IFI Saint Anthony of Padua Parish - Reina Mercedes

24/05/2026

To serve as a Custodes Altaris is to answer a solemn calling, embracing the sacred privilege of standing as a true "Guardian of the Altar." This noble duty demands the utmost reverence and devotion, ensuring that the sanctity of the sanctuary is preserved throughout the holy liturgy.

Congratulations to our newly installed Altar Servers! Today, you begin a meaningful journey of faith, commitment, and service. Your service is more than a duty — it is a gift of God.

As you stand before the altar, you choose to live out the words Pro Deo Et Patria — "Para sa Diyos at Bayan". May God bless you as you walk this path of service and grace.

23/05/2026

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." — Acts 2:2, 4

​Celebrating the birth of the Church and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Today reminds us that we are never left comfortless or alone; the same power that moved that day lives within us now. Wishing everyone a blessed Feast of Pentecost! 🔥🕊️

07/05/2026

VCS, Ano tara? 🤸🏼‍♂️

Experience a week of faith, fellowship, and discovery! The Iglesia Filipina Independiente - Diocese of Northern Isabela Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Church invites all young learners to join us for our upcoming Vacation Church School (VCS) 2026.

📅 Event Details
Dates: May 12–16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Labinab Pequeño, Reina Mercedes, Isabela

🌟 About the Program
Under the theme “Ako ay Kawangis ng Diyos – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27” — this year’s Vacation Church School aims to nurture the spiritual growth of our youth. The program is designed to help children understand their unique identity as reflections of God's image and their vital role within the "Body of Christ."

🎒 What to Bring
To ensure your child is ready for the day's activities, please remember to pack:
📖 Bible
✏️ Pen and Pencil
🎨 Coloring Materials

Join us as we learn, grow, and celebrate our faith together!

For more information, feel free to visit the parish or scan the QR code in the announcement. For other queries you can message Mr. Erson Jasfer Piniera. See you there!

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

The third day of Vacation Church School at Saint Roch Chapel was filled with creativity and youthful energy as children engaged in various faith-based activities. Under the dedicated facilitation of the Ministry of the Altar Guilds, led by Ms. Christel Cadiente, the participants explored their artistic talents through coloring and drawing lessons.

Photos courtesy of The Paduan Press

01/05/2026

We observe with great reverence the Second Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of the Right Reverend Alvin Valera, the first Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Isabela.

This significant milestone serves as a testament to your Excellency’s dedicated stewardship and the apostolic grace with which you have led the faithful since the diocese's inception. Your unwavering commitment to the Gospel and your distinguished leadership continue to fortify the spiritual life and unity of our diocese.

We offer our continued prayers that the Almighty may grant you renewed strength and divine wisdom as you fulfill your sacred mission as a shepherd of the flock.

25/04/2026

With highest praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, the IFI Diocese of Northern Isabela solemnly rejoices in the Sacred Ordination to the Holy Priesthood of Deacon King John D. Martinez. This sacred and grace-filled celebration marks a profound moment in the life of the Church, as one chosen servant is configured more closely to Christ, the Eternal High Priest.

Through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, he is entrusted with the sacred duties of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Holy Sacraments, and shepherding the faithful in truth, compassion, and pastoral charity. This ordination stands as a living witness to God’s enduring call and the generous response of a heart willing to serve.

May the Lord, who has begun this noble work in His servant, grant him the grace of perseverance, the strength to remain steadfast in faith, and the humility to serve with a joyful and obedient heart. May his priestly ministry bear abundant fruit for the glory of God and the sanctification of His people.

Let us, therefore, unite in fervent prayer and thanksgiving, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints to intercede for him, that he may faithfully fulfill his sacred vocation and be a true shepherd after the heart of Christ.

19/04/2026

LOOK | Our Altar Guild lead the Holy Rosary every saturday and sunday.

It is a special time for our Acolytes to come together and find peace in God's love. As the Bible says in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

06/04/2026

In the hallowed halls of our recent 2026 Team Building, Recollection, and Lenten Retreat, the Altar Guild of The Iglesia Filipina Independiente – Reina Mercedes gathered under the profound theme: "Refining our Identity, Renewing our Service in the Spirit of the Pro Deo Et Patria." The journey began with prayer and an insightful input led by Rev. Fr. Barcela, setting a foundation of purpose for our sacred ministry. However, it was the stirring reflection shared by Rev. Fr. Malapit that truly pierced the heart, leading our Altar Guild members into a deep, transformative space of vulnerability and spiritual awakening.

The four corners of our church became heavy with grace as the Altar Guild members participated in a personal letter-reading for their parents. Through tears and shared silence, the true weight of our calling was felt—not just as servers of the altar, but as a family bound by a common love. In those emotional moments, the essence of The Ministry of the Altar Guild was redefined; it is a bond of genuine unity and an understanding that our service to God is inseparable from our love for one another.

To conclude this sacred Holy Week, the tears of reflection gave way to the joy of fellowship. The team transitioned to the water for a time of swimming, allowing the physical refreshment to mirror the spiritual renewal they experienced. We emerged from this retreat not only with a clearer identity in our faith but with a revitalized spirit, ready to serve our Church and Country with a unity that has been tested, refined, and made whole.