Msgr. Villaverde signs the official act declaring the Spiritual Bond of Affinity between the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and the St. James the Apostle Parish in Paete, Laguna. (Fr. David Reyes)
PAETE, LAGUNA, March 6, 2016—The Roman Catholic parish church in the town of Paete, Laguna officially became linked with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain last February 28, 2016.
The Declaration of Spiritual Bond of Affinity between the two churches was signed and promulgated during the Solemn Mass presided by Laguna Bishop Buenaventura M. Famadico, D.D.
Rev. Msgr. Elisardo Temperan Villaverde, the Chancellor and Secretary of the Cathedral Chapter of Santiago de Compostela, came all the way from Spain to officially grant the spiritual bond of affinity.
Witnessing the promulgation of the act were the faithful of Paete headed by their Parish Priest Fr. Noel B. Conopio and two priest-sons of Paete—Frs. Francis Eugene A. Fadul and Emil B. Laraño.
Parishioners from Saint James the Great Parish (Alabang), with their Parish Priest Msgr. Alen Aganon, were also in attendance.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known around the world as the burial site of Saint James the Great, the apostle who was responsible for spreading the Catholic faith in Spain.
Paete Church will mark its 300th year anniversary of entrustment to the same saint come 2017.
Having been granted the spiritual bond of affinity, Paete Church becomes closely affiliated with the Cathedral-Basilica in Santiago de Compostela making the spiritual benefits, gained by visiting the said Cathedral-Basilica, also available to those who will visit the age-old church in Paete.
By going to Mass, receiving Communion, and praying for the Pope while visiting Paete Church, the faithful receive blessings and indulgences as if they went to the basilica in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Msgr. Villaverde, on behalf of their Cathedral, gifted Paete Church with a stone relic from the tomb of St. James the Great and a silver medallion that reverently touched the remains of the apostle. (Fr. David Reyes / CBCPNews)
