A Day of Thanksgiving and Celebration

Last March 24, 2010 we celebrated the 39th birthday of Fr. Tex V. Buntol, M.I.  At his thanksgiving Mass at 12:15 noon at the Divine Healer Chapel, he expressed his gratitude to all the people who have journeyed with him and helped him reach this far in his life. Above all he offered thanks to God for all those years which added color to his life and ministry. Many friends and Mass-goers greeted him after the Mass.

The chapel volunteers organized a simple pot-luck dinner for him at Vamos Grill and Restaurant. Thanks to the owner who offered the venue for free.  Fr. Tex was greeted with a birthday serenade upon his arrival at the venue. He never expected such a celebration for he intended his birthday to be just an ordinary day. He was really surprised by the gathering and we were all happy to see that he enjoyed the night. “This time you are successful in surprising me,” Fr. Tex told those present.  A short program was prepared by the Divine Healer Choir.  Fr. Wilson, MI said the prayers, too.

To you, Fr. Tex, our wishes of God’s blessings of good health, a peaceful spirit and a happy heart.

Holy Week Celebration in SPMC: A Journey of Faith

The Mass goers of the Chapel of the Divine Healer joined the whole Catholic Church in the observance of the Holy Week.  The various religious activities were meaningfully celebrated, spearheaded by the Chaplaincy Office and supported by the Divine Healer Choir, Eucharistic Lay Ministers, Miraculous Medal Community, Camillian Family of Davao, Inc. and some chapel volunteers.

Palm Sunday signaled the start of the weeklong celebration.  The blessing of the palms was done before the celebration of the two Holy Masses.

The Holy Chrism Mass, held at the San Pedro Cathedral in the morning of Holy Thursday, was presided over by the Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Fernando R. Capalla, DD.  It was attended by the diocesan and religious clergy of Davao, sisters’ congregations and the laity. Fr. Tex and Fr. Wilson represented the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm. Mgsr. Capalla, in his homily, encouraged all the people to pray for priests that they may become symbols not just signs of God’s presence and love for His people and that the people may experience Jesus Christ in them, before, during and after the Holy Mass which is part of the essence of priesthood.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated at the chapel, with Fr. Tex as presider and Fr. Wilson as homilist.  Fr. Wilson reminded the congregation that the Eucharist we celebrate today manifests Jesus’ saving power in our presence. We are all priests by virtue of our baptism. There was also the reenactment of the washing of the feet and the adoration at the Altar of Repose until midnight.

On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross at the hospital compound started at 3:00 pm. followed by the Veneration of the Cross in the chapel. A good number of devotees participated in it.

Every Friday during the Lenten season, there was also the Way of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel.

The Easter Vigil Mass which began at 7:00 PM included the blessing of fire and water and the renewal of baptismal vows. Fr. Tex sang the Exultet to the delight of people. In his homily, he shared his wish: that all present will develop that bonding as a community of the faithful because through Jesus Christian communities were formed. Thus, through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, that bonding must also be extended and deepened.

Two Masses were celebrated on Easter Sunday.  After the Masses, the Divine Healer Choir distributed Easter eggs to the mass-goers.  With some volunteers, they also distributed Easter eggs in the different wards of the hospital as they gladly sang Easter songs. Smiles were seen among the patients, watchers and even the staff as they received the Easter eggs. It somehow reminded them that it was Easter Sunday. A new life with Christ has begun!

Indeed Jesus is risen! May we always remember the message of His Passion, Death and Resurrection and continue to share it with everyone as we move on in our life journey. To God always be the praise and glory. Happy Easter to everyone!