It's the feast of St. Sebastian

Today is the feast of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of the Bacolod Cathedral. He was a son of a wealthy Italian Roman family, an officer of the Imperial Army, and the favorite of the Roman Emperor, who, however, later had him beaten to death for being a Christian.

Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows and left for dead. He survived and returned to preach that the Emperor ordered for his death.

From Jan. 11 to 20, a fiesta market at the Cathedral compound will be held where different foods, trinkets, and books are for sale. Inside the church will be red curtains and different sizes of Japanese lanterns.

Church pews will be covered with soft leather.

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The Ladies of Charity (Damas de Caridad) celebrated its Yuletide party with the lolos and lolas at St. Vincent de Paul, on the first Friday of this month, so that all members can attend.

The Mass held at 10 a.m. was officiated by Fr. Mao Buenafe followed by the program, gift giving and lunch at the Social Hall.

The program started with the singing of Christmas hymns, and the amateur contest which showcased all the participants - lolos and lolas - who danced "Pinoy Ako," and perennial favorite cha-cha.

Some lolos even composed sad songs. All of them received prizes.

The gift-giving activity followed before lunch catered by Bascon Hotel was served.

Helping in the gift-giving were the volunteer Caregiver students from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Mary Pauline, Lifeline, Sta. Rita of San Carlos, and Red Cross.

Student nurses of La Salle, Colegio San Agustin, Riverside, and West Negros College also worked hand in hand with the Damas in serving and feeding the lolos and lolas.

Truly another fulfilling experience for all the Damas.

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The "Magnificent Hall," the new multi purpose hall for lease, has two airconditioned rooms that can accommodate 25 persons each, and a hall for seminars which can cater to 150 participants.*

Remember: "No day is too dark, and no burden too great, that God in His love cannot penetrate."