WE GIVE OUR YES!
Parish Launching of the Year of Missio Ad Gentes in the Different Parishes of the Archdiocese of Jaro
17 JANUARY 2021 | The 3rd Sunday of January is yearly dedicated to the Feast of the Santo Niño in the Philippines. A one-of-a-kind celebration manifested through a deep devotion to the Holy Child. It is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations in the Philippines, so popular that the Holy See granted all Filipino Catholics this special permission to celebrate this Feast.
This year’s celebration has become more colorful and festive as loud joyful beats of drums and accompanying dance and songs reigned in every parishes of Jaro as they formally launched the YEAR OF MISSIO AD GENTES which marked the 9th year of our preparation for the Quincentennial Commemoration of Christian Presence in the Country which was first introduced by the Spanish Missionaries in 1521.
Amidst the on-going strife against COVID19 Pandemic, Parishes were able to successfully conduct the Launching Activity which has become more meaningful and heartfelt despite of the health and safety protocols that everyone needs to follow. We might have scattered by the social distancing pact, yet we were united, heart and mind, by our deep sense of faith and trust in God.
The Commission on Liturgy of the Archdiocese prepared a simple Launching Rite and prayer, and were sent to the different parishes of the Archdiocese.
The creativity and artistry of the different ministries and organizations of the parishes prevailed, however the solemnity of the celebration was undiminished.
This simply shows that artistry and faith can always go elbow-to-elbow especially when catholics express their faith and devotion to God.
The Launching of the Year of Missio Ad Gentes is not the end of our 500th Anniversary Celebration rather the dawning of another year of Mission- to the Church, to the community and to our brothers and sisters especially the least, the lost and last, beyond color and race, religion and state. For we are all set for a Mission as we are all GIFTED TO GIVE.
May God be adored and Glorified both now and forever.
