Friday, August 08, 2008 Hizon: Concert for a 'Priestly' Cause By Dalsa Montalban Hizon Snapshots
A RECENT concert I attended ranked high on my "unforgettable dance parties" list, not only because it was the famous Spirit of '67 retro band that played, but because of the overwhelming feeling of grace and camaraderie brought about by a common mission.
It all started with Archbishop Paciano Aniceto's call for support for the Archdiocese's two cherished institutions: Domus Pastorum (House of Shepherds or "Bale Pari" home for retired priests), which is in need of physical improvements and regular upkeep; and the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, which is at present operating on a financial deficit.
This call for assistance was not left unanswered by the indefatigable Terry David-Carlos, moving force behind Bank of Florida and the House of David Foundation Inc. Instead of opting to simply write a check addressed to the Archdiocese, she dared to take it a step further, involve the whole community and initiate a fund raising movement dubbed "Lugud Pari at Magpari" (Love for Priests and Aspiring Priests), the first activity of which was a benefit concert.
And so, on a rainy Saturday night, members of the clergy and supporters of the cause from all over Pampanga filled the seats at the Mary the Queen Gymnasium in Cabalantian, Bacolor, and were treated to a spectacular show featuring talented singing priests Fr. Homer Policarpio and Fr. Ric Lusung, and the Mother of Good Counsel seminarians.
Touching videos created by seminarians Paul Silva, Eisen John Cruz, and Jowel Gatus and Conrad Flores also gave us a glimpse of life behind the doors of Domus Pastorum and the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary. Apu Ceto, Bishop Bobet Mallari and Bishop Ambo David, who occupied the front row, seemed to genuinely have a good time and obliged us with inspirational messages.
As soon as the Spirit of '67 band played its first song, the dance floor was filled with the happy concert-goers including Papa Choy David, Susan David-Nunga, Dr. Rey Espiritu, Tita Alice Castro, Mrs. Nor Pineda, Tita Susan Diyco, Dr. Erning and Tita Beth Santos among many others, who boogied and cha-cha-ed to '60s and '70s music, led by the dynamic Andy Alviz. It's been a while since I last did the Swing, but my able dance partner Fr. Mark Manabat was flawless on the floor. Fr. Jay Bascon was more reserved, though, and opted to just watch from the sidelines. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Apu Ceto and Bishop Bobet enjoying the fun and music till almost midnight!
Now for the good news... a total of more than P100,000 was raised that night, based on walk-in ticket sales alone. And that is only the beginning. Future plans for the Archdiocese include donation cans, a telethon and a province-wide tour. Here's praying for the success of this advocacy.
The Lugud Pari at Magpari Movement continues to accept donations and pledges. For more details, you may contact April D. Narciso at (045) 961 7079 or (0918) 922 8289.
