Anniversary of a shrine

Happy Easter to all! May you have fine fulfilling days of prayers, recollection, and bonding with your loved ones.

I just live across the San Sebastian Cathedral and everyday before the Lenten days, I observed parishioners practicing for their presentation, amid the hammering and repainting in preparing the stage, and with the choir rehearsing.

The result -- a delightful play to watch and the highlight of the procession last Good Friday.

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The Divine Mercy Shrine in Brgy. Calumangan, Bago City, Negros Occidental is now four years old. It was founded by the late Mariano Lim on March 25, 2004, which coincided with the natal day of his beloved wife, Lina Manaloto Lim.

A Thanksgiving Mass for the 4th anniversary was officiated by Fr. Bonsoi Erexima at 10 a.m. Parishioners, guests, friends and relatives attended.

A week earlier, Lina M. together with some doctors, dentists and nurses sponsored a yearly medical mission the whole day at the Divine Mercy Shrine. Fr. Bonsoi thanked everyone, especially the celebrator, for sharing gifts with parishioners. Then off we went to the beach house of the Lims', just a block from the church.

A well-trimmed garden and the dancing bougainvilla welcomed the visitors.

The Class 56 of the former Occidental Negros Institute (now the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos) came in full force headed by Judge Anastacio Rufon. So with the Casa Maria Group, the travelers groups headed by Gene Mapa and the dancing ladies and special friends.

The delicious food was catered by Bascon and supervised by Tita Culling. As usual the food was great.

Sister Mencion and Manay were busy going up and down just to entertain visitors and welcome latecomers. How time flew and for all we knew, it was 3 p.m. and time to go home.

To Lina, may you have more birthdays to celebrate. Remember:

The joy and peace of our Risen Lord be yours today and always.*