By Ma. Asuncion P. Quimlat, MD
NAGA CITY --- Last December 8, the Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP) celebrated its 60th Founding Anniversary by giving honor and tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In preparation for the said Feast, the nine days prior were days of prayer, reflection and service.
From November 29 to December 7, the Parish held the novena masses at 5:30 in the afternoon. To instruct the faithful, three Bishops, two previous Parish Priests and invited clergy as main celebrant and preacher shared their reflections on the titles and virtues of Mary.
9 Days of Community Work
During this time, medical services were offered to the different sectors of the Parish and social responsibility activities were held at community level. The communities of San Pascual, San Vicente Ferrer and St. Clare have a special place in the hearts of the members of the Ladies of Charity. On the first day, they offered free medical consultation to the residents of the three aforementioned sitios or Saradit na Kristiyanong Komunidad (SKKs). The event was held at the Health Department of the Unibersidad de Sta Isabel. 300 parishioners were seen.
The second day, parishioners with the Lay Eucharistic Ministers as the lead organization planted 250 new trees in Iwid, Zone 6, Balatas. Barangays Balatas and Concepcion Pequeña assisted in the said activity.
The third day was allotted for a Clean-Up Drive sponsored by the Cofradia de San Jose and Siervas de Maria.
The Lectors Guild sponsored a Free Dental and Optical Consultation on the fourth day. Theare were 54 recipients for the Optical Consult and 40 recipients for the Dental Clinic. 6 Optometrists and 2 Dentists graciously treated the 93 patients.
With the participation of the Philippine Red Cross Naga Chapter, The ICP Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) organized a Blood Letting activity on the fifth day. Among 37 donors, 26 bags of blood were donated.
The sixth day coincided with the first Wednesday of the month. Being a Wednesday, the weekly serving of free lunch was organized by the 3 Ps Ministry. Aside from feeding, catechesis and raffle were also done. There were 123 recipients. The activity was sponsored by the Office of the City Prosecutor.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the St Martha’s Ministry sponsored an Orientation Seminar on the seventh day regarding Livelihood Programs with free haircuts, manicure and pedicure. 29 participants attended the said seminar.
25 Persons with Special Needs gathered at the Aula Magna of the Parish on the eighth day. Among them were students from the Joseph Gualandi School for the Hearing Impaired. They were accompanied by Sr. Nora Patlonag. Participants presented song and dance numbers for the Gilean Got Talent, organized by the Parish Gilean Ministry.
The last day was dedicated for children organized by the Parish Catechetical Ministry. Pediatric consultation was done. Children were treated to games, raffles and giveaways.
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