St. Anne Parish celebrates 275th fiesta, gives tribute to the elderly

By Roj Falcon

The Parish of St. Anne, Magarao, Camarines Sur celebrated its 275th town and parish fiesta last July 26, 2025 and honored the elderly in their masses and various activities.

The novena masses were held from July 17 to 25, 2025, with Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon, Archbishop of Caceres as presider of the fourth novena mass, Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, Archbishop Emeritus of Caceres as celebrant on the ninth day and Most Rev. Luisito A. Occiano, Bishop of Virac as main celebrant on the feast day.

In his vespera mass homily, Archbishop Tirona emphasized the role of the parish as it thrives and told the faithful that 275 years is not just a number or a chronology but a reminder of their faith, hope, and love as a community, as a town, and as a parish.

“You are now part of (the) strengthening the foundation of your parish, an saindong mga pisog kan pagtubod nagkokontribwir para sa saindong parokya, parokyang makusog, parokyang pano nin pagtubod, paglaom, asin pagkamoot sa Kagurangnan Dios,“ Tirona said.

Furthermore, he reminded the people of the inspiration given by St. Anne such as faithfulness to God, refuge and consolation as a grandmother of our Lord, and how to grow not just in age but in wisdom. He further added that, “Aging is not a matter of numbers, but a matter of attitude, a matter of mindset, and a matter of the heart.”

During the fiesta celebration, Bishop Occiano of the Diocese of Virac presided over the mass concelebrated by guest priests, former parish priests, and priests from Magarao.

In his homily, Bishop Louie said “We have to go back to the past. If we appreciate the gifts now, the more we have to appreciate the giver.” He inspired the parishioners by telling them that they should always remember the past and give thanks to the people behind every success. He further said, “Ngunyan na panahon mayaman kita sa pagtubod, mayaman kita sa paglaom asin huli kaini ginigiromdom ta an mga ginikanan niato sa pagpasalamat sa Dios nin huli ta sinda mga bendicion na nagmawot na kita gabos magin marhay, na kita gabos magin maogma.”

Occiano also gives tribute to the elderly with what he called “APOstolates” or their service to their grandchildren as they take care of them. “Yaon po sa saindo an pailihan… nagtatao kamo nin limpoy sa tag-init, nagtatao kamong pandong sa tig-uran, nagtatao kamong kagayagayahan asin hapihap sa kadakol na mga kadificilan…kamo po an ilaw.” he said.

In connection with honoring the grandparents and the elderly, the parish also had its Concerto ni Lolo at Lola last July 20, 2025, with the theme: “Talento ni Lolo at Lola, Alay sa Parokya ni Santa Ana” where the parishioners especially the elderly shared their talents in singing and dancing.

Rev. Fr. Balbino Gumabao Jr., Parish Priest, also expressed his gratitude to all the individuals and groups who have supported the parish in their fiesta celebration.