The First Parochial Fiesta of the Parish of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Parang, Bagac, Bataan was successfully celebrated last December 3-4, 2005, under the pastoral guidance of the Rogationist Fathers.
Fr. Antonio Dammay, the newly assigned rogationist parish priest, together with the people of the parish organized the fiesta of St. Francis Xavier the patron Saint. It was preceded by a nine-day novena Mass preparation presided over by the Rogationist Priests and some of the former Parish Priests. Each day was organized considering the priorities of the Diocese under the Triple B (Bataan, Bayani at Banal) program.
On December 3, the very feastday of the saint, Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, RCJ presided over the concelebrated Mass together with Fr. Herman Abcede, Fr. Antonio Dammay and Fr. Philip Golez, at 5:00 Oclock in the afternoon. In his zealous desire to be with the people, Fr. Bruno celebrated the Mass and Homily in tagalog to the real delight of the faithful. Immediately the usual procession of the image of St. Francis took place with a band group accompanying the saint in passing through the streets of barrio Parang. After the procession, the Youth of the parish (Youth Parish Council) under the mentorship of Fr. Antonio Dammay, had a magnificent Concert tagged as Kabataan, Kahimig sa Kabanalan. It was a series of carefully chosen and prepared inspirational songs and variety of intermissions coming also from the youth of the Chapels belonging to the parish jurisdiction. They hoped to instill to the young ones that through music and dances they could journey with the Lord on the path to holiness.
On December 4, 2005, His Excellency Bishop Socrates Villegas, presided over the eight Oclock Pontifical Mass held at the St. Francis Xavier concelebrated by the Rogationist Priests. Before the final blessing, the Convention or Agreement between the Rogationist Fathers represented by Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, the Major Superior and the Diocese of Balanga, represented by Bishop Socrates Villegas was signed in the presence of the people of Parang. Immediately the Bishop proceeded to bless the renovated convent.
A SAMBALI or a street form of giving honor to St. Francis Xavier by dancing according to the various rhythmic tunes followed after the blessing.
