San Fernando El Rey Parish reopens

Local

THE doors of San Fernando El Rey Parish finally swung open again on Sunday, Nov. 23, signaling not just the return of public worship but the end of the silence that had settled over Liloan’s oldest church for nearly a month.

San Fernando El Rey Parish in Liloan reopened after the Archdiocese of Cebu completed the required rites of reparation and reconsecration.

Archbishop Alberto Uy presided over the reopening Mass, following a penitential service and parishioners’ confessions held on Nov. 22 as part of the restoration process.

In his homily, Uy spoke about the community’s grief and resolve, saying the parish gathered with hearts carrying both sorrow and hope.

He reflected on the pain the community could not erase and the hope they proclaimed in affirming that evil would not have the final say and that Christ would.

He said the parish returned as one community despite its wounds, adding, “Lord, here we are. Still Yours. Still one family.”

Uy described the reconsecration as a moment that signaled the parish’s spiritual renewal, emphasizing that the reopening served as a testament to God’s mercy, peace, and enduring love that surpasses the sorrow and fear caused by the violence inside the church.

He also led the Consecration to the Sacred Heart before the conclusion of the rites.

Church shut doors

The Archdiocese had ordered the closure of the parish on October 24, after 44-year-old Estela Ligaray was found dead inside the church.

CCTV footage confirmed that the assault occurred within the sacred space.

In a statement, Uy conveyed deep sorrow and grave concern over what he characterized as violence committed inside the house of God, and he offered prayers for the victim and her family.

Police later identified the victim’s husband, Ronie Ligaray, as the prime suspect.

Church authorities cited Canon 1211 of the Code of Canon Law in declaring that the parish had been desecrated due to the grave injury inflicted within its walls.

Public worship was suspended until the appropriate penitential rites could be carried out. Uy coordinated with the parish clergy and the Chancery to fulfill the required process.

Doors opened again

After the reopening Mass, Uy explained that the temporary closure served as a reminder of the need to protect and preserve the sacredness of God’s house.

He also noted that while some questioned why the community had to undergo the penitential period despite not being responsible for the wrongdoing.

"Moingon man ang uban na ‘ngano kami man ang pabayron na di man kami ang nakasala?’ Pero si Kristo ang gatudlo nato na siya ang nidawat sa silot, bisan dili siya ang nagbuhat sa dautan," he said.

Built in 1847, San Fernando El Rey Parish remains one of Liloan’s oldest heritage structures.(MyTVCebu)