. b. The Novena of the Our Lady of Ransom is prayed every Saturday, on the day of devotion, and daily during pilgrimage season. c. The Pilgrimage season starts on the fifteenth day of August and culminates on the 24th of September, which is the Solemnity of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. d. Healing Mass and Special Day of Devotion in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is also celebrated every 24th of the month. e. The procession is held every first Saturday of the month. f. Anniversary of its declaration as a diocesan shrine and parish is celebrated on the 24th of February. Its dedication as an affiliate of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Salus Populi Romani) is likewise celebrated on the 5th of August. g. The hymn in honor of Our Lady of Ransom is sung after every celebration of the Mass during pilgrimage season to promote devotion to Our Lady. h. A regular time for the celebration of penance and reconciliation for individuals shall be held from Monday to Saturday at 9-11AM and 4-6PM. i. On Holy Friday, a Penitential Walk or "Alay Lakad" is offered in commemoration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. j. Blessing of pilgrims, devotees, sick people, and those who are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays is given every after celebration of the mass. k. Blessing of religious articles and vehicles is done everyday.
7 | Page Section 2: Christian Formation a. Basic teaching of faith and morals is imparted in every meeting of all mandated organizations of the parish. Section 3: Christian Service The Shrine will provide services for children, parents, and the poor. a. Hapag ni Maria: Feeding program for the poor is held every last Saturday of the month. b. Medical Mission: Free quarterly medical check-up c. Gift Giving and Pamaskong Handog: Giving gifts to less fortunate during Christmas season. d. Christian Formation: Seminars, team building, and livelihood trainings also given to parishioners twice a year. Section 4: Christian Ministry a. Diocesan Shrine Ministry (Confradia) is founded to spearhead and coordinate the programs and activities of the Diocesan Shrine and parish such as the monthly procession and invitations from other parishes and all Christian Services offered. Section 5: Mass Media a. Social Communications (SocCom) Committee is established to promote the Diocesan Shrine and parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced through different platforms of social media. ARTICLE VI Ownership and Administration of the Properties of the Shrine Section 1: The Properties of the Shrine shall be incorporated with the properties of the Parochial Church unless separated by the local Ordinary. Under both instances, the properties shall belong to the Diocese of Tarlac. Section 2: The Shrine may acquire temporal goods in any way in which by either natural or positive law, it is lawful for others.
8 | Page Section 3: The Shrine has inherent right to require from the faithful what is necessary for its proper objectives. The Faithful have the right to donate temporal goods for the benefit of the shrine. All these temporal goods acquired by or donated to the shrine are owned by the Diocese of Tarlac. Section 4: The administration of the properties of the shrine belongs to the Rector appointed by the local Ordinary but before the administrator undertakes his duties: a. He must be installed in the presence of the local Ordinary or his delegate that he will well and truly perform his office. b. He is to draw up clear and accurate inventory, to be signed by him, of all immovable goods, of those movable goods which are precious or of high cultural values, and of all other goods, with the description and an estimate of their value; when these have been compiled, it is to be certified as correct. c. One copy of this inventory is kept in the Administrator’s office and another in the curial archive. Any change which takes place in the property is to be noted in both copies. Section 5: The Rector is to perform the duties with diligence of a good householder. Therefore, he must: a. Be vigilant that no goods placed in his cue in any way perish or suffer damage; to this end he is, to the extent necessary may arrange insurance contracts; b. Ensure that the ownership of ecclesiastical goods is safeguarded in ways which are valid in civil law; c. Observe the provisions of canon and civil law, and the stipulations of the founder or donor of lawful authority, he is to take special care that damage will not be suffered by the shrine through the non-observance of the civil law. d. Keep accurate records of income and expenditure; e. Draw up an account of his administration at the end of each year and submit it to the local Ordinary;
9 | Page f. Not alienate, sell, nor encumber any of the goods under his administration without the permission of the local Ordinary. Section 6: The administration of the temporal goods shall be under the direction of the Rector. Section 7: The Rector shall be responsible to the Diocesan Bishop and the Diocesan Finance Council. He shall make an annual financial report to them. Section 8: Guidelines for the establishment of the Finance Council: a. This committee shall be composed of six to seven persons, with the Rector as chairman and under the authority of the Bishop. ARTICLE VII Amendments Section 1: Any proposed amendments to, or revision of, this Constitution and by-laws, may be effected only upon the recommendation of the Rector and by the approval of the local Ordinary. ARTICLE VIII Effectivity Section 1: These statues shall take effect upon the approval of the Local Ordinary of Tarlac.
