CEBU, Philippines - Instead of throwing a lavish party, Fr. Judito “Buboy” Rosende celebrated his fifth anniversary as priest with the indigents of barangay Tangke, Talisay City, with mass feeding.
At least 200 children from this densely populated village of the city came last Monday.
The event was also supported by residents in the area led by Tangke barangay chief Perla Cabanes, who is also president of the Barangay Pastoral Council.
“Nindot sad ni siya nga celebration, apil hasta ang mga bata. Mao ng pinangga kaayo ni namo si Fr. Buboy,” said Cabanes.
Before the start of the school year, Rosende and the BPC distributed notebooks, paper and pencils to at least 500 Grade 2 and 3 pupils in the barangay.
This project, according to Cabanes, is part of the Sta. Cruz Chapel’s mission, which is not only to preach but also to reach out to the community.
During the past nine months since Rosende was assigned to become the chapel’s resident priest, the youth have been involved in religious activities organized by Rosende.
Last December, the chapel hosted a Christmas special participated by the children in the barangay.
Cabanes said the youth were organized to make some more shows to be presented every time there is an occasion in the chapel or barangay.
Rosende, who was transferred to the Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish, the church where Tangke’s Sta. Cruz chapel belongs, in September last year, was also responsible for the chapel’s renovation.
The newly renovated chapel, which can now hold at least 1,000 people, was inaugurated by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal last May 29. (FREEMAN NEWS)