Bishop calls Altar Servers to holiness

DAVAO CITY — Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando calls Altar Servers to live a holy life together with their Parish Priests during his homily at the annual Altar Servers Convention last Feb. 17, held at St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, Seminary Rd, Catalunan Grande.

In line with its theme: “Altar Servers nagkahiusa sa mga kaparian ngadto sa pagkabalaan,” Bishop Rimando reminded everyone that we should be into living a life that is holy.

“Kitang tanan ani, dili lang ni para sa kaparian, kamadrehan mga relihiyoso ang pagtubag sa tawag sa pagkabalaan. Mao manay gisulti sa Vatican II naay usa diha ka chapter na naghisgot gyud na kita lawas ni Kristo, gitawag sa pagkabalaan,” he said.

“Unya nindot kaayo sa ebanghelyo (kay) si Levi, gitawag ni Kristo. Kitang tanan gitawag na sumusunod ni Kristo. Naa lay mga madre, kaparian, doctor, engineer o unsa pa diha mao na ilang agianan sa pagtubag sa tawag sa pagkabalaan,” he added.

He also discussed that while being prayerful is a manifestation of living a holy life, he stressed that it doesn’t just end there.

Bp. Rimando explained that the highest act of holiness is when we are responding to the call of God in our lives which is to offer our lives to Him, to love Him and to love His people as we love ourselves.

He also urged the Altar Servers to be more loving, caring and respectful to their fellow servers and that they should start their works of holiness together with their Parish Priests.

“Unya unsa man ang basehan ana? Ayaw kalimti ang atong bunyag. Wa patay buot ato kay mga babies paman ta, pero kung magtan-aw ta adunay tay ginikanan, mga ninong ug ninang na nagbarog para sa imohang ngalan. Unya magdako diay ta, mag altar servers nata, magkapersonal nata na pagbugkos sa atong kaugalingon – atong commitment. Kanang atong mission diay sa pag-alagad,” as he explained the role of baptism as the basis of service and holiness.

He pointed out that as Altar Servers they become Light Bringers to this dark world and that they automatically become role models and he also acknowledged the role of Altar Servers as to how a society is being molded.

“Kamo diay ang gitawag na kahayag sa kangit-ngit sa atong palibot, kamo ang kahayag sa mga (kabatan-onan) diha sa inyong ka edad,” he explained.

He made it clear that as Altar Servers their main ministry is to extend the Kingdom of God not only to their respective families but also to those who are in their reach.

On his last statement, Bp. Rimando left a real life story of a starving kid who willingly choose to feed his mother instead of his self. “Ako ning dad-on sa akong mama,” as he recalled the words of the kid.

He ended with a statement that says, “Usa ni kapaagi sa pagkabalaan kanang mugawas ta sa atong kaugalingon alang sa kaayuhan ug pag-alagad sa uban.” This implies that one of the best way to successfully practice living a holy life is to think more of the welfare of others rather than ourselves. (Aj Cyril Chaves)