We thank our Almighty God for the Christmas gathering last December 4, 2014 of the Order of Franciscan Seculars (OFS) and Lectors and Commentators (Lecom) Ministry. God’s Hand made it happen … for a purpose … and for a reason. The last minute changes of schedule beyond anyone’s control marked the entry of a new beginning … joining the living stones of the Church to put their resources together … paving the way to share and give … more love … peace … joy … and generosity … to our Franciscan circle of friends and brothers in Christ … our Franciscan Friars and the Our Lady of the Angels Seminarians that made the Christmas celebration a wonderful and joyful experience…
The Christmas celebration started with Spiritual thanksgiving: … praying the Franciscan Crown Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours and the joint celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr. Tasang Obico, OFM, SSAP Guardian and OFS Spiritual Assistant, and Fr. Jesus Galindo, OFM, MMC Chaplain & Lecom Spiritual Adviser.
The whole evening was filled with energetic pace of parlor games, carolling, eating, dancing and gift giving. The Secular Franciscans and Lectors were happy to have the OLAS Seminarians in full force, together with the Postulants, Student Friars, and OLAS Franciscan Friar Heads: Fr. Cris Pine, Fr. Ireneo Tactac, III and Fr. Mark Adam. We were happy to have the presence of SSAP Parish Priest and Pastoral Team: Fr. Reu Galoy, Fr. Tasang, Fr. Jesus Galindo, and Fr. Serge Santos and other priests and our Parish Pastoral Council Officers Jayme Blanco, President and Edmund Lim, Vice President. Most especially, we were happy to watch Fr. Tasang join the OFS dance number and for being our Santa Claus for the night.
On a similar note, the Secular Franciscans gathered to celebrate Christmas with the friends of St. Francis in the St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & Spirituality Center, December 12, 2014. It was good to let our friends experience God’s love through us … loving them.
Our group of friends composed of young families living in West Rembo and surrounding communities started their program understanding God’s Word in their life and with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the La Ermita de San Nicolas de Tolentino with Fr. Tasang Obico, OFM presiding. Then after, they started the program prepared for us revealing their singing and dancing skills with gusto … combined with games and gift giving.
We would like to thank the following for making these special Christmas gatherings possible: Unilever Philippines, Sisters Nenette Jalandoni, Loretta Galang, Cecile Tan Teng, Dee Jalandoni Chan, Ria Vergara, Uwa Tambunting, Carms Mantecon, Baby Barba, Fely Dingle, the Lectors and Commentators and the Secular Franciscans.
Indeed … the joy of Christmas is being together and working together … with Jesus…
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 