Fr. Larry was still in Parang when I first reported to him to get his directions. I was only 19 then, still overwhelmed, but his warm and positive aura is so dominant that I didn’t feel the heavy responsibility I was going to put on my frail shoulders.
“Magpa-meeting na tayo, James. Sulat ka na sa mga parish priest, tapos pirmahan ko.” He took my number and in return, gave me his email address and mobile number. He called Kuya Jojo and told him to give me the envelope containing the documents related to the task I am going to perform.
Diocesan Social Communications Ministry. That is the ministry he is putting on my frail and young shoulders. My background? A strict former altar server head and one-year old Parish Social Communications Head. I didn’t know how in the world I became his target, caught his attention, and considered me to take on the job.
All I was thinking way back then is to “trust” him. Yes, he let me feel that I have nothing to worry with him being at my side.
Then, I met Ate Myra, Ate Haydee, and Kuya Etsi. I knew from the start that they are the “family” of Fr. Larry, closely working with him. I saw them more than as “staff” but companions realizing that these are the people whom I will be talking to most of the time in the following years.
In that same year, Fr. Larry got transferred to the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu in San Mateo. What I told to myself was, “it’s too far, how am I going to meet and report to him?” God in turn at that time was seemingly cooking up something.
After attending the World Youth day, I came back to him, and told him I’m ready to focus again on the diocese. I thought I would even be replaced during that time but he simply said, “okay, sige”.
Months later, my stint in my home parish ended and all I thought was this would be a good thing as I would be able to focus wholly to the service of the diocese. Jokingly, Fr. Larry told me that he even thanked my parish priest that he finally gave me up.
Sundays turned out to be my Sunday pilgrimage to Mama Mary, the Lady of Aranzazu. This was my start of my #AranzazuExperience not just with Fr. Larry but with the people of San Mateo. Coincidentally, my second name is “Matthew”. The first time I asked him if I can serve in his mass, he told me, “talagang hanggang ngayon, pusong sakristan ka pa rin. Sige, next Sunday, see you.”
Sundays turned out to be my Sunday pilgrimage to Mama Mary, the Lady of Aranzazu.
Every Sunday, two masses in the afternoon plus the dinner time with him. At times, he would even look for me and ask his staff where I was.
The towel, his water jug with lemon, his candy, his hearing aid, his sandals, every time I vest him, his sigh of relief and smile every time we end the 6pm mass – all I was acquainted to every Sunday. Add to that the fact that I was given the chance listen to his homilies and to serve in the beautiful parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu.
Fr. Larry never let me feel that I was different. My stay in Aranzazu was not difficult. It seemed to me that every person I meet in the parish were like duplicates of Fr. Larry – all were easy to approach, all were so warm and welcoming, and I did not see someone in the parish frowning. From the creative people, and to those who are very low-key, soft spoken. Everybody seems to be in sync. That is why no doubt that the Canonical Coronation of Aranzazu turned out be a success and blessing. It was because of my stay in Aranzazu, I became relaxed from being too stern, I became more understanding and flexible, and I learned how to appreciate arts and other aspects of service in the parish.
This article would not be enough for me to express how thankful I am to Fr. Larry and to the people of San Mateo. This would not be enough for me tell the countless stories, jokes, and homilies of Fr. Larry that I was able to remember and keep in mind. But one thing is for sure, Fr. Larry also helped me in my Marian devotion. He always points me to the Blessed Mother in all my decisions and plans.
To the people of San Mateo, thank you for taking care of Fr. Larry. I know very well that he is happy to be with you and he tells me that. To the family of Fr. Larry, Lola and Tita Luz, thank you for sharing Fr. Larry to us.
To Fr. Larry, thank you for being a mentor and father. Thank you for the wonderful #AranzazuExperience!
