The Altar of Dulongbayan Chapel where the image of St. Matthew, on the aisle for veneration.
SAN MATEO, Rizal – Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew to whom our town was named after. If San Mateo is not the patron saint of the town, why is then the town was named after him?
According to a legend, two Spanish scribes who came to the plains of San Mateo were charmed by the beautiful landscape that they have decided to establish a settlement. One of the scribes was standing on a mound with a book on one hand and a quill on the other. His posed caught the attention of his companion who described him to resemble the statue of Saint Matthew. In the midst of teasing and laughter, they decided to named the place San Mateo.
As a matter of fact, it is said that the Augustinians priest included San Mateo as one of their missions. The Jesuit Order brought with them an image of the Virgin Mary which came from the town of Aranzazu, Nueva Vizcaya, Spain. The Jesuits were the ones responsible for building the church now located in the Poblacion since the original chapel set up by the Augustinians beside the river was destroyed during a flood. The present church is now located in barangay Sta. Ana and its patron saint is the Virgin Mary of Aranzazu. The original images of Saint Matthew was transfered to barangay dulongbayan and is now the patron saint of the barangay whose feast day is always celebrated on September 21.
To completely enjoy the day, here are the schedule to keep you guided on today’s celebration:
- The Feast of San Mateo was started with a 6:00 AM Mass at Dulongbayan chapel presided by Fr. Bembol Hiteroza followed by a procession from Dulongbayan chapel going to Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu.
- A holy mass was also celebrated at the shrine presided by Msngr. Henry Mediarito, parish priest of immaculate concepcion parish church.
- After the mass, another procession from the Shrine going back to Dulong Bayan Chapel was held.
- Three consecutive masses will follow at the Dulongbayan chapel:
- 10:00 AM mass to be presided by Fr. Marc Ramos
- 2:00 PM mass at Dulongbayan Chapel
- 4:00 PM mass to be presided by Fr. Edwin Tirado;
- 5:00 PM procession at dulongbayan area.
The last mass will be held at DSPNSDA to be presided by Fr. Gerry Masangya at around 7:30 PM.
May everyone will have a fun and blessed day. Don’t forget to give praise and thanks to St.
Matthew and to Our Lady of Aranzazu. Happy Fiesta San Mateo! (Elaine Sargento)
Angel Elaine B. Sargento
Writer, Content Management Team - Media Ministry
Angel Elaine B. Sargento is a grade 10 student in NSDAPS and a member of Drum and Lyre. She loves to write poems and scripts. She's also into video editing that's why she joined MPIM where she can express and share her faith and passion to other people.
