The week that just passed was overwhelming for me for two reasons. First, last Saturday morning, upon waking up, I found out that one of the Filipino priests in the Diocese of Greeensburg was elected and appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagum, in the Philippines. In excitement, I immediately called up Bishopelect Medil Aseo to congratulate him. I found out the news from the facebook post of Fr. Patricio Aborde, who is also from the Diocese of Tagum, but currently assigned in the Diocese of Greensburg. Bishop-elect Aseo, who is 63 years old, arrived in the Diocese of Greensburg in August 2017. He served as parochial vicar at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning and St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Yatesboro since September 20th, 2017. He was named as Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Tagum April 7th, 2018 after Pope Francis made the announcement on that same day at the Vatican. He is set to go home by April 16th, 2018 to prepare for his new assignment in his diocese. He will be the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Tagum since its canonical erection. The Filipino priests and the Filipino community in the Diocese of Greensburg are happy for his election and wishes him all the best in his new role as bishop.
The second point that completely overwhelmed me is the series of accomplishments that we have made, as a parish, in a short period - from the painting of the interior of the Church to the marble flooring of our sanctuary, having a new crucifix hanging on the cupula, and now planning to replace all the pews in the church in a week. I can just see how God works in us in most mysterious ways and, of course, appreciating your generosity in showing your support be it in talents, time or treasure. I cannot thank you enough for what you have contributed to our parish. You are all amazing and great! This shows how we care and love our parish and how we are good stewards of the many gifts that God has given us.
I thank you, in advance, those who showed willingness to help in transporting the pews from Monessen in the coming week and those who will be moving out the pews from our church.
May God bless us in all our efforts to make our parish active and strong while we continue living out the spirit of St. Mary’s in Freeport.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! (All for the greater glory of God!)