Convent to continue despite opposition

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocesan Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in barangay Guadalupe will pursue the establishment of a convent in the former Guadalupe Parish Pastoral Center despite the opposition of residents who are not happy with the management of Parish Priest Msgr. Jose Montecillo.

Last week, Guadalupe Parish officials and parishioners held the ceremonial groundbreaking for the proposed P17-million convent which is expected to be completed within a year.

The construction has already been awarded to the winning bidder who has started minor works as of last week.

The convent will rise in the former Parish Pastoral Center that was demolished only last June.

It will consist of two floors where the first floor will house the offices while the second floor will house the quarters of the priests.

The church continues their fundraising to accomplish the P17 million needed for the project.

Fr. Ricardo delos Reyes, President of the Parish Pastoral Council, said they have raised almost a million already from fundraising activities and donations.

Delos Reyes said that to raise funds, they are no longer having a second collection but are asking donations for the proposed convention.

Montecillo appealed to the parishioners to support the project as it will be the first in Guadalupe.

He said they have not resolved the issues of the residents who are opposing the project as these residents continue to refuse their invitation for a dialogue. — (FREEMAN)