It was Fr. Domie Guzman who officiated the Friday Masses for March 5, and March 26, 2010. Both masses had an unusual crowd which made Fr. Domie uttered during the First Friday Mass. “ today is an abnormal day. Tingnan nyo yang mga katabi niyo. Hindi nyo naman madalas makita yang mga iyan, di ba?”

The truth is, many elders really came. It was because, March 5 was an Election Day for a new set of Board of Trustees of the Mater Dei Marriage Encounter Community. And as Fr. Domie further commented, “Ang mga Pinoy, mahilig talaga sa election.”

Yes, it was Election time and I am happy I have witnessed a different kind of election! It was ideal and yet the MDMEC has managed to translate the activity into a meaningful selection process.

There were 12 candidates and the body will elect 9 new members of the Board. The Comelec supervised the issuance of ballots to each qualified voter at the registration table. While there were members who rushed to pay their annual dues that day, they were not given ballots anymore because it was past the deadline for payment. The Comelec was firm with the rules and guidelines they have set for the election process. Voting will be cast during the mass. The Comelec gave instruction to stop issuing ballots once the mass starts and voters should not open their ballots until the priest gives the “ go signal” to do so.

Some candidates kept themselves visible while others took their usual seat in a prayer gathering. Then the Celebration started. Before the Offertory, Fr. Domie prayed on for the new leaders of the Community as well as for the voters to choose for the best interest of the Community. This is not a popularity contest but a call to serve the Lord. Too often it is a sacrifice for time, money and effort. Fr. Domie then requested the Music Ministry to sing “Come Holy Spirit “ as the Mater Dei Marriage Encounter Community solemnly cast their votes.

As a voter, I felt the lightness of my markings on my ballot. I felt the meaning of walking towards the alter to offer my votes, trusting that the Divine Providence has interceded to fulfill God’s will…”Come Holy Spirit we need you”

And the Mass went on till the final blessing. The ballot boxes stood in front of its people who have heeded the privilege to suffrage. Every three years they signify the freedom to call its members to serve in the highest level of commitment for the Community . Blessed would be the once who will be chosen.

The Comelec then announced that the ballot boxes will be brought to Elco Office and invited witnesses to the canvassing.

Noticeably, both the candidates and voters were at peace. They seem to have entrusted the rest of the process to the Comelec and just got back to their routine when the celebration is ended.

Two consecutive Prayer Gatherings came. The Comelec stood before the members to announce the election results and the names of the 9 newly elected Board of Trustees. In some text messages, the reply was “amen!”

This is the best election I have ever experienced. In our forthcoming National Election I wondered then on the beauty of adopting the same process in choosing our country’s leaders . How beautiful it would be if our politicians would recognize service as the primary intention in filing one’s candidacy! Where both candidates and voters would believe in the powerful Intercession of the Divine Providence. Both candidates and voters should aspire to put order to the tasks of leading and serving best its constituency.

Then came also the Installation last March 26, 2010. It was Fr. Domie again who officiated the installation of the newly elected Board of Trustees.

It was befitting for the old Board of Trustees to bring in at the Offertory, the tarpaulin of pledges and commitments for the Community Center and entrusted the “dream” project to the incoming Board. . On its 19th Anniversary Mass, there were 19 symbolic gifts offered by the different ministries and affiliates of the Mater Dei ME Community. Then the New Board led the Offertory Rites.

For the Installation, Fr. Domie called in the newly elected couples of the Board of Trustees to light each of their candles. He said, “Itaas ninyo ito bilang pagpapatunay na si Kristo ay nasa itaas natin. Itong ilaw na ito ang magbibigay ng liwanag, buhay, galak at sigla sa ating community.” Then the grains of salt was given. Amidst the song of the Music Ministry… “Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa isa’t isa” , Fr. Domie said, Tikman ninyo ang asin. Ang asin ay pumipigil sa pagbulok … gayun din sa inyong pamumuno ngayon…

From the cluster of three they circled up into one – symbolic of “pagbubuklod” . As the new Board, they will act, decide, and implement as one bearing in mind the best means and activities for the Community.

The ritual was then consummated by a Commitment Prayer .

Our Congratulations to the New Board of Trustees – Demet Rose Araniego, Nono Cecile Delgado, Ed Cora Depano, Jojie Fe Guballa , Noy Gay Manalo, Ding Susan Mayor, Willie Rose Montales, Lorenz Weng Tabilog, and Jun Adel Tambasacan.