During the Installation Mass held at the St. Peregrine Laziosi Diocesan Shrine officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Paranaque – Most Rev Bishop Jesse Mercado, DD, Fr. Joel Ma. Morata, OSM professed his faith and publicly expressed his fidelity and obedience to the Diocesan Bishop. Bishop Mercado then handed him the keys to the tabernacle symbolizing his acceptance of the responsibilities as the new parish priest of the St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish.

On his homily, Bishop Mercado candidly shared with the congregation that it was the third time that the position of the parish priest was offered to Fr. Joel and that the first two offers were refused. He added that it is God’s will that the position of the Parish Priest be offered to him again. This third time, Fr Joel accepted his appointment and assumed office last June 1, 2016. Bishop Mercado further expressed the support of the Diocese and of the congregation in carrying out his duties as the new parish priest.

On his Thanksgiving address, Fr. Joel thanked Bishop Mercado, his brother priests and friars of the Order of Servants of Mary, the different organizations and commissions of the parish and everyone present. He then addressed the public that he, as the new pastor and Parish Priest, together with his team and the congregation will help each other in making St. Peregrine Parish a parish of good Christians.

Fr Joel was a formator at the OSM Novitiate House at Monte Senaryo in Lucban, Quezon prior to his appointment as Parish Priest. His team include Rev. Fr. Leonard Ma. Guiang, OSM and Rev. Fr. Warren Ma. Campilan, OSM as Assistant Parish Priests.