The five Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in Dumaguete City in the Visayas of the Philippines, gathered in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the groundbreaking and blessing of the site of the new parish, and the summing up of the three-month mission of the Redemptorist Mission Team and the Cebu Urban Mission Team.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D., Bishop of Dumaguete, and concelebrated by Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing, Parish Priest, together with members of the Dumaguete clergy, Fr. Nestor Gaspe, C.Ss.R., and Fr. John Michael Salantandol, C.Ss.R.
From July 1 to October 1, Redemptorist priests, brothers, seminarians, and lay missionaries accompanied the five communities in their journey of faith, helping the faithful deepen their understanding of their identity and responsibility as members of the newly established Quasi-Parish of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
Throughout the mission, the communities were also introduced more deeply to the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse, particularly her “Little Way” of love, humility, and trust in God. Inspired by her example, the faithful were encouraged to grow in participation, service, and commitment to the mission of the Church. As part of the continuing mission, community leaders were commissioned to accompany and serve their respective communities.
While the three-month Dumaguete Mission has concluded, the mission of the new Quasi-Parish of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus continues. As the communities journey forward together, may they remain faithful to the spirit of St. Thérèse and live out the theme of the celebration: “Walking Together in Faith and Mission: Living the Little Way of Love.”
Minerva Dalde
Lay Missionary of the Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team
Province of Cebu
