Fr. Toto turns 60

Rev. Fr. Leonie H. Espana, DCD, Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Davao and Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (OLLP) in Bangkal celebrated his 60th birthday last May 18.

This is his first birthday celebration in OLLP after he assumed officeas Parish Priest last June 1.

The plan relative to the celebration was initially presented by Sis. Alice Acebedo, Service Ministry Coordinator before the members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) on the 184th PPC meeting last April 7. The details were finalized on May 5, during the PPC meeting.

As agreed for implementation, breakfast will be served at the Rectory for all Servant Leaders after the 6:00 a.m. mass, while dinner will be prepared for the clergy, and for the celebrator’s relatives and friends. Servant Leaders who opted to come in the evening were welcomed.

“I am deeply in love with Jesus, and I love what I am doing, discharging the mission that God has entrusted to me, the reason why I don’t look like my age,” Fr. Toto shared the secret of staying young.

Sis. Elizabeth Sacco, Coordinator of Lay Organization Movement and Apostolate (LOMA) in an ambush interview said, “As our Parish Priest, I can say that Rev. Fr. Espana, is really a good shepherd to his flock. He wants everything done in his watch. He is strict at first glance but when you talk to him, he is soft-spoken.”

“He accomplished major concerns in our parish in less than a year. The support he gave to the leaders just like how a father to his children, is satisfactory that it should commensurate his goodness by doing our tasks well in our respective ministries.”

Another church leader also expressed his gratitude to Fr. Toto.

“May God continue to strengthen Fr. Toto and his leadership. I thank him for being our shepherd, for bringing out the best in us setting an example of living out the message of love, prosperity and righteousness. As he celebrates his 60th birthday, may God’s blessings, grace, favor and guidance continue to be with him,” Nestor D. Fruto, Lay Coordinator, OLLP Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), said.

Happy Birthday Dre! From your OLLP Family. (Vinny G. Bajo | OLLP SoCCom)