CATCHFIRE 2015: Reviving Charismatic in Davao

“FIRE: F-ind your mission field and be faithful to it. I-nvest your whole life to God. R-ely on the God’s power. E-xplore new territories,” says Davao-born preacher Atty. Bobby Quitain who set the hearts of “Catchfire 2015” attendees last November 22, Christ the King Sunday, at the Almendras Gym, Davao City. He challenged the participants to be God’s instruments to heal the wounded world and “to produce good results in our service not because we are good, but because our God, the source of it all, is good.”

For the first time since its inception five years ago, “Catchfire” was brought to Davao under the auspices of four lay communities banding together as partners-in-mission. They are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) headed by Dr. Hansel Magno, Couples for Christ (CFC) led by Noel Dacalos, Familia Community led by Jun Limbaga, and Holy Trinity Community (HTC) with Cesar Mozar, Jr. as Sr. Coordinator, and the Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) Community from Manila.

According to Bro. Quitain, who together with Dr. Magno was instrumental in bringing “Catchfire” to Davao city, the first objective of holding a rally is really to revive the Charismatic groups. Second, it is to bring unity to these groups. Then, these members of various communities can bring their friends or relatives to these rallies, thus making the “Catchfire” an evangelistic activity.

“One KING, One PEOPLE, One MISSION”

Carrying this theme, the event was preceded by a healing session, then the Holy Eucharist presided by Abp. Romulo Valles, D.D., concelebrated by Msgr. Paul Cuison, Fr. Herbert Schneider, SJ and Fr. Geo Santos.

The rally started with a worship led by Laurence Guevarra of Familia supported by the “Catchfire” Music Ministry composed of members from Ligaya ng Panginoon, Holy Trinity Community and Lingkod ng Panginoon-Davao. It was followed by personal sharing from members of communities present. The realities of a ‘wounded world’ echoed in the sharing but the surety of God’s power and faithfulness was the thunderous message.

It was also a youthful activity. The youth of Holy Trinity Community and CFC’s Youth for Christ livened up the event with their dancing and behind-the-scene service.

HTC member-singer Cherish Magarin who performed in the prayer rally considers herself very blessed. She said that at first she thought she’s not included because only performers from Manila will participate. And her voice wasn’t well a day before during their practice, but her co-performers encouraged her.

An ovarian cancer survivor and a rally sharer, HTC-Singles Anne Michelle Sumaya described her experience: “It’s indescribable! The experience itself is overwhelming, were not our hearts burning? Everyone’s on fire, highly-spirited! I felt God’s presence in the midst! During the sharing, I think it’s not just me but God who spoke through me, proclaiming His goodness to others. The opportunity itself to share is a privilege. It’s an honor to give my life to serve God in any way I can. It’s an experience that forever I will treasure!”

Dr. Magno is hoping that next year›s ‘Catchfire’ wil be in a bigger venue. Although many people were skeptical about the holding of this first ‘Catchfire’ in Davao,he said that it was nevertheless successful. (Cesar Mozar, Jr. | Manilee Araune)