Guadalupe parish raises funds for new convent

CEBU, Philippines -  During this year’s Holy Week celebration, the Archdiocesan Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City will organize a theater play of the passion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.

Aside from its aim to strengthen the faith of members of the Roman Catholic Church through drama presentation, this activity is also meant to raise money for the establishment of a parish convent under the management of Msgr. Jose Montecillo, the parish priest.

.According to Fr. Montecillo, the amount needed for the building is P17 million. He added that the Guadalupe Parish Formation Center will be demolished to give way to the new convent.

Last year, the funds raised were used to build an adoration chapel and new comfort rooms.

The Parish Youth Coordinating Council of Guadalupe is spearheading the activities.

Among the highlights are the “Sugat sa Guadalupe,” which includes the unveiling of the statue of Mary, a fighting scene between St. Michael the Archangel and Lucifer and the dance of Mary Magdalene together with other 40 dancers.

In a press conference held yesterday at Guadalupe Parish Formation Center, Aljin Abaquita, director of the “Sugat sa Guadalupe” 2011 stage play, said this year’s stage drama has more budget than last year’s.

A street parade from the San Nicholas Parish to Guadalupe Parish will be held on April 17, Palm Sunday, followed immediately by a play participated in by theater artists from Pardo and Argao.

The “Sugat sa Guadalupe 2011” will be on April 24.

The first part will be a musical extravaganza under the direction of Fr. Arven Pretilla followed by a traditional play about the resurrection of Jesus. (FREEMAN)