Rooted in Faith,Growing in Love
For over six decades, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish has been the spiritual home of the faithful in Hondagua — a community bound by prayer, service, and devotion.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon, was established in 1961 as a mission of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish. Situated in the heart of an agricultural community, the parish was placed under the patronage of San Isidro Labrador — the patron saint of farmers, rural communities, and all who labor on the land.
From its humble beginnings as a small chapel serving a farming barrio, the parish has grown into a vibrant Catholic community under the Diocese of Gumaca and the Vicariate of St. Peter. Today, it continues to be a beacon of faith for thousands of families who call Hondagua home.
Mission & Vision
Guided by the example of our patron saint, we strive to be a parish that nourishes both the spirit and the community.
A Community of Living Faith
We envision a parish community that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, actively living the Gospel values of love, service, and solidarity — especially with the poor, the farmers, and the marginalized.
- Christ-centered families strengthened through the sacraments
- A parish that is a beacon of hope in the Diocese of Gumaca
- Youth empowered to become future leaders of faith
Proclaim, Serve, Transform
We commit ourselves to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments with devotion, and building a caring community that responds to the needs of the faithful and the wider society.
- Fostering active participation in liturgical celebrations
- Promoting catechesis and spiritual formation for all ages
- Extending charitable outreach to the less fortunate
- Preserving our heritage while embracing the future
A Chapel in the Barrio
In the early 1960s, the faithful of Hondagua had to travel several kilometers to attend Sunday Mass at the mother parish in the town proper. The farming families who worked the rice fields and coconut plantations of this coastal barrio longed for a church closer to home — a place where their children could be baptized, where their marriages could be blessed, and where they could gather as a community of believers.
Through the generosity of local families and the pastoral vision of the Diocese, a modest chapel was built in 1961. It was dedicated to St. Isidore the Farmer — a fitting patron for a community whose identity was inseparable from the land.
Decades of Growth
Over the following decades, the parish grew alongside the community. The original chapel was expanded, new ministries were formed, and the parish became the spiritual center of barangay Hondagua and its neighboring sitios. The annual May 15 fiesta became the most anticipated celebration of the year — a joyful convergence of faith, family, and Filipino tradition.
Today & Beyond
Today, under the pastoral care of Rev. Fr. Genaro De Castro and the guidance of the Diocese of Gumaca led by Bishop Euginius Cañete, M.J., St. Isidore the Farmer Parish continues to serve as a house of prayer, a center of community life, and a sanctuary for all who seek God’s grace. The parish offers four Sunday Masses, regular sacramental services, and an expanding network of lay ministries.
What We Stand For
The life of our parish rests on four foundational pillars, each drawn from the example of St. Isidore and the teachings of the Church.
Community
We are one family in Christ. Every parishioner is welcomed, valued, and called to participate in the life of the parish.
Faith Formation
Through catechesis, Bible study, and spiritual retreats, we deepen our understanding of God’s Word and the teachings of the Church.
Service
Following St. Isidore’s example of charity, we extend our hands to the poor, the sick, and all who are in need.
Stewardship
We honor the land and the labor of our farmers. As stewards of God’s creation, we care for the environment and the gifts we have been given.
Parish Milestones
A chronicle of the key moments that shaped our parish from a humble barrio chapel into the spiritual home of Hondagua.
Our Parish Council
The parish is guided by dedicated leaders who volunteer their time and talents to ensure the spiritual and temporal welfare of our community.
Shepherds the faithful with pastoral care and spiritual guidance, overseeing all parish programs and sacramental life.
Composed of dedicated lay leaders who advise the parish priest and coordinate the various ministries and programs of the parish.
Ensures transparent and responsible management of parish resources, supporting the material needs of the church and its programs.