Shrine Rectors
On August 5, 2007, Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, the Bishop of Antipolo, Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., consecrated the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned as a Diocesan Shrine in honor of Our Lady under the title of Maria, Inang Mapag-Ampon ng Marikina, Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados. On September 8, 2007, a little more than a month after the dedication of the church as a shrine, Bishop Francisco de Leon who was appointed by then Holy Father Benedict XVI as Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo, was assigned by Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes, Bishop of Antipolo as Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Abandoned. Msgr. Mariano Balbago Jr. relinquished the title of parish priest but was appointed Rector and Parish Administrator, assisting Bishop de Leon in his duties. Upon the departure of Msgr. Balbago in the shrine and parish, Bishop Francis was appointed also as Rector by the Bishop of Antipolo, but this time assisted by a vice rector and a parish administrator in the person of Rev. Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino.
| Name | Years serving | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Rev. Msgr. Mariano T. Balbago Jr., PC (Ret.) | 2007 – 2009 | Rector and Parish Administrator |
| Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D., MS | 2009 – Present | Rector and Parish Priest |
| Rev. Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino | 2009 – Present | Vice Rector and Parish Administrator |
Assisting in the Pastoral Team of the parish are as follows:
- Rev. Fr. Michael B. Balatbat - Assistant Parish Priest
- Rev. Fr. Rommel M. Felizardo - Assistant Parish Priest
- Rev. Fr. Conegundo B. Garganta - Attached Priest
- Rev. Fr. Paquito G. Gallego - Director, Marikina Catholic School
Read more about this topic: Our Lady Of The Abandoned Parish
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