Last August 22, 2008, the Sto. Rosario Parish where I serve celebrated its Jubilee Anniversary. It was a simple occasion of Nine-day novena masses, outreach program for the indigents, food for the parish workers and clergy and a few other activities. It culminated with no less than a high mass and the opening of the newly renovated church facade.
At first, I never even felt the significance of the occasion because it was some usual things people would do in any other occasion. I saw people greeting gleefully with each other after the mass and wondered why they could be so happy with the "75th" anniversary of their parish. I said to myself " God, are people simply in want of some occasion of gathering, food, and activities? "
A few moments later, while I mingled with the laymen still unsure of the supposed meaning, a flash of thought suddenly entered my mind as if telling me what it's all about.
The celebration supposedly speaks of the unwavering faith of the people in their church, that, through generations have withstood the test of time. In fact, starting as a small chapel for worship in its infancy, it has now grown to a prominent landmark in downtown area where people from all walks of life drop by anytime of the day to take refuge in their faith. Indeed, the Sto. Rosario Parish Church in Cebu deserved the grand recognition for serving as shelter of refuge and worship for the city's christendom for generations now! - I felt guilt and shame over my attitude that for the length of time that the celebration had been much awaited by the people I had been nonchalant, though I was half cooperative. I realized, it only happened once in my lifetime.
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