PORAC, Pampanga—Residents of this town raised P2.7 million in four months to fund the creation of a retablo (altar centerpiece) at the Santa Catalina de Alexandria Church, Parish Priest Fr. Roland Moraleja said in an interview last week.
He said Porac is one of the oldest parishes in Pampanga, but its church in the Poblacion doesn’t have a retablo. It is 416 years old.
“All the old parishes—Lubao, Minalin, Guagua and Apalit—have their own retablo. Porac got its own only last year,” Moraleja said.
Moraleja added that from June 27 to November 21 last year, the residents of Porac raised the amount needed through the “second collection”.
“It was the collective dream of the previous parish priests and the people to have a retablo. I am glad it happened. We did not seek loans or made fund-raising projects,” Moraleja said.
“It is one of the miracles of Apung Tali,” he added, referring to the town’s patron saint.
The retablo has seven holy images representing the 11 villages under Moraleja’s parish. The retablo was made by Rod Santos and designed by a certain “Tet,” Moraleja said.
On October 15 Moralejea invited Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, Mayor Carling de la Cruz, Vice Mayor Dexter David and Board
Member Fritzie David-Dizon, town councilors, municipal and local officials for the blessing of the two-side altars costing P450,000.
The event coincided with the birthday of both Moraleja and David-Dizon.
“I want to thank Father Bogs Moraleja for inviting us all here. It’s my birthday, as well. I am happy for the people of Porac, especially my
fellow parishioners.
“We finally have a retablo for Apung Tali and the six other holy images,” David-Dizon said.