Post Reflection on the Feast of St. Therese - STP News - Santa Teresita Parish

The celebration of the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus included a daily recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by a novena Mass.  Every day was an inspiration to us because of the spiritual messages read after every decade of the rosary.  These were excerpts from her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul.”  The daily concelebrated Mass with priests from the different Montfort Communities filled the congregation with much surprise and anticipation as to what doctrinal messages and wisdom of our patroness through the daily Mass themes will be imparted to us.  Truly, St. Therese’s “little ways” of holiness and perfection, her contemplative life and love for Jesus is amazing.

September 26, 2014, Friday, marked the BEC (Basic Ecclesial Community) Night held in the Barangay Covered Court right after the first novena mass.  In this celebration, the 38 BEC clusters from the different zones gathered as one and presented dance numbers to everyone’s delight.  It was a well-attended evening.

A fiesta will never be complete without a procession of our patroness which included a “caracol,” a ritual dance procession. Brass bands were hired to provide music and life of the procession.   Majority of the participants, young and old alike, who wore the parish fiesta t-shirt  danced to the tune of “Pandanggo”  and other folk music.  It was enjoyed by everybody with much gusto.  Parishioners who lined the streets and residents in their balconies or verandas took delight in showering rose petals to the carroza of St. Therese which was beautifully decorated with flowers and  to the procession attendees as well.  People rejoiced in catching rose petals with hopes that these are signs of their prayers/petitions offered to our patroness.  This was the first time that we witnessed and experienced such joyous event. It was so memorable indeed.

On the feast day itself, October 5, 2014, a concelebrated high Mass at 8:15am was officiated by Rev. Fr. Teodoro Bacani, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Novaliches.  This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Barangay Covered Court which formally opened the venue for the highlight of the festivities.  As the theme suggests, “Kapistahan ni Sta. Teresita sa Taon ng mga Layko” (Feast of St. Therese in the Year of the Laity), this gathering was especially dedicated to all the mandated religious organizations, movements and ministries of the parish who tirelessly worked and acted in their respective efforts to fulfil their role as “ Filipino Catholic Laity…Called to be Saints…Sent Forth As Heroes “.  Sixteen (16) decorated booths were set up representing each organization, ministry and movement.  Invited parishioners were encouraged to visit all the booths and discern as to where they should belong and participate.  It was stressed during the program that the faithful are called to strengthen their faith through actions and that we can all help transform and bring forth Christ’s kingdom through evangelization, starting with our own families.  Certificates of Recognition were awarded to these organizations/ministries/movements for their valuable contribution in the mission of new evangelization of our parish.  

The concerted efforts of the volunteers, organizations, ministries, movements and their members, the Parish Pastoral Council, donors, Comite de Festejos, Barangay Chairwoman Judith Baquiran-Celos and her council, Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. Angelito T. Pusikit, SMM, and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Richard J. Magararu, SMM have made this one of the most successful fiestas held to date.

Mabuhay, Sta. Teresita!  Viva, Sta. Teresita!

- Rosalinda Igna

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