March 26, 2022, OLA Parish, Marikina City- The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned held its very first liturgical seminar that focuses on the meanings and roles of the Holy Eucharist in our daily lives

The theme of the 1st liturgical seminar is Rekindling the Passion to Serve. The seminar serves as a renewal of ministries' service to the parish. An estimate of 315 parish servers attended the liturgical meeting, including the Lectors and Commentators, Music Ministry, Eucharistic Lay Ministers, Knights of the Altar, Ushers, Mother Butler, and Social Communications.

Reverend Father Lamberto Ramos, Shrine Rector and Parish Administrator, started the seminar with the emphasis on the three objectives:

1. Revisit the basic Teachings of the Church regarding the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for  a shared understanding and appreciation of the Holy Eucharist.

2. Contribute to the enhanced commitment of the Laity to Eucharistic Service through a review of the different roles in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Mass.
3. Rekindle the passion to serve among Mass Servers.

 
Monsignor Enrico Santos from the Diocese of Malolos led the seminar as the prime speaker. Together with Monsignor Santos are Fr. Egy Ignacio and Bro. Lex Carreon.

Holy Eucharist: Food for the Journey

The discussion was divided into two. The first one is the Holy Eucharist as Food for the Journey. Monsignor Santos opened his discussion with a statement: "Salamat sa Diyos, buhay pa tayo... bawat araw, biyaya ng Diyos."

And then he asked this question: "Bakit kaya ginising pa ako ng Diyos at binigyan pa ng bagong araw?". This question is then led to the answer of Life's mission and role that are needed to accomplish. "Hindi pa tapos ang Diyos sa akin."

"Iisang katawan, ibat'-ibang gampanin, - 1 Cor 12:12-27". Monsignor Santos compared this in our service to parish ministries. He said everyone has a vital role in every ministry.

He also mentioned human limitations and posted these questions: "Paano kung pagod na o sobrang stressed na?...kakasawa na? lowbat na?" Monsignor Santos compared these instances to Prophet Elijah, who desires to die due to his tiredness.

He ended this part with these verses:

"Lord, to whom shall we go? -John 6:68"

"Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28"

Holy Eucharist: Sacrament and Sacrifice

Death sustains life

Monsignor Santos explained the meaning and importance of the Sacrament: Outward sign for inward grace instituted by Christ, for our sanctification. The Bread, Wine, Rituals and Prayers, Altar and Vestments, and the Priest and Community- all for the Love of God.

Monsignor Santos also reminded everyone that the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of the Christian Life. But how can we obtain food?

Sacrifice. Monsignor Santos further explained these during the Consecration of the Bread and Wine. Do we warmly welcome Jesus Christ during communions? Monsignor Santos ended this portion with a reminder that worship is the heart of our religion, and the heart of worship is sacrifice.

To cap the 1st liturgical seminar, ministries were then proceeded to back-to-back group discussions. It is then followed by the Renewal of Commitment by all Mass Servers.

Arvin Valencia | OLA SoCom