10 | Page [Date] His Excellency Most Rev. Enrique V. Macaraeg, D.D. Diocese of Tarlac Bishop Your Excellency, Greetings of peace! A Shrine is understood as a church or other sacred place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety, with the approval of the local ordinary. To better achieve its purpose which is to deepen one’s faith and to facilitate order in its administration, statutes are to be determined especially the purpose, the authority of the rector, and the ownership and administration of goods C 1230;1232 §2). In line with the aforementioned provision, I hereby present to you the Statutes of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced in the Diocese of Tarlac. May this contribute fruitfully to the local and universal Church, and I am looking forward to Your Excellency’s favorable evaluation. I remain in Christ, Rev. Fr. Jesus Gragasin
11 | Page Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced Shrine Rector SHRINE MISSION-VISION VISION STATEMENT A Christ-centered community of dynamic disciples, renewed by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Nuestra Senora De la Merced and St. James the Greater, witnessing God’s love for the salvation of God’s people especially the people of Brgy. Matatalaib. MISSION STATEMENT We, the Parishioners of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Senora de la Merced, in response to the Will of the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Nuestra Senora de la Merced and St. James the Greater, with the guidance of the shrine Rector, commit ourselves to renewal and the witness of our faith, with love and mercy for the salvation of God’s people especially the people of Brgy. Matatalaib.
12 | Page HISTORY A. THE ORIGINS The origins the devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced of Matatalaib, Tarlac City, Tarlac dates back in the first half of 1900’s when Matatalaib back then had no permanent site for its church to nourish the spiritual needs of the people and the site of worship moved from different sites to another. It was through Atty. Tomas Besa with the help of the Salak family that they found a site for a chapel that was donated by Salak clan and the donation deed was executed between 1945 to 1946. The chapel was later elevated to a parish in 1955 and the parish was dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy. The beautiful image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced was donated by the Dayrit family of Angeles, Pampanga carved by Maximo Vicente. The Dayrit family are also known for their devotion to the Santo Entierro of Angeles City, Pampanga more popularly known as “Apung Mamacalulu”. The image would later become the point of devotion of the people of Matatalaib. The devotees for decades gravitated to her naturally as flower buds turn their faces forwards the sun for nourishment. However, the devotion to the Virgin of Mercy of Tarlac would be challenged in the coming years when in August of 1993, the image was sacrilegiously stolen from her altar. The image was said to stolen by an image “restorer” from Guagua, Pampanga where the image was supposed to be restored in time for her fiesta in 1993, yet greed entered the heart of the restorer that he sacrilegiously stole it to the people and never returned. The theft of the image shattered the morale of the devotees of Matatalaib that hope seems to be lost when she was taken away
13 | Page from her children. It was during this time that a replacement image donated by the Balandony family was enshrined in the parish. It seems that time prepared the way for the return of the Virgin to her abode. It was in 2012 that photos of the Virgin surfaced on social media website Facebook caught the attention of devotees that shed a ray of hope for her return. With the help of Rev. Michele Joe Zerrudo of the Diocese of Cubao, who found the image in an antique shop, the image returned to her home on August 6, 2015, in time for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the parish. The parish was declared a Diocesan Shrine on February 24, 2018. This special date also marked the 800th anniversary of the apparition of Nuestra Señora de la Merced to the founders of the Mercedarian Order. On September 24, 2020, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, the miraculous image was honored with an Episcopal Coronation by the Bishop of Tarlac. That same day, the Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Tarlac was officially designated as the Queen of Tarlac City by the local government unit. In 2021, the shrine was granted the honor of the Special Bond of Affinity with the Basilica of Sancta Maria Maggiore in Rome. On the day of formal rites of Special Bond of Affinity on December 7, 2022, the City Government of Tarlac City declared the image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Tarlac as a “City Cultural Treasure” and its Diocesan Shrine as “City Tourism Site.”
