San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish at Pleasant Hill Subdivision, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Bulacan 3023 PH - "God Is With Us"
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"God Is With Us"
Feast of the Epiphany January 02, 2005 |
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The year 2004 has brought to our lives unimaginable trials. As individuals and as families and societies, we went through crisis after crisis. The most compelling and unparalleled in modern history struck our unprepared brethren in Southern Asia just as the year was about to close. Over 140,000 people died and the number continues to rise. Millions were left homeless and devastated by the giant, killer waves that happened too fast. In the face of this monumental tragedy, disturbing questions may lurk in the minds of those who were put to the ultimate test: “Is God really with us?” “Where is Emmanuel?”
Let me shed light to this by sharing with you a letter of gratitude from Bishop Rolando Tirona, former Bishop of Malolos and currently the Bishop of Infanta, Quezon where thousands likewise perished recently due to flash floods and landslides. Thus, he began:
Dear Fr. Ladra and San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish,
In a few days, we shall be celebrating the Solemn Feast of the Lord’s Nativity. It’s Christmas once again! For us in the Prelature of Infanta, which was hardest hit by the recent flash flood tragedy, Christmas must go on. It must be solemnly celebrated. As we carry the heavy load of pain and suffering at this time, we are consoled and strengthened by the generous hearts and hands ready to help us during our immediate and urgent needs. During those moments of urgency YOU WERE THERE TO HELP US! In behalf of the Prelature of Infanta/Aurora, I convey my sincerest gratitude for your kindness, assistance both material and for our funds, concern and prayers. We are strengthened that you are still with us as we continue to help rehabilitate and rebuild people’s lives and families. We think of how the Holy Family experienced suffering and uncertainty as well. Like Mother Mary and St. Joseph, we hold on to our faith that God is with us. Emmanuel is the cry of our hearts; the song of our lips. God is with us in the Child Jesus!
Thank you again, and may God bless you and your loved ones in the way He alone knows best!
Sincerely in Jesus,
Bishop Rolando Tirona
My dear brothers and sisters, God is always with us. He is with us in our joys and jubilation; in our loneliness and emptiness; in our pain and suffering. More importantly, God is with us in our show of unity, sympathy and solidarity with those who grieve as we help them pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and try to put back once more, smile of hope and glimpse of faith in their heavily burdened souls.
May the Star of Bethlehem be our guide in our quest to find the Child Jesus, the Emmanuel, in our midst and deep in our hearts!
A BRIGHT, PEACEFUL AND GRACE-FILLED 2005 TO ALL!
Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra
Parish Priest