KORONADAL, South Cotabato—The Diocese of Marbel hosted on August 5 what is, by far, the largest gathering to celebrate the Year of the Parish in the Philippines, setting up an avenue for 7,000 people to share and hear about local communities’ journey with families and couples.
“The sharing focused on the mission based on the CRSP [comprehensive, relevant and systematic program on marriage preparation] and pastoral accompaniment of the newlyweds and Christian families, with emphasis on poverty, dysfunctional family and graft and corruption,” said Joel Fr. Aliligay, who, together with the Diocesan Tricom (Liturgy, Christian Formation and Social Action), spearheaded the event.
The priest also hosted a talk-show segment during the program where two family sharers gave personal testimonies.
“[It was] the largest diocesan assembly so far. There were a lot of people that didn’t get to go inside because the venue was already full!” shared Fr. Amado Picardal, one of the main speakers of the event, which gathered members and leaders from 27 parishes comprising five vicariates.
“[The event was] so alive! There were even Lumads, indigenous peoples who attended,” added the Episcopal Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) executive secretary, who gave a talk on “Parish Communities: Agents of Communion, Participation and Mission.”
Held at South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, the event aimed “to increase understanding and appreciation of communion, participation and mission and to strengthen unity among parish communities.”
Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez, DD, presided over the closing Mass with Marbel Vicar General Fr. Romeo Buenaobra as concelebrant. Angel Memorando/CBCPNews