KUYA PEPE: Tapat at Ulirang lingkod ng Dios hanggang wakas!
Last Friday, there was no sacristan in our Mass. There were 2 lay ministers, a young and an old one in his 80’s. What happened next amazed me…In his slow movement and weathering knees, the old lay minister went to the altar, falteringly plugged the electric fan and positioned it to ventilate the priest. Through the Mass, he diligently stood on the side, served the priest, gave communion. What a dedication. I prayed for his strength and longer life…The next day, I learned that he was already encouraged by our former parish priest to retire, but he wouldn’t…There was a time, He couldn’t get up from kneeling, but still he continues his service…kahanga-hanga (admirable)!…Oh, by the way, this old lay minister, whose name is Kuya Pepe, serves everyday in the 6:00 a.m. Mass and most of the time, also in the next, the 7:00 a.m. Mass…He serves our sweet Lord with faithfulness…I would say, I believe, until his last breath…This morning, we approached him and affirmed him. He was smiling and I sensed humility in him. He loves his service…Friends, can I ask you a favor…please take a moment of pause and offer a simple prayer full of love for him…Thank you, God bless your good heart. — with San Roque Parish Mandaluyong.