PSNs join gilean got talent

By Dr. Ma. Asuncion P. Quimlat

“Love is made more meaningful and fruitful when it is accompanied by sacrifice.” This was the message of Msgr. Noe Badiola, PC during his homily at the Gilean Got Talent hosted by the Archdiocesan Gilean Ministry on December 13, at the Basilica Minore de Penafrancia Naga City. Arranged into archdiocesan clusters, the ministry hosted 38 persons with special needs (PSNs) mostly coming from Cluster 5, composed of parishes in Naga City, Camaligan and Gainza. Present as well were Archdiocesan Gilean Ministry Director Fr. Jaime Danilo Viola;  Gilean Ministry Assistant Director Fr. Elmer Pandes and St. Bernard Abott Parish Priest Fr. Bernie Ramirez.

Started in 2018, the Gilean Got Talent aims to showcase the talents of PSNs, giving them confidence and a sense of participation in mainstream public life. Since the pandemic, this is the first time the Ministry has once again hosted the event. The participating parishes were from various cities and nearby municipalities, namely Naga City, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Parish; San Francisco Parish (through HELP); Immaculate Conception Parish; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish; Mater Salutis Parish; Camaligan, Anthony of Padua Parish; Ocampo, St. Bernard Abbot Parish; and Iriga City, St. John Mary Vianney Pairh.

The Gilean Ministry was created by Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, DD in 2011 as the Archdiocesan arm dedicated to Persons with Special Needs. From then on, it has assisted in providing the Sacraments to PSNs and their families and has hosted several events to encourage regular participation of PSNs in parish life. These include the Paralympics every summer and the Gilean Living Rosary every October.

Caceres Archbishop Roly Tirona beams as parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena greeted him after the celebration of Simbang Gabi last December 16. (photo from Sacred Heart Parish FB page)