It was an early start for the workers of the Mater Dei M.E. Community. The Marriage Life Apostolate (MLA) headed by Noy Gay Manalo have called on them to attend Workers’ Assembly at Patio Conchita, Intramuros, Manila. The venue was set at Intramuros for MDMECommunity’s participation to the Grand Marian Procession. December 6, 2009, the First Sunday of December is a celebration of the Filipinos’ devotion to our Mama Mary. On its 30th year, the Grand Marian Procession dubbed as La Festejada Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion is held inside the Walled City of Intramuros.

At the Workers’ Assembly, Sis. Vicky Contreras led the morning prayers. Then Bro. Bot Balbero commended the participants for their enthusiasm to come and did not excuse the day for a rest day. So he said, “because we know that serving God is a privilege not a burden.”

Bro. Bot further gave examples of the qualities of a good worker through biblical inputs. In his parting words, Bro Bot cited Luke 9:23 and stated that we can only serve the Lord if we are spiritually matured. Certainly, he said, there are frustrations, trials, sacrifices and even sufferings in the process. But if that occurs, “If we will have to carry our Cross, let us carry it with dignity.”

Then an interesting activity followed. Bro. Edwin Rebollido introduced a group dynamics where each Ministry or Apostolate will agree on what to put in a stable where only the Child Jesus was laid in a manger.

The following outputs were drawn:

1. The Marriage Life Apostolate (MLA) as the entry point in our community, according to Bro. Chok Aytona, will have the Star. The birthplace of Jesus was illumined by a bright star that helped the 3 Kings trace where to offer their gifts to the Holy Child. The brightness will shine for MLA so that couples will easily see the Star and go nearer to the Lord. Its glow will remind each member to ardently serve the Lord through the community.
   
2. The Outreach Apostolate (ORA) placed the Angel. For the angel according to Bro. Rollie Malicdem, is a Guardian. It will always be there to guide, to reach-out to our less fortunate brothers even to those outside of the community
3. The Worship Ministry represented by Sis Nelia Guerrero placed the Three Kings. For like in their Ministry, they always find time especially on Fridays at Violago, to give due respect to the Child Jesus. The Worship Ministry comes out in Prayer Gatherings to humble ourselves and stand for our responsibility.
4. The Spiritual Growth Apostolate (SGA). Sabi ni Sis Ana Almendral, ang SGA ay patuloy na mag pa-pastol (Shepherd) upang mapagtibay ang samahan sa community at ng mga mag asawahan . Ang aming pagpa-pastol ay isinasagawa sa pamamagitan ng mga seminars na LSS, MSS, at Shepherding.
5. The Publications and Information Apostolate placed a Camel. Ang sabi ni Sis. Baby Pascual, ang camel ay isang hayop na hindi uma-alma kahit mabigat ang dalahin. Tahimik na tinatahak ang tuyot na daan upang maihatid ang mga panganga-ilangan . The camel is an ugly animal because of its humps . Pero ang humps na ito ang nagbibigay resistencia at nagpapatunay na meron contingency – Plan A, o Plan B.
6. Ang mga Lambs na hindi pa kasapi sa iba’t ibang ministry ay gumawa din ng kanilang inputs. Sila ay naglagay pa rin ng tupa o Lambs para ipagpatunay na ang tupa ay matiyaga, tahimik na nagbabantay – “focused on the Lord” sabi nga ni Sis. Adora Mabesa na siyang nagsalita para sa kanila.
7. At sa panghuli, ang BOT na naglagay ng image ni Mary and Joseph. Bro. Lorenz Tabilog expressed his astonishment over the results. Nobody copied from each other and yet every input was a meaningful representation of what every ministry and apostolate is all about beneath the image of the Holy Child.

The BOT’s concept represents the BOT’s role as the parents of the community and thought of the couple power in St. Joseph and Mama Mary – a Couple for JESUS. .

Bro. Edwin in his recap stated that he was touched by the outcome of the activity.
Indeed, there was no duplication! He said, “ someone up there must be working on each one of us to be able to illustrate our divine mission. The presentations were truly expressions of love for the community. As members of the community, we complete and complement each other.”

Then after lunch, Bro. Lorenz Tabilog, briefed the workers for their assembly at Fort Santiago in preparation for the procession. Sis. Chit Escosio was all prepared to provide the Rosary for the Prayer Leaders, the candles to light the carroza of Mater Dei and a survival kit – bottled mineral water to everyone.

There were 94 sectors presenting the different images of the Blessed Virgin. When our Sta. Maria de Mater Dei, which was number 45 was called in the line in front of the Manila Cathedral, our brothers and sisters in the community waved on to signal their walk for our Mater Dei.

There were dancing in the streets. A jubilation each time a new Mama Mary image emerged for a walk. The bands were playing, participants from the different regions dressed up for the occasion and all sorts of props and decors were displayed to portray joy, the adoration and the glorious moment with Mama Mary.

We were also blessed to have a “perpetual” hermano/hermana mayor in the persons of Shepherd Boy Chit Escosio.

After the procession which normally winds up at 8pm, MDMEC participants were all treated to a dinner at the Patio Concita.

The walk around Intramuros may measure a distance of 3 kilometers or more. Yet it was never tiring. “Mama Mary must have carried us thru”. … Like the footprints in the sand.