350 participants attend ICP Simbanwaan Family Day

48 families from 26 communities of the Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP) in Naga City gathered at the Good Shepherd Chapel of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary last October 14. The event started with a Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00 in the morning with Fr. Domingo Florida, ICP Parish Priest, as presider and preacher. In his homily, Fr. Florida stressed that the family is a true treasure, in good and in bad times. Many times, however, it is threatened by material desires, power and fame. It is, therefore, a challenge for all members of the family to preserve and care for this treasure. After the mass, participants were privileged to listen to a talk on the importance of the family by Fr. Jhun Oliva, Assistant Director of the Archdiocesan Family Ministry and Parochial Vicar of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Parish. Fr. Oliva gave emphasis on the following: marriage as the foundation of the family, the importance of prayer and the sacraments, and regular and faithful participation in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. According to him, “The family that prays together, stays together. The family that eats together, stays together. The family that comunicates together, stays together.” After the said talk, the participants were treated to a series of games involving the whole family. The St. Peter Baptist Covered Court was diligently arranged to accomodate all participants with ample space for the activities. Excitement and joy permeated the atmosphere. More than the games and meals, it was the opportunity for bonding that made the event truly fruitful. A seven-year-old girl aptly verbalized her joy when the question “What made the event a happy one?” was thrown to the public. She exclaimed, “Kumpleto ang pamilya!” Prior to the awarding of winners, ICP’s Family Ministry Chairperson Judge Rose Lalwani and Social Services Chairman Eric Salvino gave inspirational messages. The Word of Thanks was delivered by the Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson Engr. Melinda Cu. The event was conceptualized and organized by the Basic Ecclesial Communities Committee headed by Dr. Marita Quimlat and Mr. Christian Acuido with the full support of Mr. Dan Cea, SPARC Coordinator, Mr. Mellard Japson, Vocation Coordinator, the Parish Cluster Heads and Simbanwaan Chairpersons, as well as the Social Services Committee, and Parish Youth Ministry.