14 | Page B. DECLARATION The Episcopal Coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac As to the numerous miracles that were attributed to her intercession and pilgrims flock her parish from different parts of Tarlac and nearby provinces, the parish of the Our Lady of ransom was raised to the status of a Diocesan Shrine on February 24, 2018 which coincided with the 800th anniversary of the apparition of Nuestra Señora de la Merced to the founders of the Mercedarian Order. In 2020, the image was granted the honor of Episcopal Coronation by Bishop Enrique Macaraeg, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac. The Coronation rites took place on September 24, 2020. That same day, the city government of Tarlac City declared Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac as the Queen of Tarlac City. The Pontifical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac In 2021, the shrine was granted the honor of the Special Bond of Affinity with the Basilica of Sancta Maria Maggiore in Rome. On the day of formal rites of Special Bond of Affinity on December 7, 2022, the City Government of Tarlac City declared the image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Tarlac as a “City Cultural Treasure” and its Diocesan Shrine as “City Tourism Site.” In 2022, the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac was granted the honor of Pontifical Coronation and the Coronation rites took place at San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City on February 24, 2023.
15 | Page PROFILE OF IMAGE The beautiful image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced of Matatalaib, Tarlac City, Tarlac is that an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary carrying the Child Jesus presented as Our Lady of Mercy, the Patroness of the Mercedarian Order. The de tallado image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced of Tarlac wears the white Mercedarian habit and holds a chain, and the White Mercedarian Scapular – the standard iconography of the image. The Child on the other hand holds a globe. At present, the image wears a set of vestments given by devotees and both Mother and Child wears crowns and the diagnostic Doce Estrellas for the Virgin. MIRACLES The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac gained much renown during its early years of the parish due to several miracles that were attributed to her intercession. One of the earliest known miracles of the Virgin was on the day of her arrival to Matatalaib from Angeles, Pampanga where the weather at that time was stormy. As it reached the Matatalaib Parish, the sky became clear and bright. This instance was taken a sign that the Virgin wished to be venerated by the people of Matatalaib. It is also noteworthy that her return was also a miracle for her return coincided with the 60th anniversary of the parish’s dedication. Since her miraculous enthronement, miracles continued to be reported through her intercession. Below are the actual letters about the miracles that devotees received through the intercession of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac.
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24 | Page ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATION REV. FR. O’NEAL SANCHEZ Diocesan Administrator REV. FR. JESUS R. GRAGASIN OFS Shrine Rector and Parish Priest REV. FR. NICKSON M. LIWAG Vice-Rector
25 | Page PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL NAME POSITION Ruben Pascual Jr. President Thelma Guinto Vice-President Ernest Daniel Mamanta Secretary Precious Armi Nucum Auditor Danilo Canale Public Relations Officer SHRINE MINISTRY OFFICERS NAME POSITION Albien Basa Shrine Ministry Head Rosie Fausto Welcoming Committee Head Rosalia Paras Devotional Committee Head Tristan Gozum Devotional Committee Head Michael Angelo Fausto Social Action Committee Head John Kenneth Lugay Social Communications Head FINANCE COMMITTEE NAME POSITION Alexander Pascual Member Angelita Puno Member Lina Valencia Member Erlinda Santiago Member Gonzalo Figueroa Member
26 | Page LAY FORMATION COMMITTEE NAME POSITION Albien Basa Worship Committee - Head Teresita Tantingco Worship Committee - Member Katrina Lim Worship Committee - Member Marites Peña Education Committee - Head Virgilio Carreon Service Committee - Head Kclyn Pascual Youth Committee - Head Leonisa Guevarra Family Life Committee - Head RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS NAME ORGANIZATION Rosalia Paras Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced Pablo Guevarra Adoracion Nocturna Filipina Katrina Lim Apostleship of Prayer Gonzalo Figueroa Holy Name Society Jason Pascual Knights of Columbus Julie Carlos Daughters of Mary Immaculate Lina Valencia Legion of Mary Celia Paguio Mother Butler Guild Orlando Cabanlong Eucharistic Ministers Daryl Figueroa Lectors and Commentators Ministry Grace Pascual Collectors Ministry Jasmine Tabios Knights and Ladies of the Altar Carlos Cruz Music Ministry
