Rev. Fr. Amy’s Legacy : The Renovated St. Stephen Parish Convent

By former Vice Mayor NV Mendoza

His predecessors were not remiss in doing their job in improving the St. Stephen Parish Convent. In 2002, the Rev. Fr. Boy Legaspi caused the installation of the steel trusses and colored roof. In 2005, the Rev. Fr. Leo Inofinada had the building painted.

But then, he knew that much more had to be done, so the moment  he set foot on his new assignment as parish priest of St. Stephen  on June 2006, Fr. Amy Cabaluna was determined to make the parish convent  renovation his pet project.

It was a gargantuan task for Fr. Amy since several things were considered. Change the rickety wooden second floor to a concrete slab; put ceramic tiles all over; add bedrooms; have decent offices for the staff; construct a dirty kitchen; have a presentable dining room and comfort rooms, install an effective water system and provide air-conditioning units were among the major improvements he had in mind.

But this entails a lot of funding and that’s where Fr. Amy’s resiliency comes to fore. Fortunately for the parishioners, Fr. Amy is one heaven sent servant with a goal, that is to have a presentable parish convent. This became his obsession, to have it done, no matter what it takes, so he could leave a legacy worth remembering.

Fr. Amy journeyed to the mainland USA and Hawaii to seek the much needed resources from San Estebanians abroad as well as from his relatives, personal friends and acquaintances. And with perfect timing, the popularly attended Feast of Christ the King, after a long period of time, was to be held anew at San Esteban on November 2007. God had listened to Fr. Amy’s prayers, “Lord, where shall I get the funds?” Well, the Rambak Kristo Ari is just around the corner, make your project the beneficiary of the event’s income!

It was indeed an impossible dream as the project’s final cost amounted to 1.7 million pesos. Because he was driven by a firm resolve to get the project rolling, Fr. Amy used the meager available donations to start the renovation on May 2007. It was finished on September 2007 just in time to be presented on the incoming Feast of the Christ the King.

Faced with financial difficulties, Fr. Amy persuaded the suppliers to make available the construction materials on credit. This proved to be a big boost since the outpouring of donations came after the renovation had been finished. To date, the project although done is still short of funds and Fr. Amy continues to find ways that will eventually settle his outstanding obligations.

Meantime, parishioners of St. Stephen have something to rejoice and be very proud of. The renovated parish convent is the fruit of Fr. Amy’s tireless efforts, dedication to serve his flock and firm in his belief that with God’s help nothing is impossible.

The Feast of Christ the King gave immeasurable blessings and graces to San Estebanians who proved they could be a united people as they likewise responded with their own sincere sacrifices. They heeded the call of Fr. Amy and extended their utmost support and cooperation by helping raise funds that enabled the parish to hold a successful and memorable Feast of Christ the King.

This in turn helped Fr. Amy’s envisioned legacy become a reality.