Some 140 Filipino Catholic priests from 31 archdioceses and dioceses across the United States and the Caribbean gathered in New Jersey for a sports festival competing in events such as basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, bowling and the patintero “block-the-player” game popular among Filipino children.
Indoor tournaments such as dama, chess, Scrabble, and mahjong were also played during the 7th Parilympics — blending the words Pari (Filipino for priest) and Olympics — from August 5 to 7. It was organized by Fr. Manolo Punzalan, the director of Filipino Apostolate in Newark.
Keynoting the opening ceremony at the St. Aloysius Church gymnasium in Jersey City, Consul General Senen Mangalile thanked the Filipino clergy for their steadfast pastoral work and community leadership.
He said, “By bringing the Filipino brand of malasakit and kapwa-tao into your service, you bring honor to the country of your birth. The event celebrates faith, camaraderie, and Filipino culture through friendly competition and shared ministry.”
The clergy in their priestly robes (top) and in their jerseys (below). Photos courtesy of Fr. Manolo Punzalan, Consul General Senen Mangalile, and the US-Pinoy Priest Barkadahan via The FilAm
The Parilympics continues to stand as a “joyful testament to the strength, solidarity, and spiritual commitment of the Filipino clergy in their mission to serve God and uplift communities wherever they are assigned,” says a statement from the Philippine Consulate.
While the three-day gathering was spent in friendly rivalry, the event also became an occasion for “reflection and spiritual nourishment,” according to the organizers. Each day ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and guided reflections by selected speakers.
The events, masses and meals were held in facilities across New Jersey such as Mahwah, Fair Lawn, Jersey City, and Bayonne.
The Parilympics was a “resounding success,” Fr. Manolo told The FilAm in an interview.
“(It brought) together priests in a joyful spirit of camaraderie, healthy competition, and shared faith. The event strengthened bonds of fraternity, rekindled old friendships, and fostered new ones, all in the light of our priestly mission. It became not just a sports gathering, but a celebration of unity, brotherhood, and the joy of serving God’s people together,” he said.
Consul General Senen Mangalile addresses Catholic priests, honoring their service to the Filipino diaspora. Photos courtesy of Fr. Manolo Punzalan, Consul General Senen Mangalile, and the US-Pinoy Priest Barkadahan via The FilAm
Fr. Tony Bautista, Parochial Vicar of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption Church in Tuckahoe, New York, said he was not able to watch all the events but was able to attend the closing ceremony.
“It was such a joy to see fellow Filipino priests — brothers from all over the U.S. come together for our 7th Parilympics,” he said. “Between the laughs, the friendly teasing, and the occasional ‘holy hustle’ on the court, you could truly feel the spirit of brotherhood. Moments like these remind me that while we serve in different places, we’re one family in mission—and sometimes, in basketball too!” — The FilAm
