Bishop Patricio Buzon led the blessing of the newly repaired and enhanced sanctuary of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on Monday, Jan. 20.
The blessing was held during the celebration of the Feast of San Sebastian.
The restoring of the sanctuary and entire interior of the cathedral to its former glory was funded by the Yanson family headed by their matriarch Olivia V. Yanson, who turns 91 on Thursday, Jan. 23.
“It is a gift of love from Tita Love”, Msgr. Ronald Quijano, vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod and rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, said.
“Thank you so much Tita Love for this wonderful legacy of love you have shared for the Diocese of Bacolod,” Quijano said in his message.
He also thanked her children Leo Rey Yanson and Ginnette Yanson-Dumancas and her husband, Charles Dumancas, for the donation.
Quijano also thanked William and Ana Sy for donating the bronze image of St. Sebastián, and the statues of Our Lady of Rosary, St. Joseph, St. Therese of the Child Jesus and St. John Paul II.
Olivia V. Yanson (seated, center) flanked by Ginnette and Charles Dumancas with members of the clergy led by Bishop Patricio Buzon.* Michael Angelo Cubos photo
Ginnette Yanson Dumancas, in her speech on behalf of her mother, said “today is a day of gratitude and celebration — a day to give thanks for the abundant blessings that God has entrusted to us”.
“On behalf of my mother, OVY, and the rest of the family members, I would like to thank the Church for letting us serve God through our resources. This is the gift of love of Mommy Love as she turned 90 last year on the same year that the diocese celebrated also her 90th anniversary,” she said.
She thanked the bishop for his approval of the project, as well as Quijano and Fr. Chad Gayares for giving them the chance to help the parish and the Church.
“Being involved in this endeavor has been a profound blessing for our family. We firmly believe that a beautiful church is not merely a structure — it is a place that draws people closer to God, the source of all that is good, true, and beautiful”, she said.
“May this cathedral continue to be a beacon of faith and a home for all who seek God’s love and grace. May it inspire countless generations to come, reminding us all of the One who makes all things possible,” she added.
The feast of St. Sebastian mass at the Cathedral* Andrew Altarejos photo
Buzon also led the deposition and blessing of the sacred relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. John Paul II, St. Ezekiel Moreno, St. John Baptist de La Salle, St. Maria Goretti, and St. Vincent Pallotti at the main altar of the San Sebastian Cathedral on Monday.*