27 | Page MARIAN MOVEMENTS NAME MARIAN MOVEMENT John Kenneth Lugay Mercedarian White Scapular Movement Ernest Daniel Mamanta Perpetual Rosary Association – Guardias de Honor Albien Basa Confraternity of Our Lady of Lourdes Glenn Millo Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa Eric Perez COMI – Miraculous Medal Apostolate SITIO AND BARANGAY LEADERS NAME SITIO/BARANGAY Rey Rillo San Juan Bautista Zenaida Garcia Culipat Mary Sese Trinidad Jobert Calma Santos Angeline Escueta H-Cruz Catalina Villarico Silangan Sonia Enriquez Micalugud Jonathan dela Cruz Urquico Violeta Jarabelo Tanpoco Eric Perez Suba Elmer Patio Buno Ester Gonzales Paulo II Inocencio Castañeda Centro Teresita Tantingco Sto. Niño Ryan Corrales Villa Leticia Celia Paguio Mangga I-A
28 | Page Angelita Puno Mangga I-B Pablo Guevarra LOR Jennifer Pajarillaga Mangga II Purificacion Mendoza Robertsville Glenn Millo Tarican Susan Sicat St. Mary’s Erlinda Santiago Villa Perpetua Irish Ann Lou Cutero Fiesta Communities
29 | Page LITURGICAL CELEBRATION A. MASS REGULAR LITURGICAL CELEBRATION 1. Daily Eucharistic Celebration Mondays to Saturdays 6:15am Sundays 6:30am 8:30am 5:00pm 2. First Fridays Holy Hour 5:30am Holy Mass 6:30am 3. First Saturdays Dawn Procession 5:30am Holy Mass 6:30am REGULAR DEVOTION Wednesdays Our Mother of Perpetual Help Thursdays St. James the Greater Fridays Sacred Heart of Jesus Saturdays Nuestra Señora de la Merced Every 24th of the Month Healing Mass and Special Day of Devotion in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de la Ciudad de Tarlac – Coronada
30 | Page OTHER SCHEDULES Sunday Baptism 10:30am Weekday Baptism by Appointment Confession Monday-Saturday 9:00am-11:00am 4:00pm-6:00pm Confirmation by Appointment Weddings by Appointment Pre-Cana Seminar by Appointment Funeral Mass by Appointment Anointing of the Sick by Appointment House Blessing by Appointment Other Concerns by Appointment Blessing of Religious Items and Devotional Materials after every Mass B. CONFESSION
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32 | Page D. OPENING OF PILGRIMAGE SEASON Pasyal de la Merced - August 15 and September 14 4:00 PM – Procession and Rosary 5:00 PM – Holy Eucharist E. FEAST OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MERCED September 24 | Feast Day Masses 5:00AM - Rector's Mass 6:00AM - Vice Rector's Mass 7:30AM - Mass of the Youth 9:00AM - Solemn Pontifical Mass 5:00PM - Mass of the Barangays
33 | Page POPULAR PIETY A. NOVENA The Novena to Nuestra Señora de la Merced at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish is more than a religious tradition; it is a testament to the deep spirituality, unity, and unwavering faith of the community. As the parishioners gather to honor and seek the intercession of the Lady of Mercy, they embody the enduring power of faith and devotion. In the tranquil embrace of the Saturday Masses, with the scent of incense in the air and the voices of the faithful rising in prayer, the Novena to Nuestra Señora de la Merced at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish is a testament to the profound connection between the community and the Lady of Mercy. It is a sacred tradition that continues to inspire and strengthen the hearts of all who participate, reminding us of the enduring grace and solace found in faith. B. PROCESSION 1. First Saturday Dawn Procession The First Saturday Dawn Procession of Nuestra Señora de la Merced at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish in the Diocese of Tarlac is a powerful testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the Filipino people. This monthly event brings the community together to honor the Blessed Virgin
34 | Page Mary, seek her intercession, and strengthen their connection to the Catholic faith. Nuestra Señora de la Merced, with her message of mercy and grace, continues to inspire the faithful to live virtuous lives and maintain a deep-rooted connection to their religious heritage. This tradition exemplifies the power of faith and the enduring significance of religious customs in the lives of the people of Tarlac. Key Elements of the Procession: • Early Morning Gathering: The procession begins before sunrise, symbolizing the transition from the darkness of sin and ignorance to the illuminating grace and mercy of God, mediated through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. • Candlelight Illumination: Participants carry candles, their soft glow creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. The