Altar Servers from Davao gathered to celebrate this year’s annual convention

More than two thousand altar servers from the Archdiocese of Davao gathered last February 16, 2019 to celebrate the Annual Altar Servers’ convention with the theme, “Altar Servers: Kabatan-onan Magpadayon sa Gugma ug Misyon sa Simbahan”. This special event was held at the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary.

“Kamong mga Altar Servers ang mudasig, pinaagi sa grasya Dios, sa atong mga kabatan-onan sa pagserbisyo diha sa simbahan,” said Fr. Orly in his Homily during the Holy Mass, which opened the whole day activity. After which, the input, given by Rev. Fr. Arnold Balaquinto, followed. At around 10:45-11:30 am, was the “sharing” facilitated by the XACOSE seminarians, then was the lunch and the socio-cultural program highlighted by the Altar Servers’ Got Talent, wherein every vicariate, school and congregation showcased their talents to the community. Finally, the event was concluded with the sports activities and, at the same time, the quiz bowl, held at the XACOSE Main Study Hall, participated in by the representatives of every community.

The chosen theme for this annual event was presented by the San Pedro vicariate, while the Ascension of the Lord Parish was declared as winner for the logo making contest. The winner for essay writing contest was altar server from Sto. Rosario Parish while the Mother of Perpetual Help Parish was the champion for the quiz bowl.

In this year’s convention, Fr. Arnold Balaquinto expressed that the youth, specifically the Altar Servers, are encouraged to find its root in that genuine joy of serving the Lord, so that soon they will become instruments of God in the mission of the Church. “Our service of the Church is the preparation for us to become true children of God,” as stated by Fr. Arnold. The president of the Davao Seminarians, Gerald Carl Lozada, remarked that, “I feel so blessed and thankful, even though the weather was not good but God is still so good because He made the celebration very meaningful to everyone. All our efforts are truly worth it. For the Lord!” (Sem. Charles P. Gonzales | Photos by XACOSE Seminarians)