THIS week the WOPCU, BBEG and Bible month parade has become a common word to many of the religious in the city. The National Bible Month traces its history in a Presidential Proclamation number 2242 in 1982 by then President Ferdinand Marcos. Since then it has been adopted by the succeeding Presidents. This month is the Bible month celebration and the bible week celebration is January 20-26 and the year 2020 vision is the Bible transforms and unites a nation.
Dr. Nora Lucero the Philippine Bible Society General Secretary says “The theme gives us clarity that the Bible becomes the base of a nation – the nation’s heart... The Bible is what will unite us in times of change and in our journey of growing together. ...towards a nation transformed by the Bible, united by God’s Word.”
The Character City Council on its fourth year of spearheading the activity by a community parade and a Bible reading at the Malcolm Square. In previous years it was coordinated by the Baguio Benguet Ecumenical Group (BBEG.)
At the same time it is also the week of prayer for Christian Unity (WOPCU.) It is a worldwide celebration towards a unity despite the differences that created great pain contrary to God’s will. It is one of the yearly gatherings of major churches to celebrate their faith in one true God that unites all Christians.
Last Monday, Baguio believers gathered in the First United Methodist Church found along the BGH rotunda. The church worship was led with DS Jong Gallardo with the Bishop Pete Torio being the preacher. The UMC pastors included Rev. Tito Sanqui and Rev. Lee Bastino.
Last Tuesday the worship was in the Lourdes Church of the Roman Catholic Church and the worship was led by Fr. Vic Munar, Fr. Noel Panayo and Fr. Raymund Sungyap of the Seminary. By Wednesday, the worship was at the St Stephen Lutheran Church which started at 5:35 pm despite the brown out.
This was led by Reverend Felipe Ehican. By Thursday the faithful shared worship and prayers at the Assembly of God Epicenter. Pastors of the AG who were there included Ptr. Dante Ferrer, Ptr Bryan Lopez and Ptr Sammy Ferrer. Other Pentecostal pastors included Ptr. Jonathan and Erlinda Erardo, Ptr. John Bagalawis, Ptr. Fe Pedrajas and Ptr. Evelyn Rivera.
Friday, a great number of Episcopalian/Anglican priest and Deacons led the worship at the EDNCP Cathedral of the Resurrection with Bishop Nestor Poltic, Reverend Canon David Tabo-oy, Rev Dean Melvin Moller Odsey, Reverend Richard Egmalis, Reverend Albert Sapaen, Reverend Lina Magalgalit, Reverend Raul Gawec, Reverend Noel Mallagay. Reverend Ben Fawayan, Reverend Kiley, Deacon Rov Anthony Ban-eg, Deacon Clarence and Deacon Lynne Fiag-oy.
The culminating message was given by Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza of the UCCP where he mentioned that the early Christians enjoyed the favor of the people as the theme of the 2020 WOPCU prepared by the church of Malta is “they should unusual kindness” to the Christians by those who did not yet believe. Unfortunately, the Christians of today are perceived as judgemental, hypocritical, old fashion, insensitive and boring. The worship was more of singing of real worship and ended with an Agape meal where after the prayers we shared dinner of rice, pork, chicken and fruits with juice and coffee. This was how we ended the week with Reverend Florence Bugtong as the worship leader, Words of welcome by Reverend Joseph Agno, Hymns led by Reverend Abe Luis, and prayers led by Ptr. Evelyn Rivera, Reverend Matias Angiwan III.
It is encouraging to see that attendees are increasing from the clergy, pastors, bishops and deacons. We were also joined by Sr. Satty, Sr Cris, Sr. Juanita Fr. Cris Aban and other church leaders. It is to encourage the lay as they see these leaders walk their talk of Christian Unity.