By Aurora de los Reyes
The visit to Barangay San Isidro Labrador by Rev. Fr. Jefferson Agustin, OFM Cap, recently-installed Parish Priest & Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, came like a whiff of fresh air after a humid day and a sudden afternoon rainshower on a Saturday, July 10.
Fr. Jeff initiated his 4th in a series of nine-barangay pastoral visits with an early evening Mass assisted by Worship Coordinator Bro. Joseph Villaflor and Sis. Elsie Cruz who served as Lector-Commentator.
An animated dialogue ensued between Fr. Jeff and Barangay Chairman Joselito DT Sahagun together with Barangay officers composed of Kagawad members Raul Cruz, Cha-cha Reyes, JR de la Rosa, Juanito Maranan, Alice Dungo, Agan Medina, Henry Vicente and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman Lenlen Salvador.
The objective is to continue the promotion of pastoral care and carry out a smooth collaboration between and among the Parish and the members of the involved communities through the barangays. An immediate need enunciated by Kapatiran coordinator Ligaya Gonzales is the conduct of Bible Study sessions which during this time of the pandemic is sorely needed by the faithful aside from participating in livestreamed Masses. For his part, Fr. Jeff reiterated the call for the barangay’s sustained engagement in Parish activities to which the assembly positively responded.
A good number of the populace gathered at the small chapel of the Barangay named after its Patron Saint, San Isidro Labrador. It was learned that former City Mayor Norberto S. Amoranto renamed Barrio Malamig to what is now Barangay San Isidro Labrador by virtue of an Executive Order during Barangay Day held in 1972. During the time of the former Barangay Chairman Ramoncito Reyes, the barangay name was shortened to SILab for instant recall.
Indeed, SILab may just be the right ingredient needed to fan the flames of involvement towards making the barangay spirit of dynamism alive in the entire Parish.
Photo Credits: Bea Jimeno
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