Phil: MARC Christmas Celebration

MARC, THE EVANGELIZERS CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

The season of Advent is an opportunity for us to set up for the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time of festivity, a time of thanksgiving, and a time to share the talents and gifts we receive from God. With this, the Marbel Association of Religious and Clergy (MARC) joyfully celebrated the Christmas Party last November 30, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Polomolok, South Cotabato, with the theme, “Clergy and Religious: The Key to the New Evangelization.”

The occasion began with a prayer led by Sr. Nelly, OP, followed by a warm, welcome message given by the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Fr. Romeo. Thereafter was ‘A Talk Show’ which was facilitated by Fr. Ronald; it was participated by some religious and clergy.

A short introduction by Sr. Io, SMSM, ushered in the election of the new set of MARC Officers for 2018. The officers, elected from the different congregations, are Br. Joe, FMS, Sr. Marieta, CP, Fr. Leo, CP, Sr. Lorlie, AR and two diocesan priests, Fr. Eugene and Fr. Reggie.

During the Holy Eucharist, the homilist (a newly ordained diocesan priest) elaborated on the features of an evangelizer, the importance of personal commitment, and becoming one with Jesus. Moreover, he stressed the aspect of the missionary work of evangelization, and sharing our quality time with others. He concluded thus, “Evangelize others through self, capacity, gift and talent." The oath-taking of the new elected officers was led by Bishop Gutierrez at the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration.

Living by the saying, “All work without play makes Jack a dull boy," the religious and clergy gathered in the covered court for the fun games after lunch. Four different teams randomly grouped from the different congregations and the clergy competed in two different games. The outcomes were as follows: the yellow team won the “Volley-Malong-ball” game while the white team won the “Free throws” game.

Topping it all was the exchanging of gifts.

In conclusion, it was a great day for all religious and clergy who were present at the event. From the look of things, it seemed everyone left the place with a big smile on his or her face, bearing the valuable experience of the day, and not forgetting the mission that was entrusted, “Go. Proclaim the Good News to all nations."

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