On November 12th we observed the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration and Installation of Reverend Father Fernando A. Cornejo as the 8th Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, presided by His Excellency, Most Reverend Ruperto C. Santos, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo.
The ceremony occurred within the Holy Mass attended by the parishioners, church workers, and members of the clergy. The installation of a new parish priest is held to officially introduce him to the community and to bless him as he begins his new role to promote the mission of the Lord.
Bishop Ruperto Santos emphasized in his homily that perseverance, practice, and unity are the things we need to apply in our lives for us to be prepared for the coming of Jesus.
The word “preparation” stands out in our readings, and above all in our gospel. Jesus will come, however, his coming is sudden. No one knows when, where, and how, that is why we always need to be prepared.
We must be aware of what we need to prepare because Jesus will come as a judge. He will examine our life here on earth and he will be the judge if we are worthy to be with him in the home of God. That’s why while we are strong, healthy, and alive, let’s make our daily life a preparation for us to reach heaven. Change for the better, return to God, for us to deserve to be with him in eternity. Certainly, the way we can achieve this is to exercise perseverance and dedication.
He also added that we must also be enlightened on how we prepare here on earth. There are three actions required for us to be prepared. The first one is preparation with persistence, let’s be patient in trusting God since there are always obstacles that will test our faith. Let’s not doubt his ways and always follow him for we will obtain our blessings.
Next is preparation with practice. With preparation, there is practice, we need to act and do something true, honest, and authentic — not just through words and promises. Be diligent and hardworking so that when the time comes, you won’t regret what you should’ve done.
“Have you thought that you are the one that God wants more than anything else?”
The third act is preparation with unity, we all have people we want to be with, but have you ever thought that you are the one that God wants more than anything else? No matter who you are and no matter what happens in your lives, you are always called, sought, and invited by God.
Before Bishop Ruperto ended his homily, he stated that the truth of life is that our stay on earth isn’t permanent our lives will end, and even the world shall pass too. That is why we need to be prepared and our preparation must have patience, practice, and unity.
To conclude the event, Fr. Fernando delivered his message of gratitude as the 8th Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish. He thanked God for the blessing of life and vocation. He also thanked Bishop Ruperto for the approving project of the parish sound system. He made a special mention to the R&F Audio Church Services that installed the new sound system. Fr. Fernando thanked his family, friends, & other relatives, the Pastoral Council, church workers, the parish staff, officials from the Local Government Unit, parishioners from his previous assignments, and Holy Family Parish.
Article by: Athea Baranda
Photo by: Marlon Santos