Eucharist unites the people of God

“Every time we attend the Holy Mass, we ought to be reminded not only of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection, but also of how great the love God has for us by giving His only Son Jesus Christ to save us,” said Abp. Romulo G. Valles in his homily to 904 delegates culminating the One-day IEC Experience for the St. James Vicariate, held at the St. John The Baptist Parish in Lasang, October 1.

He said that the Eucharist exists because of the Church and vice-versa. It unites the people of God. “Si Hesus miingon ngadto sa Iyang mga tinun-an, kini ang akong lawas ug dugo buhata kini sa akong handumanan…kini ang buhing timaan sa gugma sa Ginoo ug kini dili lang alang sa mga lideres apan alang kanatong tanan ning kalibutan.”

The activity dubbed “The IEC-experience sharing” aimed to share the archdiocese’s experience in the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu City January of this year. According to Fr. Capulong, the activity was organized because of the willingness of our priests to share the highlights of the Congress attended by lay leaders, priests and bishops from all over the world. “Dili man tukma sa ilang nasinati ang gipahigayong IEC Experience sa Arkidayosis sa Dabaw apan gipaningkamotan sa atong mga kaparian ug mga maglilihok niini nga mamahimo kining duol sama sa ilang nasinati.”

Opening Prayer was led by Ms. Vicky Anghag of the Pastoral Office who also was the facilitator of the activity. It was a mood setter to open everyone’s hearts in preparation for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After which, the “Holy 30-Min” followed, giving everybody the chance to adore and worship the Blessed Sacrament. Selected youth from St. Francis Xavier Parish animated the 51st IEC Theme Song, “Christ in You, Our Hope of Glory.”

Fr. Joel Caasi, Director of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Center shared his testimony on the Eucharist as inspired by Bishop Robert Baron, D.D. in Cebu last January. Dyad sharing followed with representative from each Parish who shared on what has touched him/her from the talk.

Fr. Florencio “Jun” Acedo in his sharing remarked that each should pray before eating as a way of thanking the grace from God. “…atong puy-an ang ‘momhology’ kon ang paghatag ug dakong bili hangtud sa kinagamyang lugas sa kan-on nga anaa sa imong plato. Sama usab sa Santos nga Misa angayan nga atong andamon ang atong kaugalingon tungod kay sa maong tigum kita dungan nga mangaon sa buhing Pulong ug Presensya sa Dios.”

The afternoon session was again opened with an animation by the SFX Parish Youth followed by a video presentation of the Ponce Family from Argentina. This was followed by the sharing of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Batucan of St. Joseph Parish. Again, a representative of each Parish was made to share his/her insights and reflections on the whole activity.

Delegates led by their parish priests  came from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, La Verna; St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Sasa (Fr. Diony Tabiliran), San Miguel Parish, Panacan (Fr. Jun Gimeno), St. Francis Xavier Parish, Tibungco (Fr. Ben Capulong), St. James The Apostle Parish, Bunawan (Fr. Rommel Banilad), and St.John The Baptist, Lasang (Fr. Pong Cubero).

One of them was nanay Floserpina Butala, 63 years old, a catechist from Inahan sa Kanunay’ng Panabang GKK of the St. James Parish, Bunawan. She confessed that her frequent attendance to the Holy Mass and devotion to the Holy Rosary allow her to feel the loving mercy of God. She prayed for healing between her husband and her eldest son. And it was granted saying, kung ang atong pangamuyo sa Dios kinasingkasing ug walay pagduha duha, iya kining tubagon sa tukmang panahon.” (Vivien Therese L. Bonzon | SFX Parish SoCCom, with report and photos by Jane Imas)