San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish at Pleasant Hill Subdivision, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Bulacan 3023 PH - "Happy First Parish Anniversary !"
|
"Happy First Parish Anniversary !"
First Anniversary of Canonical Establishment of the Parish of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila March 14, 2005 |
 |
| San Lorenzo Ruiz and his companion martyrs' intricately carved images on the main door of the church. |
Looking back to our first one year as a parish, I couldn’t deny the fact that it wasn’t at all easy. Like small children learning how to walk – we faltered in our first few steps and stumbled many times along the way. But like the brave, undisturbed, little kids, we have always managed somehow to rise and pretty soon we were up and running like excited, unstoppable toddlers.
Pardon my analogy, but I reckon many of us felt the same way. We are still “infants” in so many ways with regards our faith. But thanks to our Heavenly Father and our Holy Mother Mary for their vigilance in guiding us – restoring our confidence when we tripped, fell and when we almost gave up trying. In any case, nobody said that following the footsteps of the Master requires no sacrifices at all.
Today, as we celebrate the First Canonical Establishment Anniversary of our parish, we are reminded to look back at what transpired during Year One and we get a glimpse of hope – especially for the impoverished members of our community through the establishment of San Lorenzo Ruiz Charity Inc. (SLRCI), the social welfare arm of our parish. May we all be united in pursuing the goals and objectives of this charity foundation – for it is a concrete manifestation of what we truly believe in and what the Lord commanded all of us: “Whatever you do to the least of My brothers, that you do unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Let us now move a little farther ahead and take bolder steps. Hand in hand, we clasp the holy rosaries for our weapons; don the Word of God as armours; partake the Holy Eucharist for our strength and shield. In no time, the enemies of faith will certainly face defeat and difficulties will dissipate in God’s mercy and in His own time.
Let me thank you again for your relentless support for the church and all its programs. God’s unfathomable mercy and generosity will reward you for everything even for the little unknown services you may have rendered for His glory. In your smallness and nothingness, God is glorified more and more. May you continue to love and serve our parish as Christ has treasured, loved and died for His Church!
May God bless you and all your loved ones now and always! May San Lorenzo's example of steadfast faith continue to live in our hearts and grow deeper each year! Once again, Happy First Parish Anniversary to all!
Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra
Parish Priest