►The first order for an altar-statue of Blessed Takayama from outside the Philippines came from – surprise! — “Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church” (est. 1865) in Wilmington, California.
As in ALL past orders, there’s a Pinoy element involved. Pinoy parishioners pooled resources to make the amount – which they presented to their pastor.
►Fr. Hildebrand Garceau, O. Praem., pastor of St. Peter and St. Paul Church, in Wilmington, California wrote on January 18: “We hope you will provide an official image of Blessed Takayama for our parish. We have an active community of parishioners who are devoted to Blessed Takayama and want to promote his canonization.”
►For this particular acquisition by the Wilmington Parish Church, there was a Badoc connection.
Several residents of Long Beach and Wilmington, CA – who originated from Badoc, Ilocos Norte – were flying home to attend the elevation on Feb. 5 of the Badoc Parish Church to a Minor Basilica – and the dedication of a side altar to ● Blessed Justo Ukon Takayama (1552-1615), who was martyred in Manila, with another for ● San Lorenzo Ruiz (1600-1637), Pro-Martyr of the Philippine Church.
Active parishioners energize their parishes!#
Dr. Ernesto A. de Pedro
Takayama Trustee
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon 
Thank you for including our parish in the article. I have forwarded the same to our Pastor and Norbertine Fathers.
We eagerly await for the image of Blessed Justo Takayam Ukon to grace Saints Peter & Paul Church, and many other parishes! Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, intercede for us!
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