Fr Mark McDonald, MSC presiding over Mass at the Surigao Cathedral.

SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – Fr Mark McDonald, the MSC Superior General, presided over the Grand Centennial Mass on 12 December 2008 at the Surigao Cathedral.

Archbishops Edward Joseph Adams (Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines) and Carmelo Morelos (Zamboanga, emeritus) as well as Bishops Ireneo Amantillo (Tandag, emeritus), Mylo Hubert Vergara (San Jose), Nereo Odchimar (Tandag), Antonieto Cabajog (Surigao), Juan de Dios Pueblos (Butuan), and Zacarias Jimenez (Butuan, auxiliary) concelebrated with the Superior General. Also in attendance were Msgr Raymond Sabio (Apostolic Prefect of Marshall Islands), Fr Narciso Abellana (MSC Vice Superior General), and Fr Tito Maratas Jr (MSC Philippine Provincial Superior). More than a hundred religious and diocesan priests also took part in the Eucharistic Celebration.

All in all, there were more than a thousand people who attended the Mass at the Cathedral.

At the beginning of the Mass, a hundred MSC priests, brothers and formands offered one hundred lighted candles at the altar. Each candle represented each year of the one hundred years of MSC Presence and Mission in the Philippines.

Just before the Penitential Rite, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams and Bishop Antonieto Cabajog delivered their congratulatory remarks to the MSC.

It was Fr Narciso Abellana, MSC who gave the homily. He talked in depth about the unwavering dedication of MSCs throughout their one hundred years of service in the Philippines.

After the Mass, lunch was served at the Surigao City Gym for the Centennial delegates and guests. Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, who calls himself the Centennial Mayor, hosted the lunch.

The following is a slideshow of the photos taken during the Mass. The photos can also be found here.