The Singer and the Song

For the past two years or two, I have been hearing mass at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at Basak, Mandaue City.

One of the more pleasant experiences were the times when the holy mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Glad Alojipan.

The good father brought a new perspective to the mass as his homilies were usually down to earth and the Gospel illustrated with day to day events and situations.

I have never personally met Fr. Glad. The nearest I came to him was the times when I received Holy Communion from him. He must be a very jolly person, even outside of the pulpit. Fr. Glad did not spare himself when he makes a joke to demonstrate a point.

Deprecating himself was one of the factors that made him a favorite among the parishioners of the Fatima Parish.

Last Sunday, Fr. Glad informed the churchgoers that he was about to be transferred to another parish, this time farther north, at the Fernando de Rey Parish at Liloan, Cebu.

It is the turn of the people of Liloan to witness the unique way Fr. Glad does his ministry. I am sure that his new flock would experience a new dimension in their faith.

Some priests build churches where people worship. Others—and I would count Fr. Glad among them—build the church of God, composed of the faithful and the believers.

In an old movie, the main protagonist was made to choose between the singer and the song. The way Fr. Glad deepens ones faith, the choice need not be made. Because of the singer, the song gains more meaning and substance.

Fr. Glad, may your tribe increase