LNP’s 34^th Anniversary Celebration

 The event kicked off with a celebration of the holy mass, co-presided by Rev. Fr. Dave Macasaet and Rev. Fr. Paul Uwemedimo. The processional was led by father and son Ces and JC Pilapil, carrying LNP banners proclaiming the themes of 1975 and 2009, respectively.  Ces, bearing the banner with the Lord’s very first words to the community: “Kayo ang aking Ligaya,” and JC, holding high the present message: “Be fruitful, multiply and occupy;” truly a reminder of our trans-generational call to be “a community of disciples on mission”.

After the mass, LNP’s Senior Head Coordinator, Kuya Tony Panajon, gave a brief message, emphasizing how we’ve continuously grown in number throughout this thirty-four years and encouraging the body to continue doing God’s work with our partners in mission. 

Kuya Tony Panajon addressing the Community

Even more heartening was when Kuya Tony called onto the stage the members who have been with Ligaya for 34 years.  It was indeed a testament of their dedication to their call as Ligaya and an inspiration to the rest of the community.  They were then prayed over by Central Sector Coordinator, Bro. Melmarx Marcojos.

Some of the original Ligaya members

Another highlight of the celebration was the installation of two new district coordinators of the South Sector.  These were Manny delos Santos and Gary Mendoza.  After being formally installed and prayed over, Kuya Tony reminded them of God’s promise to His shepherds, with the words from Joshua 1:5-9, “No one can withstand you while you live.  I will be with you as I was with Moses: I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be firm and steadfast, so that you may give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers I would give them.  Above all, be firm and steadfast, taking care to observe the entire law which my servant Moses enjoined on you.  Do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go.  Keep this book of the law on your lips.  Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal.  I command you: be firm and steadfast!  Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.”

The Ligaya Youth performing a segment from Noah's Ark

Of course, the celebration would not be complete without everyone sharing our traditional anniversary potluck.  Then, to cap off the event, the YAs and JYAs performed an outstanding musical number (directed by Beda Mañalac, with musical director Jet Sitaca), which showed-off not only our children’s God-given talents but gave us all a peek into the very promising future of the community as well.

Dancing and celebrating the Ligaya way!

Indeed, through this joyful and meaningful celebration of 34 years of being together as one community, the Lord affirms to us that we are His joy—we are His Ligaya.

- Rose Sartaguda, Central B