May has always been the most joyful and
the most beautiful month in summer as it is the month dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary. Across the country, there were different festivities and
celebrations to show our love and respect of the Blessed Mother.
Our parish, Mary Mirror of Justice
has its own celebration of the Marian month. To honor her virginal virtues, every
day there was an offering of flowers to the statue of the Blessed Mother, the
custom of which is called “Alay sa Birhen”. To make it more special, the alay was accompanied with the singing of
the choir of hymns honoring the Virgin Mary.
As a culminating activity, the parish
conducted a “Grand Alay” last May 27.
The activity was spearheaded by Bro. Lorence Benitez, PPC Auditor and Sis. Jing
Bonifacio, Parish Education Commissioner, together with the BEC Coordinators,
Catechetical Ministry and Legion of Mary. Children (from different zones in the
barangay) who faithfully attended the catechesis and the flower offering everyday
May attended the activity.
To start the program, the opening prayer
was led by Sis. Jing and the Opening Remarks was given by our parish priest,
Rev. Fr. John G. Barro. Then followed the different presentations from the
children in each BEC mission area and a simple game that tested how much the
children have learned from the catechesis. The last part of the program was the
awarding of special prizes such as Best in Attendance, Best in Rosary and Most
Behave to chosen children from each BEC. Closing prayer and the blessing of food
was led by Sis. Cathy Gabiola, one of the parish’s full-time catechists. After
the program, children enjoyed the simple gifts and merienda prepared for them by the Education Commission.
Masters of ceremony were Sis. Joyce
Bongkingki and Bro. Eman Iglea, both members of LOM.
Good job
MMJP! We know we made it all for Mama Mary!