candles represent the faithful's unwavering faith, dispelling the shadows of doubt and sin. • Devotional Icons: The procession features sacred icons, including statues and images of Nuestra Señora de la Merced, adorned with fresh flowers and lit candles. These icons serve as a visible representation of the Blessed Virgin's presence and intercession. • Rosary Recitation: Throughout the procession, the Rosary is recited, with devotees seeking the intercession and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The repetitive prayers foster unity and focus among the participants. • Hymns and Prayers: The faithful sing hymns and recite prayers, creating a harmonious and contemplative atmosphere. This communal expression of faith deepens the sense of devotion and togetherness. • Culminating Mass: The procession typically concludes with a Mass celebrated in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. The Mass is a culmination of the spiritual journey, allowing the faithful to partake in the Eucharist and receive spiritual nourishment. 2. Pasyal de la Merced Pasyal de la Merced is a profoundly meaningful and spiritually uplifting tradition hosted by the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. This cherished tradition unfolds between August 15 and
35 | Page September 14. By taking the Lady's image to every corner of the parish's jurisdiction, this pilgrimage fosters a sense of community, faith, and unity among the local population. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and shared devotion, ultimately preparing the hearts of the faithful for the nine-day novena dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The culminating Eucharistic celebration symbolizes the unity and spiritual connection of the parishioners, encapsulating the enduring power of devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced. The Pasyal de la Merced is a beautiful celebration of faith and community, a testimony to the profound bonds that unite the faithful in the Diocese of Tarlac. 3. Tarlac Grand Marian Procession The Annual Tarlac Grand Marian Procession in the Diocese of Tarlac, held every October, is a magnificent manifestation of faith, unity, and devotion. It goes beyond being a religious event; it is a cultural and spiritual celebration that deeply touches the hearts of the people of Tarlac. Families, youth, and the elderly come together to celebrate their shared faith and devotion, fortifying their sense of community and deepening their connection to the Catholic Church. With the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced participating, the event takes on a profound spiritual dimension. This annual tradition epitomizes the enduring strength of faith, the cultural richness of the Philippines, and the timeless devotion to the Virgin Mary that unites the faithful in the Diocese of Tarlac. It is a celebration that truly brings the entire diocese together in the name of faith and devotion.
36 | Page CHRISTIAN SERVICE: HAPAG NI MARIA The "Hapag ni Maria" service at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a beautiful example of how faith can be translated into meaningful action. It represents the very essence of Christian teachings: love, compassion, and selflessness. This initiative stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the belief that every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It is a testament to the capacity of the human heart to offer love and support, and a shining example of the true meaning of Christian service.
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38 | Page CHRISTIAN SERVICE: MEDICAL MISSIONS
39 | Page CHRISTIAN SERVICE: COMMUNITY PANTRY
40 | Page CHRISTIAN SERVICE: CLEAN-UP DRIVE
41 | Page CHRISTIAN SERVICE: GIFT GIVING AND PAMASKONG HANDOG
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43 | Page CHRISTIAN FORMATION: SEMINARS AND TEAM BUILDING
44 | Page CHRISTIAN FORMATION: LIVELIHOOD TRAINING
45 | Page SERVICES OF THE SHRINE A. NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MERCED SHRINE MINISTRY The Shrine Ministry is founded to spearhead and coordinate the programs and activities of the Diocesan Shrine in relation to the Patroness, such as the monthly procession and invitations from other parishes. B. SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE Social Communications (SoCom) Committee is established to promote the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced through different platforms of social media.
46 | Page ADMINISTRATION OF GOODS A. LAND TITLE
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48 | Page B. FINANCIAL STATEMENT
49 | Page PLACE OF WORHSIP A. INTERIOR 1. ALTAR AND RETABLO
50 | Page 2. SACRISTY