SMMR THANKSGIVING MASS!
NAC32 IS COMING
Holiday Season may be farfetched from our mind by this time; however, the hearts of the South Metro Manila Region (SMMR) members has remained focus to Jesus Christ as the intensity builds up in terms of the preparation being done for the BCBP 32nd National Anniversary Celebration (NAC32).
Last January 13, 2012, the SMMR offered a Thanksgiving Mass to all its members to start the New Year right, for the blessings received last year and to express gratitude for the opportunity of hosting the NAC32. This was held at Sanctuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati City officiated by Fr. Francis Gustilo. The homily was centered to the theme of our NAC32 – “Go. . . I am with you” that served as a wake up call to all since the countdown is getting closer to the date of NAC32 which is April 13-14, 2012.
Attended by the chapters – Makati, Alabang (Host), Paranaque, Pasay, Manila and Las Pinas, the Chapter Heads with their sister-wives and other composite committee heads were called for special blessings from Fr. Francis. Unfortunately, the National President, Bro. Manny Jimenez, did not make it to this meeting because he was in Cagayan de Oro City to ensure that our brothers and sisters there have already settled down from the onslaught of the recent typhoon and at the same time to install the new chapter heads for Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.
The simple program prepared after the mass was highlighted by the formal announcement of the official appointment of Bro. Jun Obra as Area Managing Director (AMD) for South Luzon which covers Metro Manila South, Southern Tagalog 1 and 2 regions and Bicol region. With Sis. Mina Obra’s presence and unflinching support, Bro Jun Obra accepted the new post with a solid thought of drawing strength from the Lord and the members with NAC32 serving as bonding catalyst. Concurrent to this, Bro. Jun Obra still holds the chairmanship for the NAC32 to take off this April. The announcement was read by Bro. Joey Avellana In behalf of the National President. Equally important announcement was the appointment of Bro. Serge de la Fuente as Regional Council Director (RCD) for SMMR to steward the six chapters above for the next three years. His acceptance speech, though brief, accentuated his vision stressing the ideal regional bonding of true brotherhood.
The delight for the night was the music provided by the SM6-NAC32 choir – a composite group with members (more than 70) coming from the six chapters of SMMR headed by couple, Bro. Weng and Sis Boots Carballo, of Las Pinas Chapter. The same group will be the one to provide music for the entire NAC32 celebration this coming April. For this gigantic task, the group has been practicing regularly in fervid degree to ensure that a felicitous rendition of songs will add to the unforgettable experience of the members attending this national celebration. Truly, a great sacrifice of time, money and effort that will yield a profound impact to all.
Yes, the SMMR has all the reasons to be thankful for. With all the talent, the people and resources provided by the Lord, NAC32 is now almost coming into its final stage of preparation. Few more loose-ends are being fixed by the various committees and after that everything is expected to be cut-and-dried for motion. Regular registration is still open for those who failed to meet the December, 2011 deadline. Don’t take the last minute chance for there are limited accommodations left after the surge of registrants last December. Countdown is ticking while the headcount is clicking!
Again, the Thanksgiving Mass has served its purpose and its meaning will come into a full-blown reality once the vision of unity and camaraderie reached a higher notch, supporting the NAC 32 theme and great commission, “Go…I
am with you!”