“This is a day of grace, a day of blessings.” The statement came from Msgr. Romy Rañada, OLAP parish priest, during the celebration of the Holy Mass on the early evening of November 5, 2011.

Another milestone in the history of the church was slated that evening. It would be the blessing and formal inauguration of the new OLAP Parking Lot after the Mass. This was supposed to be followed by “Saksihan, Kuwentuhan Part II: My Personal Encounter with the Holy Men and Women of OLAP.” It must really be special because the invitation read: a story-telling presentation featuring the holy men and women of OLAP. The parishioners were quite excited about the unusual and unique presentation and came in groves, “So That They May Know” as the apt theme of the celebration was all about. It was part of the countdown to the grand OLAP Emerald Anniversary celebration on May 26, 2012.

However, a heavy downpour made everything wet on the OLAP grounds, and with such an iffy weather, the program would likely not be held there. Nevertheless, it did not dampen Monsi’s spirit, saying “God has given His blessings in advance on the new parking grounds.” What mattered most was that the people of God have now a new parking lot that they could call their very own – the fruit of their fund-raiser “Project 1128” that paved the way toward its acquisition and construction.

Earlier before the Mass, Msgr. Romy was looking down from the church at the parking lot that would receive benediction together with the illumination of the grand mango tree, the Azotea, and Bahay ni Maria. He immediately decided that if it would continue to rain, the rites would have to be postponed, adding that “The ‘Saksihan, Kuwentuhan’ part would be held at the church and afterwards, the people would just go down to savor the Agape Meal at the covered building at the new parking lot.” The postponement would certainly give more time for the Construction Committee of Kuya Joe Lugtu to further develop the parking lot until the soon-to-be rescheduled blessing in God’s word and power.

The church was suddenly abuzz with activity as the chairs, table, laptop, and other paraphernalia were being transferred to the church. Meanwhile, the heavenly songs of the combined OLAP choirs namely Catechetical Choir, Our Lady of Angels Choir, St. Charbel’s Choir, and St. Paul’s Choir, stilled and quieted whatever anxiety that threatened to creep in because of the sudden change of plan. With the dynamic Dominic Gumamela as their organist and coach, the people couldn’t ask for more and enjoyed their music in praise and thanksgiving to God for His gift of a parking lot after almost 20 years of being a parish church.

And so the curtain was raised for the theatre presentation of Matthew 25:31-46 as the opening salvo. Carol Hizon read the gospel excerpt while her Parish Youth Ministry did the interpretative animation.

Much to the delight of the people, the “Kuwentuhan” about the holy men and women of OLAP immediately came next. It went on as follows: Atty. Paris Real and Ms. Yolly Gregorio paid tribute to active lay leaders in our midst, none other than Kuya Danny Arroyo and Ate Ellen Soriano, respectively. On the other hand, Ms. Neth Ajero and Mr. Tony Lacanlay paid tribute to beloved leaders gone before us, Ate Gertrude Uyenco and Ate Vicky Medina, respectively.

The accolades, reminiscences and reasons why they are the rightful holy men and women of OLAP for Ate Neth, Kuya Paris, Ate Yolly and Kuya Tony brought inspiration, nostalgia and revelations that night. Each narrative drew smile on everyone’s face – that sometimes emitted guffaws ranging from medium to hearty. Of course, as expected, handkerchiefs and tissues were brought out to wipe the tears that couldn’t be contained.

The truly touching moment came when Kuya Danny surprisingly arrived to grace the occasion. Walking slowly towards his seat with wife Ate Irene, and Kuya Paris leading the way, he smiled and waved at his OLAP family. The people stood in awe and gave continuous round of applause. Amazed, Msgr. Romy happily welcomed him and gave him a warm embrace. Kuya Danny has been battling with cancer and his steadfast faith is an inspiration to all. His day-to-day triumph is a living testament of God’s love, mercy and generosity to those who call on Him.

After the story-telling, Ms. Evelyn Roble, chair of the OLAP Emerald Year Committee, thanked everyone for patiently listening sans dinner yet. She explained that the just-concluded affair was a celebration of our fellowship with God and His saints. Msgr. Romy gave the criteria to help the Committee decide, foremost of which is the application of the cardinal virtues in their life. Since every one of us can be saints also, the story-telling was an invitation for us all to heed to His call to holiness and to live our faith in the communion of Saints.

The spirit has been fed wonderfully and fully, and it was time to feed the body happily. Thus, the master of ceremony, Ms. Reggie Galvez, announced that everybody “may now go the parking lot building to partake of the Agape Meal.” Well, the story-telling continued in each table while enjoying the specially prepared food that flowed abundantly for everyone.

It was clear on their faces that they were happy because OLAP has now a parking lot and promised to keep the fire burning for the fund-raising campaign to be able to achieve its P11M goal for its total development. Surely, it is one of the passports towards making the parishioners’ dream come true: and that is, the Shrine of the Incarnation, Church of the Annunciation.

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