Sta. Maria Prayer Community Iloilo

19/05/2026

What a beautiful reminder that we are all CHOSEN by God. 🙏🕊️

Congratulations to the 28 graduates of Singles Encounter Weekend #22 of the Singles Ministry of the Santa Maria Prayer Community held last May 16–17, 2026 at The Renewal House, La Paz, Iloilo City, just two weekends after the highly-successful Family Encounter #2.

Seeing young people courageously say “yes” to a deeper relationship with Christ and to a life of purpose is truly inspiring. The weekend became a powerful encounter of faith, healing, friendship, and transformation through the grace of God and the dedication of everyone who served behind the scenes.

May the fire that was ignited during this weekend continue to burn brightly in the hearts of SE #22. Welcome to the family and may you continue walking boldly with Christ. 🙌

“To God be all the glory.” ✨

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09/05/2026

Last Friday night at the Santa Maria Parish Church, the newly graduated Family Encounter #2 families were warmly welcomed by the members of the Santa Maria Prayer Community during the community prayer meeting led by Larry and Lonlon Valderrama who happens to be the Shepherd Family of FE #2.

What began as a Family Encounter Weekend last May 1–3 now continues as a journey of faith, dialogue, healing, and community. It was truly inspiring to see families embraced not just as participants of a program, but as brothers and sisters in Christ walking together toward stronger and more Christ-centered family life.

The evening became a reminder that the Family Encounter experience does not end after the weekend—it blossoms even more when families become part of a loving spiritual community that supports and prays for one another.

Congratulations once again to our FE2 families. May your homes continue to be filled with love, understanding, dialogue, and God’s presence. 🙏❤️

The Family Encounter is a collaboration between the Santa Maria Prayer Community and the Family and Life Ministry of the Santa Maria Parish.

ctto: photos alojado and elmer j. usi

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen!” - Isaiah 60:22

After nearly 8 years after Family Encounter #1, united in one mission: to build stronger families grounded in faith and love, the Santa Maria Prayer Community (SMPC) and the Family and Life Ministry of the Santa Maria Parish concluded the Family Encounter Weekend last May 1-3, 2026 at The Renewal House, La Paz, Iloilo City.

The FE Weekend was attended by six families who boldly said “Yes” to a deeper and more meaningful journey of love. Their “Yes” is not just for this weekend—it is a lifelong commitment to grow, to forgive, to love more deeply each day, and to make their families living testimonies of God’s grace.

Guided by the heartfelt talks of Fr. Dennis Galon, and the powerful witnessing of the Pabalinas (Nanding, Excel, Jen, Tin-tin, CJ) and Lizada families (Roni, Chen, Nikos, Yam, and Ellie), each moment became an invitation to rediscover the beauty of dialogue, healing, and Christ-centered relationships within the family.

The weekend was capped by a ceremonial turnover from the Sponsoring Class FE #1 headed by the Shepherd Family - Usi Family and their coordinator families - Besana, Chicana, Leyson, Maghari, and Sioson to the FE #2 Incoming Shepherd Family - Pelayo-Valderrama Family and their coordinator families - Patiño, Tayco, and Wüthrich-Valderrama.

The sponsoring class also expressed their gratitude to Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Bacolod District headed by their Cluster Shepherd Couple - Nanding and Excel Pabalinas, DCS for Mission - Ernie and Maliz de Asis, and DCS Pastoral- Roni and Chen Lizada, as well as the De Asis and Flores Families who served as Auxies and Teddy and Marivic Lacson who served as instrumentalist.

Appreciation also goes to SMPC headed by Head Servant Leaders Noli and Regine Patiño and the other Servant Leaders - Doc. Annie Tan, Jane Tan Yau and Bebe Tan, Jess and Rose Gilbaliga, Joel and Tata Bernas. Likewise to all the community members working and supporting behind the scene, most especially, the Service (head-Rodel and Hazel Caballero), Intercessory (head-Sharon Bibat & Cecile Gamilong), and Praise (head-Remuel Dajay & Del Fabroa) ministries for their prayers and services. Family and Life Ministry, on the other hand, was represented by its Coordinator, Elmer and Wilda Usi, members Nerio & Theresa Luna, and Nokie and Ruby Tayco (whose family is one of the participants).

To God be All the Glory!

03/04/2026

06/03/2026

Today was a grace-filled moment for the Santa Maria Prayer Community (SMPC) as we celebrated the Anointing Mass for our new DCS for Evagelization, Jess and Rose Gilbaliga and 11 new covenanted members - Nerio and Ma. Theresa Luna, Cecille Gamilong, Hazel Lagura,Mila Galicano, Rhea Villanueva,
Lucy Gabiano, Ma. Cristina Yap, Lucille Salas, Francisca Melocoton, and Ma. Luisa Juanga. The ceremony was presided over by Fr. Dennis Galon, Spiritual Director of SMPC.

With hearts open to God’s call to deeper service and commitment, these members were anointed and prayed over in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Fr. Dennis and the Cluster Shepherd Couple of BLD Bacolod, Nanding and Excel Pabalinas ably supported by DCS for Mission Ernie & Maliz De Asis, DCS for Pastoral Roni Lizada, and DDM Rey Asong.

SMPC were represented by its CS - Noli and Regine Patiño, DCS for Formation - Jane Tan Yau, DCS for Management- Annie Tan, and DCS for Mission - Marissa Geotina Bernas.

Their presence and guidance made this sacred moment even more meaningful for our community.

May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen and guide our newly anointed covenanted members as they embrace their mission of faith, service, and love. We thank the Lord for this blessing upon our community.

To God be the glory! 🙏✨