A beautiful and solemn celebration took place today at the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Dinas, ZDS in their 74th Patronal Feast and Solemn Dedication of their church with the theme: “Maampuon nga Katawhan , Sundon ang Tunob ni Kristo Inubanan sa Pangama ni San Isidro” (Prayerful People, Follow the Footsteps of Christ with the Intercession of St. Isidore). A series of activities and novena masses started last May 6 sponsored by the different zones and organizations. It culminated with the solemn Eucharistic Celebration with the Most Rev. Ronald I. Lunas, DD, STL as the main celebrant together with the parish priest, Fr. Ed Daquipil. They were joined by Rev. Fr. Gilbert Lungay, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Hingone, Rev. Fr. Elbin and Rev. Fr. Dodo VIcs and Rev. Tony.
In his homily, Bishop Bong highlighted the value of passing on the love of Christ with others as inspired from the song Pass it On. He stated that the Document Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) expresses the selfless love of God for humankind handed on to us through His Son Jesus. We in turn accept this as a gift and a responsibility. In the same manner, the dedication of the church after 74 years further seals the holiness of the place where we the faithful are reminded of our call to be holy by sharing this love with one another.
Bishop Bong explained the three symbols used in the dedication: Chrism Oil, Incense and Candle. The dedication of the altar with the chrism oil is the principal part of the whole rite. The smoke rising from the incense symbolizes the fragrance of Christ and reminds us in the Church to spread the fragrance of His love with others. Lastly, the candles lighted on the altar and around the church pillars express the light of God calling us also to be light to others amidst the darkness in the world.
Grateful to the seminarians from the St. Mary’s Theologate, the SILP Music Ministry, the Parish Pastoral Council, Mother Butler, Zone leaders and Alagads and to all the parishioners who actively participated in making the Feast of San Isidro a joyful and grace-filled community celebration.
