OMPH Tree Of Hope

Give love on Christmas day! A common song you hear on the radio and from the children carolers. But how do we translate that love into the present scenario?

For several years now the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Bajada has put into action the challenge to give love on Christmas by having the “Tree of Hope” project where Christmas decors are attached with names of indigent beneficiaries already identified by the GKK Servant Leaders (GSL) in their respective GKK’s. The Parishioners who wish to give gifts will put that décor into the tree of hope, thus the tree of hope becomes full of decorations bearing the names of beneficiaries. What a sight to behold!

This year a total of One Thousand Five Hundred (1,500) indigent families received gifts from our parishioners, fifty-three percent (53%) more than the listed beneficiaries of 800 families. It was a pleasant surprise to know that the gift-giving practice is already a part of the December activities of the parishioners. There was a reduction in the number of beneficiaries from 50 to 25 per GKK because of the current economic conditions brought about by the war between Russia and Ukraine with the increase in fuels and oil prices as the result. However, the turnover was beyond expectation and for that the parish priest, Fr. Cris Mostajo CSsR is so thankful to everyone who made sure that 1500 families did not have just the usual “pansit” on their table but rather spaghetti or macaroni and some ham.

Indeed the happiness felt would be because of the realization that someone cares, someone shares, someone loves them. It’s finding heaven on earth. To the generous givers, the happiness may be overflowing because the Christmas giving activity is materialized. The knowledge that you had given something to certain families composed of either senior mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts or uncles, or unemployed sickly brothers and sisters would surely make your Christmas celebrations a memorable experience. If only we can see the smiles and laughter on them but then the recipient can only say “God bless you more for your generosity” because part of the challenge is to remain anonymous. Let God who sees you do your good works reward you for the whole year through.

Thank you to the GKK leaders who made sure of the identification, and reassessment of valid beneficiaries, who took the gifts from the parish, and did the distribution. It’s a tough job but the Lord sustains those who never forget to seek for His help and comfort.

Next year we are inviting you to come and visit the parish and get a name for you to send your gifts so you too can sing “Give Love on Christmas day with a deeper meaning. Merry Christmas everyone! Shalom! (Marieta Comighud | GKK SoCCom)