HISTORY OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY IN SAN NICOLAS DE TOLENTINO PARISH
Mati, Davao Oriental
Philippines

Background :

Creation

The Holy Name Society of the Philippines-Men's Group of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Mati, Davao Oriental started with twelve (12) members when it was officially organized in January 19, 1986 through the inspiration of the late Governor Teodoro Palma Gil.

In its early years, the HNS was assigned to handle the preparation of the paraphernalia to be used and to assist the priest during the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed sacrament after the Holy Eucharist celebration every First Friday of the month.

The said activity had become the regular form of service the HNS rendered to the parish.

Growth

After 16 years of existence, the HNS family of Mati gradually grow in number. The past seven years, 1993 to 2000 which was headed by Mr. Agustin Gonzaga was the period of some changes in the assignments of thew HNS and also the period of increase in membership which made a total of 141 members installed.

In 1998, the Parish Priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino, Rev. Fr. Jacinto Ortiza assigned his assistant, Rev. Fr. Roland Sayman, to be the Spiritual Director of the group. He then became the consultant of all activities that the HNS members went through and he nourished them by giving them regular in-puts during monthly meetings.

The birth of Women HNS

In 1999, a group of Men HNS represented in Annual National HNS Convention held at Antipolo City, Metro Manila. When the delegates came back, they were enthused to organized the Holy Name Group for Women as that in Manila Women HNS were already organized. There was massive recruitment of women to become members of the HNS. Fr. Roland Sayman conducted a three-day Formation Seminar with the women recruits that they may become oriented of the spirituality of the HNS before they become members of the society.

It was in October 1, 2000 that the HNS Womens Group was formally organized with 38 members and Sis. Thelma C. Tajore elected as the first President. The first group was solemnly installed by Fr. Jacinto Ortiza during the mass.

Active as he was the Spiritual Director of the HNS in Mati, Rev. Fr. Roland F. Sayman also initiated the creation of the Education committee whom he entrusted the 21 modules he has prepared to enrich the HNS members on the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.

Development

From CY 2000 to January 2003, the HNS Mati Chapter had grown to a bigger family with more than 200 members. During this period, the men HNS was headed by Bro. Arturo Gonzales, Jr. and the Women HNS was headed by Sis. Thelma C. Tajore.
Inspired by the motivation of rev. Fr. Jaime Boquiren, OP, HNS National Spiritual Director during the 29th HNS National convention held at Tagaytay City last May 2002. Bro. Arturo Gonzales, Jr. and Sis. Thelma C. Tajore made in appearance before all Parish Priests and Monsignor Patricio H. Alo during the Presbyterium Meeting held last September 2002 to ask permission from the local bishop and the parish priests to allow the HNS Mati Chapter organize the society in other parishes of the Diocese of Mati. The said request was verbally approved through Rev. Fr. Medardo Salomia the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator.

Last January 2003, new set of officers were elected. Bro. Viviano Ongcay became the president for men and Sis. Annabelle Ortega the coordinator for the women. After the conduct of the Three day Formation Seminar by the HNS Education Committee, an additional of 19 men and 6 women were installed members making a total membership of 309 men and women HNS.

The group is increasingly involved with more activities in the parish. Both men and women HNS shared the same activities as reflected in the attached report.