THE St. Martin de Porres Parish in Barangay Ilihan, Tabogon, Cebu marked its 50th year yesterday, in time with the special Year of Grace granted by the Archdiocese of Cebu through Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

The prelate also declared the parish a “place of pilgrimage” from May 6, 2018 to May 6, 2019. A plenary indulgence or complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sins will be granted to every Catholic person who will visit the shrine, or takes part in the liturgical celebrations and other jubilee activities of the church.

As a precondition, one should be in a state of grace by going to confession, attending mass, and praying the “Our Father,” one “Hail Mary,” and one “Glory Be” for the intention of the Church and the Pope for the indulgence to be granted.

On May 5, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo celebrated the 4 p.m. mass, whichwas followed by a solemn procession of the image of St. Martin de Porres.

During the feast day yesterday, Palma celebrated the 10 a.m. pontifical mass, which opened the 50th anniversary celebrations of the parish and the opening of the Year of Grace.

Established by the late Archbishop of Cebu Julio Cardinal Rosales on May 6, 1968, the church boasts of the following priests and religious sisters: Fr. Frederick Malinao; Fr. Reymilo Talaugon; Fr. Lyle Cono; Fr. Adolfo Bonghanoy Jr.; Fr. Bernard Monteron; Fr. Expedito Torrevillas; Msgr. Jemar Vera Cruz; Fr. Candido Saladaga; Fr. Euselito Tulipas; Sr. Cristine Aroa; Sr. Rose Dahuya, and Sr. Jenny Cortes Fr. Aquino Padilla was the first parish priest; Fr. Nestor Atillo is the current parish priest.