The Archdiocese of Davao MSP-FMAA gathered for the celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz (the patron saint for the mission endeavors of MSP in Mindanao) and for their first archdiocesan grand reunion last September 27, 2008 held at the Holy Cross of Agdao Covered Court, R. Castillo St., Agdao, Davao City. The theme “MSP-FMAA, Sama ni San Lorenzo Misyonaryo ni Kristo” was intended to awaken deep spirituality and courage of the lay mission partners to be firm in their faith.
The Archdiocesan Coordinating Council of Davao initiated the event to revitalize and strengthen the lay missionary spirit among FMAAs, to reach out to the inactive members and to promote fellowship and camaraderie. About one hundred participants came to attend the celebration.
The participants came from the various parishes of Sto. Rosario Parish-Toril, Immaculate Conception Parish-Mintal, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bangkal, San Pablo Parish-Matina, San Isidro Labrador Parish-Catalunan Grande, Our Lady of Fatima Parish-Piapi, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish-Obrero, San Antonio de Padua Parish-Agdao, and St. Jude Parish-Malvar St. and from the covenanted unit of FMAA-National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Community.
Daily mass was held at the MSP House sponsored by the respective FMAA units culminated with the fiesta celebration and grand reunion formally opened with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Pat Casiño, the present National Director of the MSP Mission Promotion Office and was assisted by Fr. Edward Edpalina, the Assistant Promotion Director for Mindanao. Rev. Percy G. Singco, MSP deacon assigned in Davao also graced the occasion. Fr. Pat stressed out in his homily that it is a challenge for all to discover the mystery of our faith and to listen to what Jesus is telling us for at times we don’t understand many of His teachings because we don’t pay much attention.
The guest speaker for the gathering was Msgr. Martiniano Gorgonio, the Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy in the Archdiocese of Davao. He started his message about the World Mission Sunday which we celebrate every month of October and shared some of his mission experiences abroad. Though his sharing was not that long, it left a mark on the hearts and minds of the participants. He shared that missionary work or preaching the Gospel to others can also be expressed in simple acts. And these simple acts which we do out of the spirit of love can lead a person to know God. He added that as a missionary, it is important not to ask quick results of what we sowed for in building God’s kingdom, you have to work gradually. And we should rejoice for our names are already written in heaven.
The delegates were requested to stand by unit during the acknowledgement portion to promote better recognition. The FMAA-NIA Community rendered a short and inspirational cheer that “Once an FMAA, an FMAA forevermore”. Praise God! There were three pioneers of the FYM of Davao who attended the assembly, namely, Bobby Sabuero, Gil Delmar and Ted Abbot. They expressed their gratitude that they met the new generation of the FYM-Davao. Maricel and Marichu Fornis who came to witness the occasion were also presented.
Fr. Pat then gave his inspirational message after the presentation. He focused his talk on the theme, “MSP-FMAA, Sama ni San Lorenzo Misyonaryo ni Kristo”. He explained how San Lorenzo Ruiz became a missionary who was not sent to Japan for a missionary work but rather to escape from the fault that was accused on him. He discussed his qualities that made him a missionary and the first Filipino saint that MSP and FMAA should also follow and emulate: the ability to go, the willingness to offer his life to God and became better witness of Him and possessed the Marian spirituality. He concluded his message by saying to follow San Lorenzo; we should follow his ways of mission work, which is TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, AND DIE FOR CHRIST.
A sumptuous lunch was served compliments of the FMAA-Davao and from the generosity of some MSP friends. Everyone enjoyed the tasty and crispy lechon baboy that is always present in any occasion.
The afternoon was utilized for the presentation of updates and raffle draw of the fund raising activity initiated by FMAA-Mindanao. Before Fr. Edward Edpalina presented his short update about MSP here in the country and abroad, two FMAA from San Antonio de Padua Parish-Agdao rendered an old song duet for everyone. Ms. Ping Cortel, the FMAA-NCC Vice-Chairperson reported on the current status of the organization all over the Philippines but focused on the existing FMAA units in Mindanao and Davao City, the revised constitution and by-laws, and the new initiatives undertaken.
Three representatives from FYM sang the popular song Christian song, “One Way” that awakened the sleepy delegates. Mr. Ven Apatan from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro gave a short orientation about the Castor Bean Production in connection to the report of Ms. Cortel about the livelihood project for the farmers in Catigan. An open forum followed after their reports, moderated by Mr. Constatino Rabarra, the FMAA RCC Vice-Chairperson-Mindanao. Ms. Ely B. Acosta, the current RCC Chairperson, expressed her thoughts and asked the delegates on how to activate the inactive members which was the main goal of the activity. Majority suggested to apply the “house visit strategy” is a challenge to all officers in each unit.
Ms. Acosta and Fr. Edward explained everything to clarify about the comments of some FMAA about the Castor Bean Project that it is not to promote business, but it is initiated with value formation and a strategy to demonstrate Objective IV of the FMAA which is on “Social Issues and Concern”.
The winners of the raffle draw were mostly from outside Davao City. The father of MSP Sem. Ryan Jay Aban, residing in General Santos City, was very lucky for winning the first prize. Second prize went to the POPCOM Regional Director Cagayan de Oro City and the third prize to Mrs. Rosita de Guzman of Bangkal, Davao City. Winners of the consolation prizes also came from different provinces and cities in Mindanao. Our heartfelt gratitude to the assistance of Luzon and Visayas FMAA for their efforts to help sell the tickets. Better luck next time
Fr. Edward gave the closing remarks and final blessing. Everyone went home with joy in their hearts and wide smiles on their faces and was thankful about the celebration. (Viva San Lorenzo Ruiz! Mabuhay tayong lahat!)
