Up
the Mountains of Antipolo
The cool and windy weather of Antipolo beckoned
CFC-FFL families to the Assumption School of Antipolo
for the CFC-FFL Family Day on December 06, 2010.
Along Sumulong Highway en route to the venue, one
could see a convoy of cars, vans and even tourist
buses bringing families, whole households and chapters
from the Districts of Novaliches, Cubao, Manila,
Caloocan, Paranaque, Pasig, Antipolo, and the provinces
of Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite.
As in all CFC-FFL activities, the day started with
the recitation of the Rosary. This was immediately
followed by the Eucharistic Celebration. It was
a celebration indeed as the processional was accompanied
by joyful singing and led by a procession of beautiful
and creative lanterns from the different districts
and provinces. The Main Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Sandy
Enhaynes, Parish Priest of the Immaculate Heart
of Mary Parish of Antipolo, and concelebrated by
our very own Rev. Fr. Justin Sequierra. Being a
celebration of the second week of Advent, our Servant
General, Frank Padilla and his wife, Gerry, lit
the Advent candles.
Fr. Sandy’s homily was a very timely reminder
for all of us as we prepare for the birth of our
Lord. He enjoined all to pray and ask the Lord to
“Disturb us.”
It is in disturbing us that we are made more sensitive
and aware of people and events around us. It is
in disturbing us that we are called to act and to
respond. As we prepare for the coming of our Lord,
our Lord of love and hope, we too are called to
be instruments of love and hope to others.
Our Servant General, Frank Padilla, gave the community
his message of hope as we near the end of the year
and look forward to the year ahead. As we look back
with the posture of gratitude and joy for all the
great things God has done for our community, we
are also called upon to look forward and plan ahead.
We are all called upon to look forward to the work
God has entrusted to us. This work can be summed
up as evangelization, renewing families, and defending
life.
The whole day was made more exciting and enjoyable
with indoor and outdoor games for each member of
the family. Thecool breeze of Antipolo and the Christmas
carols sung by the various choirs from the different
districts made us feel and smell the scent of Christmas
in the air. The fellowship among brethren, good
food and good company, as well as the Ukay-Ukay
sponsored by our Work with Poor completed the day
of fun and revelry.
The lantern-making contest, which challenged the
districts to create their own lantern from purely
indigenous materials, was won by the Province of
Laguna. Their lantern was constructed from corn
husks, so creatively and ingeniously crafted.
It was truly a time of love overflowing among brethren
and among members of the family. It was a time of
rest and a time of renewal. It was a time of looking
back with gratitude and a time of looking forward
with hope.
It
was a day well spent up in the mountains of Antipolo.
Contributed
by:
Mimi A. David
CFC-FFL Education Ministry
