Fr. Manny Sta. Maria, parish priest, said on Sunday that Archbishop Florentino “Dong” Lavarias, after careful deliberations and deep reflection, decided to reopen the San Guillermo Church after the recovery of the sacred host or Holy Eucharist discarded by thieves nearby.
However, the monstrance or vessel containing the Holy Eucharist which comprises the Blessed Sacrament remains missing. Sta. Maria clarified that the monstrance, which is gold plated, is not antique but was bought in 2007 for $2,500.
“Uling me-akit ne ing santisimo, mekuyad ing pamag paldas mi (Because the Holy Eucharist was found, our period of mourning has been shortened),” Sta. Maria said.
Catholic devotees as well as parishioners will conduct a procession on barefoot (makatapak in Kapampangan) on Thursday as a form of veneration for the return of the Blessed Sacrament and atonement of the incident, he added.
“King Thursday 6 a.m. mag misa kami San Vicente chapel kaibat magprusisyun makatapak papunta pisamban (On Thursday we will hold a Holy Mass at San Vicente chapel and then go on with the procession on barefoot to the church),” Sta. Maria said.
“Karas pisamban (When we reach the church), holy hour and prayer of reparation then reopening of the church using Dec 16 para simbang bengi (for dawn mass). Salamat king Dios (Thanks be to God)!” Sta. Maria said.
Meanwhile, the parish priest said a Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) team from the Philippine National Police had already conducted its investigation while police probers are still piecing together the evidence to determine the culprits.
Meanwhile it was reported that some antique shops and collectors also promised to provide information to the police in case the stolen monstrance is offered to them for sale.
