Fr. Larry while venerating the Virgin of Aranzazu and the Child Jesus during the Canonical Coronation last May 31, 2017. It one of his most remarkable legacy in the parish and the whole town of San Mateo. (PHOTO: GC Victorino Photography)
The parishioners of San Mateo commemorate the “Pasiyam” for the repose of the soul of our beloved parish priest Rev. Fr. Lawrence C. Paz yesterday, during the 6 p.m mass at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu.
“Pasiyam” is one of the old Filipino traditions where a 9-day novena prayer is offered. It is believed that it is the time when the soul is said to have left the worldly realm and has passed on to the afterlife.
Rev. Fr. Felix Dela Cruz, a guest priest, presided the mass. In his homily, he recalled the humility and simplicity of Fr. Paz as a priest. He also emphasized that Fr. Larry has already accomplished his mission and he also remind the parishioners to continuously pray for Fr. Larry.
The portrait of Fr. Paz situated at the center portion of the altar.
Sis. Tess Buena of Parish Pastoral Council and Sis. Haydee Tunque, one of Fr. Larry’s staff offered two bouquets of flowers to the portrait of Fr. Paz enthroned at the center portion of the altar.
Before the concluding rites, Fr. Dela Cruz encouraged the parishioners to help the two ladies who asked for financial assistance for their dying child due to kidney failure. He said that he will personally help the ladies, since the parish priest has just died and isn’t able to help anymore
He also promised to personally accompany the women in the hospital right after his last mass, to reassure the real condition and to bless the sick child. Donations from the parishioners poured in after the mass.
Fr. Paz died last February 10 after succumbing to heart attack. He was 55 years old. His ashes laid at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Antipolo, City.
Christian Jasper Robles
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Christian is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He is a member of the writer’s team of Aranzazu Media and Public Information Ministry. A singer, performer, writer, church servant, and a Marian devotee. Currently, he is the secretary of Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu- Cofradia and member of Avant-Garde Singers. Passionate about writing different local religious traditions and Mariology matters; Christian is strongly dedicated in promoting and propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu.
