Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Conquering Cebu












Last April 28, the Cause of Fr. Peyton team flew to Cebu a series of talks about the life and works of Fr. Patrick Peyton. This was a double-purpose trip as the FRC team also covered the blessing of the Sto. Niño replica image and the pilgrimages of the parishoners of Sto. Niño, Parada in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.




The first talk was a long ride to the inner barrio of Tayabas to a group of seminarians of Mary's Little Children Formation Center. The seminarians were simple and warm and surprisingly interested to learn about Fr. Pat's seminarian life.




The community of Mary's Little Children, headed by Msgr. Fredrerick Kriekenbeek, was the next stop.

The program began with the celebration of the Eucharist with Fr. Vic Robles as main celebrant. And was quickly followed by the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The talk was a segue to the healing service that culminated the program. What amazed me is the piety and Christ-centerednes of the community. Faces lit and heads nodded as they heard about Fr. Peyton's many struggles with tuberculosis, raising funds for his project and ultimately bringing the family rosary in every home in around the world.

It was very easy for the community to appreciate Fr. Peyton's effort with the rosary and for the families.

The Cebu trip proved to be very productive as another guild in the Visayas is in the making.
(Inidentally, Msgr. Kriekenbeek, the head of MLC, was one of the witnesses for SOG Fr. Peyton's Rogatory Trial in Manila. He met Fr. Peyton in the 70's as a young seminarian)