Taiwan Celebration with the Priests
Date: June 21, 2010, Monday.
Venue: Divine Master Convent, Hsinchuang, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
United with the Holy Father in the closing celebration of the “Year of Priest”, the three communities in Taiwan gathered some of our priests in the Archdiocese of Taipei for a moment of prayer to allow them to experience our solidarity through prayer in their ministerial priesthood, giving thanks to the Source of good vocations and offering prayers for their sanctification and perseverance. The Holy Father has often encouraged the priests to have daily recourse to Jesus in the tabernacle for their daily colloquy, as an essential element in their life as priests. Indeed, it was a blessed moment for all who came and spent an hour with Jesus Master Eucharist solemnly exposed. The Archbishop of Taipei John Hung, SVD, and eleven priests came, comprising six nationalities: Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Italian, Filipinos; from five religious congregations and one diocesan; all braving the sudden strong rain that came just before the prayer activity. In the small chapel of the Divine Master Convent, a beautiful chorus resounded with hymns, prayers, and singing psalms interspersed with silent adoration and listening to the Word and reflections. It was a holy moment of grace.
Rev. Fr. Baldo, OFM, gave a sharing after the reading of the Gospel. He testified to God’s grace and goodness as the source of his perseverance over his life experiences of ‘shipwreck’ and God’s protection of keeping him in the ministry.
His Excellency John Hung, SVD, gave a sharing after the short reading at Vespers. He encouraged the assembled priests to witness joy in their ministry, in order to attract people to seek their company, and them to God. It will also attract young people to answer the call to priestly life of which the local Church is most in need. Happy priests are a magnet for vocations to priestly and religious life.
The priests were grateful for the beautiful prayer experience with the community. One said: “Sisters, you nourish our hearts” (pinatabà n’yo naman ang puso namin), Another simply said from the outpouring of his heart: “Sisters, thank you, it was beautiful.” Indeed, a beautiful experience of having Jesus Divine Master before us.
Everyone then proceeded to gather around the simple buffet table for dinner, fellowship and sharing of life. There was a familial and joyful atmosphere with laughter and spontaneous fraternal exchange of stories and jokes. After which, each priest received a gift, a set of cruets in a leather case, fit for a Mass kit and even for the altar table.
We thank the Lord for the gift of our mission of being “associated with the Priestly zeal”. With our presence and friendship we wish to be a life giving source of encouragement and spiritual strength to the priests in this mission land.
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