Fr. Bembol while blessing the principals, teachers, and owners after blessing OLAR as patron of teachers and educators. (PHOTO: Aldrin Llagas)
Going back to the day when Our Lady of Aranzazu was canonically crowned, His Eminence, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo of the Metropolitan Diocese of Cotabato said, “It is not only the culmination of the month-long devotion of the Flores de Mayo. This day will be remembered for all time by the people of San Mateo and by the Diocese of Antipolo as the day of the Pontifical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu.” And it has indeed, now that it’s been a year, many devotees and parishioners gathered to pay homage and celebrate the first year anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation through a mass presided by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Lopito Hiteroza. Together with him is Rev. Fr. Alan Joshua Oresca, Rev. Fr. Gerard Joaquin Masangya, Rev. Fr. Edwin Tirado, and Rev. Fr. Moises Villamayor.
“Why are we here?” Fr. Bembol asked as he started the homily. He said, “Nandito po tayo para magpasalamat sa Diyos sa lahat ng mga biyayang ipinagkaloob sa atin.” Stated in the book of Henry Nouwen are the different mysteries and one of these is celebration. We are celebrating for we are giving thanks to God not just because of the blessings but because there is life. We celebrate because we want to recall the past, we celebrate because here comes the present, and we celebrate to anticipate the future. Thus, we have reasons to celebrate; a celebration as our expression of thanksgiving to the Lord. This celebration is precious because we are honoring our Beloved Mother who helped us, who helps us, and who will help us.
On the other hand, as we reflect to the gospel, there are two reasons why Mary visited Elizabeth. First is to share the joy because she received the good news. This reminds us to share the good news instead of spreading gossips and rumors especially now that fake news is rampant. Second is to serve Elizabeth who is five-month pregnant. This tells us to serve wholeheartedly just like what Mary did even though she was not urged.
As a recognition to Our Lady of Aranzazu, she is now also acknowledged as the patron saint of educators or teachers. In the gospel, Mary went and Elizabeth responded. Just like in education, a teacher will not just pour something in someone’s mind but do something out of a particular reason. Education must not be spoon-feeding; the student itself must think in order to improve their minds. We can now call our Beloved Virgin Mary – Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu as Our Lady of Wisdom because of her intelligence. And behind her good qualities, humility and willingness to help are also existent.
Afterward, the principals, teachers, and owners of schools are called for a blessing as for Our Lady of Aranzazu is now a patron saint of educators.
On a closing message, Mayor Cristina “Tina” Diaz expressed her gratitude to Our Lady of Aranzazu and said, “Isang taon na ang nakalipas, puspos pa rin ng pasasalamat sa patuloy na pag-gabay sa ating lahat ng Mahal na Birhen ng Aranzazu.”
The newly installed parish priest, Rev. Fr. Lopito Hiteroza expressed his gratitude to everyone who showed support and love. He said, “Yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the support of the Bishop, my fellow priests, lay people from different parishes of the Diocese of Antipolo, especially you. And now, I’m still overwhelmed.”
At the end of the mass, apples, kakanin, and stampitas were distributed to the parishioners who attended the mass.
As we celebrate the first anniversary of Pontifical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, may she become an inspiration and model to all of us and may the teachings of the church reflect on our lives not just in words but through actions.
Lester de Castro
Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
To those who know him, no words are required. To those who do not, no words will suffice. Lester R. de Castro is a “scholar ng bayan” at Polytechnic University of the Philippines taking up Accountancy, Business, and Management. Lester belongs to his batches’ "Cream of the Crop" dominating to a remarkable vision of the future. Currently, as a website writer of DSPNSDA’s Media and Public Information Ministry, the talents and skills he received from the Almighty above are being used and shared not only for his own good but for the good of others as well. He believes that in life, God must be the center who guides us towards the right path.
