Novaliches prelate tells community: Seek joy in the Lord as the poor do
Date Posted: October 25, 2023 at 01:28 PM
Vincentian charism was the main point in the message delivered by Most Rev. Roberto O. Gaa, D.D. Bishop of Novaliches during the celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Vincent de Paul held last September 27 at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Miraculous Medal – San Vicente de Paul Parish.
Bp. Gaa highlighted two parishes handled by the Congregation of the Mission and related each’s relationship with the other, citing the assistance provided by the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul Parish to the programs being done at the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas.
“Kilala po ang mga Vincentians sa kanilang apostolate programs, yung pakikitungo nila sa mga nangangailan... nakakatuwa po kasi makikita ang pagpupursigi [nila] , parang sa isang banda, makikita mo na nais makatulong ng mga taga-Tandang Sora,” he said, alluding to the programs of the Santuario for Lupang Pangako.
One of the more well-known programs is Project SOW (Solidarity for Orphans and Widows), which gives support for the bereaved families of vicitms of extra-judicial killings.
“[M]apapansin mo naman sa mga taga-Payatas yung kapayakan ng kanilang kanilang pananampalataya. They are very grateful for the little help they receive mula sa Tandang Sora,” Bp. Gaa said, emphasizing the simplicity and heartfelt appreciation of the Lupang Pangako parishioners.
“[Mula dito], oo tumutulong ang mga taga-Tandang Sora sa mga taga-Payatas pero parang lumalabas ang tunay na nagtuturo ay iyong mga taga-Payatas dahil sa kapayakan ng kanilang pananampalataya, ng kanilang pangangailanga, ng kanilang pagtitiwala sa Diyos; sila ang nagtuturo pa sa mga taga-Tandang Sora.,” he furthered.
The former rector of the Holy Apostle Seminary in Makati then proceeded to underscore that such kind of joy, which Saint Vincent and the Vincentians also found in the poor, cannot be bought or created regardless of its meekness, because it is something that emanates from the grace of God.
“Madalas sa buhay natin, marami tayong hinahanap na bunga ng materyal na pangangailangan but let those who are poor materially teach us to trust in the Lord. Magtiwala sa Panginoon at doon sa pagtitiwalang iyon natin matatagpuan ang tunay na galak.”