As many people feel excited when approaching their 60th year of age, anticipating newfound freebies, discounts and privileges intended for the senior citizens, the community of Saint Michael Chapel in Vergonville Subdivision in Las Piñas City likewise shared a similar feeling of anticipation as its 60th anniversary approached.
The weeks leading to September 29, the Feast of Archangels and the 60th year of the chapel, have witnessed a whirlwind of activities—from selling souvenir items for fundraising, to providing service or catechism, to managing a thriving community.
Although the faithful were still in the middle of a pandemic, fully aware of lost jobs and opportunities, getting separated from schoolmates and colleagues, even losing loved ones, there were still so much to be thankful for and thinking positively toward the future.
The newly appointed Chapel Pastoral Council members, headed by Bernadette Javier Ongkingco, were on their toes providing the needed guidance to the projects supervised by the the Society of African Missions clergy, Parish Priest Fr. Wilmer S. Cacao, and Supervising Priest Fr. Jerson Pineda.
Guest priests from other parishes presided over the Novena Masses at the chapel. Ministers from nearby chapels also participated in liturgical services at Saint Michael Chapel.
The culminating Mass held September 25, a Pontifical Mass for the fiesta proper on September 29, was officiated by no less than Manila Archbishop Jose Fuerte Cardinal Advincula, and concelebrated with priests in the parish.
With the theme “Go Forth for God’s Glory,” coined by Sis. Alilee Minardo, with the word Go imitating the digits of the 60th anniversary, the community prepared for the celebration attributing to God all the glory and honour He deserves.
Two memorable outreach projects in the fiesta were the feeding of indigent children ages 10 years and below, titled, “Handog ni San Miguel sa Kabataan: Katekismo at Kasayahan,” and distributing grocery items aptly labelled “Senior Moments” to senior citizens.
Both projects were enhanced by catechetical refresher lessons from Lenette Regalado and Natie Jimenez, with Sis. Melin Molinos, the Simbahang Kapitbahayan-Basic Ecclesial Communities.
Teena Montevirgen led a photo/memorabilia exhibit of past activities and projects, upholding church workers, priests and ministries, who served the community for years was led by.
Sixty years is a milestone to be proud of as Saint Michael Chapel is considered the oldest chapel in Las Piñas City; it is even older than its church counterparts. But six decades is all the more cherished by the love, cooperation and sacrifice from its members, which is hoped to sustain for many years to come.