Bangui, Ilocos Norte (SLDP) - The Parish Community of St. Lawrence the Deacon in Bangui, Ilocos Norte celebrated the Feast of the local Church's Patron Saint from August 10 to 11, 2024, with organized activities.

--- DAY 1: FIESTA DAY PROPER CELEBRATION ---

At the opening of the Patron Saint's Feast Day, August 10 (Saturday), which was the culmination of the Novena of preparation for the Feast, the Veneration of the Relics took place, with Fr. Paulo Sambile, RCJ as the Presider. Afterwards, the Parish Community gathered together for the Fiesta Mass presided over by the Bishop of Laoag, the Most Rev. Renato Mayugba, D.D. and concelebrated by the priests from the Diocese, and some of the Rogationist Confreres. The Sisters from the Daughters of Divine Zeal also came over to celebrate with the Parish Community.

In his homily, Bishop Mayugba navigated on the importance of the functions of the members of the Church, especially the hierarchy, in order to understand the work carried by St. Lawrence the Deacon. He went on to highlight some of the Christian values upheld by the Saint - his being trusted steward and administrator of the finances of the early Church, his closeness and zealous service to the poor, his loyalty and obedience to the Pope - the Successor of Peter, and his courage in proposing to the Roman emperor the "true" living treasures of the Church, who are the poor, the sick, the widow, and the helpless. The Bishop, then, encouraged all Parishes to form their respective Parish Stewardship Teams, taking up St. Lawrence as their Patron Saint. Finally, he turned his attention to the candidates of confirmation and invited, as well, the faithful to look at St. Lawrence the Deacon as a model of true witnessing of Christ's truth in a world that is full of unbelief.

The Eucharistic Celebration continued with the Rite of Confirmation of more than 20 young people from the Parish, who underwent series of catechetical instruction. They are a good mix of high school and college students. Then, the usual flow of the liturgy of the Mass followed, from the Offertory to the Holy Communion.

Before the Holy Mass concluded, the General Treasurer, Fr. Brizio Greco, RCJ, presented the icon of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia, Patron of Vocations, as the gift of the General Superior, Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, RCJ, acknowledging the Bishop's generosity in welcoming the Rogationists to be involved in the pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Laoag, especially the cultivation of the culture of vocations. In turn, the Bishop also thanked the Rogationists for their invaluable presence, and asked their continued support so that there may be more holy vocations in the same Diocese.

Eventually, the Parish Priest, Fr. Henry Ramos, RCJ gave also his gratitude for the presence of the Bishop, also to the Provincial Superior, Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, together with the General Treasurer, Fr. Brizio Greco, RCJ, who represented the General Superior, Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, RCJ. He extended the gratitude to the faithful who worked together for a meaningful and beautiful preparation and celebration of the Patron of the town of Bangui.
Fr. Ramos also took the opportunity to introduce Fr. John Francis Aberion, RCJ, who hailed from Lagangilang, Abra, as the new priest of the Religious and Parish Community, who arrived a few days ago. He joins Fr. Henry Ramos, RCJ and Fr. Paulo Sambile, RCJ as the community of priests, beginning the Formation Year 2024-2025.

Finally, Fr. Ramos also facilitated the transition of the former Hermano Mayor 2023, Mr. Ireneo Antolin, to the new Hermana Mayor, Mrs. Catalina Delos Reyes and Family. On the latter's behalf, Mrs. Helen Trinidad, the family's representative, received the standard-banner of St. Lawrence the Deacon. Mr. Glenville Ramos, the Parish Pastoral Council President, also acknowledged the ministries and members of the Parish Councils.
After the Holy Mass, a simple lunch was prepared for the guests, who also enjoyed the company of each other, in the festive spirit, with the assured presence of the Saint.
In the afternoon, a Palarong Pinoy was organized and enjoyed by the people, both the young and the elderly of the community. Dinner was served in between, as the last game, the Bingo Bonanza was also enjoyed by the participants.

--- DAY 2: POST-FIESTA CELEBRATION ---

The Post-Fiesta Celebration began with the concelebrated Mass at the St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia Church in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte. The Provincial Superior, Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, together with the General Treasurer, Fr. Brizio Greco, RCJ, the Parish Priest, Fr. Henry Ramos, RCJ, together with the assistants Fr. Paulo Sambile, RCJ and Fr. John Francis Aberion, RCJ as concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr. Cajigal highlighted the importance of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, concretized by the Eucharist, which binds together the faithful and disciples of Jesus, as Jesus gives himself to us for our salvation. He also encouraged the faithful present to keep on welcoming Jesus in their lives, as Jesus gives himself to all. He also assured the presence of the Rogationists in the community, as it continues to grow.

After the usual liturgical celebration that followed, the Parish Priest of St. Lawrence the Deacon, Fr. Henry Ramos, RCJ, thanked Fr. Orville Cajigal and Fr. Brizio Greco for their precious presence. He also interpreted the message of Fr. Greco who, thereafter, gave an inspiring remark on the value of the presence that the Rogationists can continue offering and assuring the people, especially the work on praying for the increase of vocations, through the intercession of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia. Fr. Greco, then, received the token from the faithful of Dumalneg for Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, RCJ, General Superior, in the latter's absence.
Fr. Ramos, then finally, introduced Fr. John Francis Aberion, RCJ as the new member of the Parish Community, and thus joining the community of the priests assigned in St. Lawrence the Deacon Parish in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

After the Holy Mass, a simple program, beginning with the cultural dance from the locals of Dumalneg, particularly from the Isneg tribe, and concluded with the merienda-snacks for everyone who participated in the Holy Mass. Eventually, Fr. Aberion went back to Bangui Church to preside over the 8:30AM Holy Mass.

Towards lunchtime, Fr. Paulo Sambile, RCJ presided the transfer of the standard of St. Lawrence the Deacon to the residence of Mrs. Delos Reyes, the new Hermana Mayor, for the year 2024. Lunch was also offered to the participants.

Viva San Lorenzo!
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Send O Lord, Holy Apostles into your church!