Palayan City, Philippines. On the third day of the Mission Encounter, May 9, 2024, the participants continued with the group sharing and plenary session that had begun the previous day. Lay collaborators from different sectors honestly expressed their positive and negative observations about the mission and their hopes, dreams, aspirations, commitment, and dedication.
The hall fell silent each time a group shared their responses. Fr. Larry Miranda, CMF, asserted that the Holy Spirit seemed to be at work among the participants and in the encounter. Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF, added that the quietness in the hall indicated that their hearts were being stirred, which was a positive sign as it could lead to something new.
“It is good that from time to time we are disturbed [by the Lord].” – Fr. Vic
The plenary continued until lunchtime.
In the afternoon, Ms. Agie Inocencio and Ms. Sol Alano eased the tension in the hall by addressing everyone’s feelings and asking them to share their thoughts about what they had heard. Even the missionaries were asked to express their emotions and discuss the implications of what they had heard from their mission partners.
The day’s discussions highlighted the beautiful interconnectedness and mutual impact of all the mission posts in the Province of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo. An urban parish recognized the struggles of rural parishes with their projects and day-to-day life and expressed their desire to be supportive. In turn, the rural parishes expressed hope for assistance from the urban parishes. The missionaries gained insight into the overall health of the Province and the numerous challenges that lie ahead.
Indeed, it is necessary for the Lord to disturb us occasionally, shaking us from our familiar, stagnant, or routine day-to-day life in the mission, as it is during these disturbances that new life and new beginnings emerge.
After all the day’s sessions facilitated by Brother Joseph Villarin, CMF, and Father Larry Miranda, CMF, the latter summarized the objectives, procedures, and all that had transpired during the encounter. He also thanked all the sponsors, the Governor, and the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija, Fr. Arnold Abelardo, CMF, and his staff at Ako Ang Saklay Inc., the Provincial Government of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, all those who participated and implicated from the organizing to the execution of everything. Then, some of the Claret School of Quezon City participants and the Provincial Procure said their goodbyes after the group picture was taken.
During the extended break, some participants enjoyed swimming in the resort pool, while others maintained their daily exercise routines before getting ready for the semi-closing Mass. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Ralden Mercadejas, CMF, with all the priests in attendance concelebrating. Fr. Arnold Abelardo, CMF, delivered a homily during the Mass, focusing on Ako Ang Saklay’s shared mission and goals. Following the Mass, Fr. Larry Miranda, CMF, along with Frs. Amador Tumbaga and Elias Ayuban Jr., CMFF, presented participation certificates to everyone, and another group photo was taken.
The third day concluded with the screening of “Claret,” a film depicting the life of St. Anthony Mary Claret, shown in theaters across Europe and the Americas.
