More than 1,000 people attended on May 14, 2017, the celebration of the 36th annual feast of Saint Isidore, the Farmer, in Kumalarang, Zamaboanga del Sur. Most Reverend Julius S. Tonel, D.D. was the main presider of the concelebrated Holy Eucharist, together with Rev. Fr. John Karl Cabaluna, SCJ, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ronald Basco, SCJ, assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Franciszek Pupkowski, SCJ regional superior of the congregation (SCJ), Rev. Fr. Donald Longno, SCJ regional councilor of the congregation (SCJ), Rev. Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ regional secretary of the congregation (SCJ), Rev. Fr. Rico Lapinig, SCJ Formator of Aspirants ín Cagayan de Oro City (SCJ), Rev. Fr. Joseph Ryan Sereneo, an assistant parish priest from Kabasalan, Diocese of Ipil and Rev. Arnel Palado, a deacon from the Diocese of Ipil.
During the celebration there were 166 young people who received the sacrament of confirmation. Also, 56 extra ordinary ministers of the Eucharist (Kaabag), 82 Basic Ecclesial Community leaders (Alagad/BEC), 16 family life apostolate (FLA), 62 catechists (katekista), 12 members of the Community Based Health Program (CBHP) and approximately 25 members of Legion of Mary, in the presence of their bishop, renewed their commitment to serve the parish and faithfully take their responsibilities and obligations for the greater glory of God.
The bishop in his homily focused on the second reading from the first letter of St. Peter that says “Beloved: Come to Him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourself be built into a spiritual house to be Holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” He tried to convey a message that our Church (Roman Catholic Church) which was built in the foundation of Christ has been persecuted by many kings and leaders who attempted to put an end of our Church but they were all unsuccessful. Until now our Church continue the mission of Christ for more than 2000 years already, the reason behind is that our Church is indeed build on the foundation of Christ who continue to lead and protect His Church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have to make ourselves part of the flock (Roman Catholic Church) under one shepherd who is Christ himself. The celebration lasted more than one hour and half.
By: Fr. Joseph C. Butlig, SCJ
