On March 12, 2023, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Talisay, Hilongos bid farewell to their outgoing parish priest, Fr. Arthur “Tong” P. Guevara, SCJ, and welcomed their new leader, Fr. Marlo N. Piloton, SCJ. This change in leadership marks a new chapter in the history of the parish and its congregation.

The Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) was entrusted a part of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Hilongos by the local bishop, Most Rev. Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, D.D., on June 11, 2016. The St. Pope John Paul II Southern Mission Territory, with its main chapel in Barangay Talisay, was later declared a Miraculous Medal Quasi-Parish and, four years ago, on November 30, 2019, was officially declared a parish. Currently, there are two SCJs assigned there: Fr. Marlo N. Piloton and Fr. Ruel C. Paalisbo.

In the years leading up to this change in leadership, the community has worked hard to build a new church. Construction began on January 1, 2018, and was completed in 2022. The parish also shared several vocations with the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Fr. Marlo Piloton’s installation as the new parish priest marks a new era of leadership and growth for the community. With his unique perspective and vision, he will build on the foundation laid by his predecessors. The parishioners of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Talisay, Hilongos can be confident that they will continue to receive the spiritual guidance and support they need under his leadership.

Fr. Piloton comes from Camiguin Island, Misamis Oriental, and was previously assigned as an assistant parish priest in Kumalarang, Bagong Silang, and Talisay.

In conclusion, the changing of leadership at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Talisay, Hilongos is a significant event for the community. It signals a new chapter in the life of the parish, and the parishioners can look forward to the continued growth and progress of their community under the guidance of Fr. Marlo Piloton. Fr. Arthur Guevara will be taking his well-deserved “sabbatical leave” for rest and spiritual renewal, and his inspiring legacy will surely be remembered by the parishioners. God bless Fr. Tong!