Parish Mission Team cross creeks and rivers to visit the youth, sick and elderly

By Myrna Bermudo

"To have a deeper sense of belonging in the Church."

This is but one of the feedback gathered during the Barangay Consultation held in Bula last October, which gave birth to a Mission Team that will facilitate Mission Week in far-flung barangays of the Parish. 

In January 26–31, 2026, Parish Mission Week was conducted in Barangay Kinalabasahan and on February 23-28, 2026, the same was done in Barangay Taisan. 

The Parish Mission Team of St. Mary Magdalene conducted home visitation and administration of the Sacraments such as Anointing of the Sick, daily eucharistic celebration and infant and adult baptisms. Children also had their first Holy Communion. Dialogue with the Parish Priest and formation activities were also done. 

These initiatives are part of the Parish’s way  of reaching out to the unchurched thereby, fostering unity, strengthening communion and nurturing the spiritual needs of the faithful. 

Through these efforts as well, the Parish is inviting  the faithful to take part in the life of the Church and  to allow their spiritual and pastoral needs to be expressed and be heard. 

The Eucharistic celebrations and gatherings inspire parishioners to live as missionary disciples in their homes and in their community. Parents came and accompany their children. 

The Team also carry with them the theme of the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese: “Gabos Kaayon, Gabos may Gibuhon”, hoping to inspire participation of all of parishioners in building the community. 

The Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene was established in 1578 by the Franciscan missionaries. Today, the Parish serves twelve barangays, all of which are located within the municipality of Bula. 

Fr. Rolando Canonce, Parish Priest, leads the Mission Team with deaconRev. Mark Christian Degracia, the Parish Pastoral Council members, catechists, altar servers and some staff.