SAMAL, Bataan- The Diocese of Bulacan and Bataan of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) known as Aglipayan Church held on Saturday a choral festival here in celebration of the Month of the Laity.
Bishop Joel Pornares of the diocese said members of choral groups came from various parishes in Bulacan and Bataan who showed their talent in singing hymns of praises to God. “God is good all the time although we have problems, we have successes, we have struggles as part of the daily life of the Church because Jesus did not promise beds of roses,” the bishop said in his Homily.
Father James Enriquez, IFI vicar in Bataan and parish priest of the St. Catherine of Siena Church in Samal, said they were fortunate that the important occasion was done in the town. “Isa pa, pinaka-sentro ang Samal ng Bulacan at Bataan kaya rito ginanap,” he said.
Samal Mayor Gene dela Fuente, an IFI member, jokingly warned choral groups to watch the team from her town.
“Ingat kayo sapagka’t may talent ang aming mga kababayan sa pag-awit tulad ni Jessica Sanchez ng American idol at ni Marlisa Punzalan na nagkampeon sa X-Factor ng Australia kamakailan,” the mayor said laughing.
Fr. Elmerick Azucena said 15 choral groups participated in the festival that lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before the choral festival, priests from Bulacan and Bataan joined a long procession composed of men, women and children representing parishes from the two provinces around Samal. IFI representatives from other provinces were also present.
Holy Mass followed.
