Birthday Celebration With Special Guests - News Updates - Montfort Missionaries Philippines

“The poor are precious in the eyes of God. Despite the misfortunes in their lives, God loves them and uses people as HIS instruments to make them feel HE loves them. Each one of us is special in God’s sight but more are the poor and the despised of the world.” This was the heart of Fr. Paul Arnel’s message during his thanksgiving Mass for his birthday last June 28, 2013. We, the seminarians and even the celebrant were moved to tears when just before the final blessing his visitors thanked him for inviting them and making them feel special. Despite the strong rain, around thirty people, mostly living on the sidewalks of New Manila and surviving through begging, came to join the praying of the Holy Rosary,  the celebration of the Holy Mass and then a simple meal of fried chicken and pancit (noodles). Slippers, shoes and clothes were distributed to the visitors. There was so much joy in their faces.  Though this was my first year to experience such event but I learned that Fr. Paul Arnel has been hosting this on his birthday since 2004.  

-Bro. Von Ryan Martinez
Postulant

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