A Grace-filled Gathering with the Priests
As we are about to end the celebration of the Year for Priests all the communities in our Province were encouraged to organize some prayer moments with the priests whom we know and who render services to our sisters. Each community has organized an afternoon of prayer, fun and joy with the priests on the day accessible to them. In Alberione Center it was held on June 7, Pampanga and DMC-Cebu June 8, PAC-Manila, June 9 and DMC-Antipolo and Makati on June 10, 2010.
Alberione Center Community was very glad to welcome our Pauline priests, the Salesians of Don Bosco, those in the Holy Redeemer Parish and other priests from the Diocese of Cubao with the Bishop, Msgr. Honesto Ongtioco.
The gathering started with the Eucharistic Adoration at 3:30 in the afternoon followed by the celebration of Evening Prayer. After the moment of encounter with God, everybody enjoyed taking the sumptuous dinner we prepared for them. While feasting at table they were very happy to receive the cruets and key holder we gave them as our gift. They were excited to play the most awaited game - bingo. Excitement and joy to play bingo became more evident when some of the priests won and received their prizes.
Just like in Alberione Center the other communities made their gathering with the priests meaningful with either Eucharistic Adoration or Vespers, game, raffle and merienda/dinner. And of course, a small token was given to them. The Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Msgr. Gabriel Reyes graced the fellowship of the priests in DMC-Antipolo with his presence. In Makati our sisters organized the monthly recollection for the SSP with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the talk of Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB., the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Ruben Areño, SSP., and agape with the Pauline Family. They were all in communion with each other in celebrating the gift of the Pauline Priesthood.
Truly that afternoon had been an occasion of renewal not only for the priests who were present, but also for us, Pious Disciples. There was an experience of deep joy when we saw the priests praying together in our chapel. More so, it was fun seeing them played like children and shared their own stories with one another. We were edified and challenge to renew our commitment to collaborate with the ordained ministers when they shared that they really appreciated our ministry of prayer. Most of them expressed their gratitude and appreciation especially for our prayers. Fr. Vic Cervania of the Salesians of Don Bosco said: “We minister to you. You minister to us through your prayers.” This certainly is an affirmation and a reminder to all of us, PDDM that “everything we do in collaboration with the ministry of the ordained priests will be empty and meaningless without prayers.”
We will always cherish in our hearts that afternoon we were together with the priests which indeed was a grace-filled gathering! May Jesus, the High Priest, continue to bless all His priests and may all of us Pious Disciples continue to pray for more priests, pray with and for all priests!
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