Diocese of Butuan Culminates Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons

By Fr. Michael Casinillo

November 19-20, 2018 - The priests and religious men and women of the Diocese of Butuan joyously gathered together in order to culminate the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons which the entire local Church of the Philippines has celebrated this year.

The first day of the event started with a basketball game played at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Multi-Purpose Building in Alviola, Baan, Butuan City at around 2 o’ clock in the afternoon, while indoor games were played in San Lorenzo Ruiz Pastoral Center. Then, an opening mass was concelebrated in St. Peter College Seminary Main Chapel at 6 o’ clock in the evening. Rev. Msgr. Bienvenido Betaizar, PC, the Head of the Commission on the Clergy, presided over the Mass. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner and socialization in San Lorenzo Pastoral Center. Prizes were given away to winners of the Bingo game and Videoki singing contest.

On the second day, representatives from different congregations shared about their charisms and experiences as religious men and women. The sharing took place between 9am to 11am in San Lorenzo Ruiz Pastoral Center. After which, the priests and the religious men and women congregated in St. Joseph Cathedral for a concelebrated mass at 12nn. The Mass was presided by Rev. Msgr. Marcelino Caldoza, PC, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Butuan. Lunch was then served at St. Joseph Cathedral rectory.

The momentous event has indeed become an opportune time in deepening intimate friendships and camaraderie among diocesan priests and religious men and women who work in the Diocese of Butuan.