Mati Diocese 31st Anniversary and Launching of Year of Family & Eucharist

Mati Diocese 31st Anniversary and Launching of Year of Family & Eucharist
A memorable celebration for the Diocese of Mati before the end of Calendar Year 2015 was the 31st anniversary of the diocese on December 14, 2015, at the same time the occasion for the launching of the Year of the Family and the Eucharist. The 9:00 AM Eucharistic Celebration at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral was presided by Bishop Emeritus Patricio H. Alo, D.D., with Apostolic Administrator Fr. Edito S. Bano as homilist. At 11:30AM, a fellowship lunch was tendered by the Diocese for all the priests, religious, guests, parish delegates, and other visitors at the Clergy House Covered Court. Sports followed at 1:30 PM for basketball and lawn tennis enthusiasts. The Catholic media (DXHM/DXDV and TCTV) covered the celebration on air and reported various activities and fund-raising events conducted by various parishes.

ARDM Christmas Gathering and Launching of the Year of Mercy
The Association of Religious in the Diocese of Mati (ARDM) held a general assembly and its Christmas Gathering with the Clergy on December 13, 1:00-10:00 PM at the Cathedral View Deck, San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral Parish, Mati City. ARDM Chairperson Sr. Evangeline A. Madayag, OSB led the assembly that presented an updating of membership, with reports submitted by each congregation mentioning their respective highlights of activities for the year 2015. According to Sr. Evangeline, the reports will be the basis of her general report to the Association of Major Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) to which ARDM is affiliated. Election of new officers and turn-over of responsibilities also took place. Then the group practiced for the Christmas Presentation in the evening, to take place after the 5:30PM Mass at the Cathedral. The said Eucharistic Celebration presided by Bishop Emeritus Patricio H. Alo, D.D. was preceded by the solemn rite launching the Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, including the opening of the Door of Mercy led by Apostolic Administrator Fr. Edito “Ed” S. Bano. The Christmas Party of the Clergy and Religious was remarkably ‘lots of fun’, with a surprise highlight of Yugyugan King Fr. Ed backed up by the dancing priests and volunteer sisters and religious brothers.