Fr. Tom and Fr. Angelo celebrate birthday together
Fr. Pao blows his birthday cake.
It happened one cool Wednesday night, two men in their distinctive white robes and sacred vestments celebrated the most significant event in their lives. One is approaching the twilight zone of his life, the other one is just starting to 'bloom.' I'm talking about the two priests of St. Anne Parish Church, Fr. Tomas Delicana, parish priest and Fr. Angelo Colada, assistant parish priest.
Fr. Tom blows his birthday cake.
Fr. Tom celebrated his natal day last November 16 while Fr. Angelo, fondly called as Fr. Pao-pao for his face resembles like a siopao, last November 21. The two only had a joint party celebration last November 22, 2005 at the Convent of the St. Anne Parish. Different church organizations and associations rendered binalaybay, song and dance which delighted the two celebrators. There nun and priest friends were there too. Food and drinks was a not problem during the party. Each group had their share.
Fr. Pao with Maam Teddy Manzano,
Rosalinda, Ronida Rabe, BEC Coordinator
Ana Lim, Parish Apostolic Council
Coordinator Ann Rosel, Parish Apostolate
Council Auditor Eva Villa, Rodita Juaneza
and some of the BEC Coordinators.
The celebrators expressed their appreciation on the concerns and love shown by the church workers and the parishioners of St. Anne. Both asked for more prayers from the faithfuls to continue their priestly lives.
In his message, Fr. Tom said the parishioners of Molo have been witnesses to their success, failures, ups and downs. He has initiated changes not only in the physical structure in the church court yard and convent but also on the practices of the parishioners. With Fr. Tom's presence, seven masses are held every Sunday and there is also a daily mass. One that is intended for children at 3 pm is also an addition.
The lectors (L to R) Maricar Calubiran,
Weena Macaya, Genoveva Dedomo, Baby
Samodio, Marilyn Salvilla, Atty. Alma
Natividad, Hayleen Eripol, Jay R Tahinay
and Carlo Gemolaga.
Fr. Tom, though he refused to say his age, said he is more 'blooming' compared to Fr. Pao. He said he wants to spend the remaining days of his life serving GOD and true to his calling. As they said a priest is always a priest forever. The people are his inspiration for serving GOD. Everyone was making a guess of Fr. Tom's age, whether 57 or 58 but nevertheless the parishioners were thankful for his assumption as parish priest in Molo.
Fr. Pao who is more popular to kids turned 28-years old. It is his second year to celebrate his birthday in Molo. He held masses during the children's mass. He said turning a year older does not mean growing older but going 'better.' He has only two years to stay in Molo.