The Archdiocesan Coordinating Council of Davao initiated the event to revitalize and strengthen the lay missionary spirit among FMAAs, to reach out to the inactive members and to promote fellowship and camaraderie. About one hundred participants came to attend the celebration.
The participants came from the various parishes of Sto. Rosario Parish-Toril, Immaculate Conception Parish-Mintal, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bangkal, San Pablo Parish-Matina, San Isidro Labrador Parish-Catalunan Grande, Our Lady of Fatima Parish-Piapi, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish-Obrero, San Antonio de Padua Parish-Agdao, and St. Jude Parish-Malvar St. and from the covenanted unit of FMAA-National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Community.
Daily mass was held at the MSP House sponsored by the respective FMAA units culminated with the fiesta celebration and grand reunion formally opened with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Pat Casiño, the present National Director of the MSP Mission Promotion Office and was assisted by Fr. Edward Edpalina, the Assistant Promotion Director for Mindanao. Rev. Percy G. Singco, MSP deacon assigned in Davao also graced the occasion. Fr. Pat stressed out in his homily that it is a challenge for all to discover the mystery of our faith and to listen to what Jesus is telling us for at times we don’t understand many of His teachings because we don’t pay much attention.
The guest speaker for the gathering was Msgr. Martiniano Gorgonio, the Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy in the Archdiocese of Davao. He started his message about the World Mission Sunday which we celebrate every month of October and shared some of his mission experiences abroad. Though his sharing was not that long, it left a mark on the hearts and minds of the participants. He shared that missionary work or preaching the Gospel to others can also be expressed in simple acts. And these simple acts which we do out of the spirit of love can lead a person to know God. He added that as a missionary, it is important not to ask quick results of what we sowed for in building God’s kingdom, you have to work gradually. And we should rejoice for our names are already written in heaven.
The delegates were requested to stand by unit during the acknowledgement portion to promote better recognition. The FMAA-NIA Community rendered a short and inspirational cheer that “Once an FMAA, an FMAA forevermore”. Praise God! There were three pioneers of the FYM of Davao who attended the assembly, namely, Bobby Sabuero, Gil Delmar and Ted Abbot. They expressed their gratitude that they met the new generation of the FYM-Davao. Maricel and Marichu Fornis who came to witness the occasion were also presented.
Fr. Pat then gave his inspirational message after the presentation. He focused his talk on the theme, “MSP-FMAA, Sama ni San Lorenzo Misyonaryo ni Kristo”. He explained how San Lorenzo Ruiz became a missionary who was not sent to Japan for a missionary work but rather to escape from the fault that was accused on him. He discussed his qualities that made him a missionary and the first Filipino saint that MSP and FMAA should also follow and emulate: the ability to go, the willingness to offer his life to God and became better witness of Him and possessed the Marian spirituality. He concluded his message by saying to follow San Lorenzo; we should follow his ways of mission work, which is TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, AND DIE FOR CHRIST.
A sumptuous lunch was served compliments of the FMAA-Davao and from the generosity of some MSP friends. Everyone enjoyed the tasty and crispy lechon baboy that is always present in any occasion.
The afternoon was utilized for the presentation of updates and raffle draw of the fund raising activity initiated by FMAA-Mindanao. Before Fr. Edward Edpalina presented his short update about MSP here in the country and abroad, two FMAA from San Antonio de Padua Parish-Agdao rendered an old song duet for everyone. Ms. Ping Cortel, the FMAA-NCC Vice-Chairperson reported on the current status of the organization all over the Philippines but focused on the existing FMAA units in Mindanao and Davao City, the revised constitution and by-laws, and the new initiatives undertaken.
Three representatives from FYM sang the popular song Christian song, “One Way” that awakened the sleepy delegates. Mr. Ven Apatan from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro gave a short orientation about the Castor Bean Production in connection to the report of Ms. Cortel about the livelihood project for the farmers in Catigan. An open forum followed after their reports, moderated by Mr. Constatino Rabarra, the FMAA RCC Vice-Chairperson-Mindanao. Ms. Ely B. Acosta, the current RCC Chairperson, expressed her thoughts and asked the delegates on how to activate the inactive members which was the main goal of the activity. Majority suggested to apply the “house visit strategy” is a challenge to all officers in each unit.
Ms. Acosta and Fr. Edward explained everything to clarify about the comments of some FMAA about the Castor Bean Project that it is not to promote business, but it is initiated with value formation and a strategy to demonstrate Objective IV of the FMAA which is on “Social Issues and Concern”.
The winners of the raffle draw were mostly from outside Davao City. The father of MSP Sem. Ryan Jay Aban, residing in General Santos City, was very lucky for winning the first prize. Second prize went to the POPCOM Regional Director Cagayan de Oro City and the third prize to Mrs. Rosita de Guzman of Bangkal, Davao City. Winners of the consolation prizes also came from different provinces and cities in Mindanao. Our heartfelt gratitude to the assistance of Luzon and Visayas FMAA for their efforts to help sell the tickets. Better luck next time
Fr. Edward gave the closing remarks and final blessing. Everyone went home with joy in their hearts and wide smiles on their faces and was thankful about the celebration. (Viva San Lorenzo Ruiz! Mabuhay tayong lahat!)
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