By Fred C. Fuertes
Rev. Fr. Manuel Yana Mendez, the well-loved parish priest of the Birhen sa Barangay Church in Lindaville Subdivision, this city, marked Wednesday the 37th anniversary of his sacerdotal ordination in a simple way.
Minus the trimmings and fanfare usually associated with big celebrations, Padre Mao, as he is popularly known, celebrated Wednesday night his 37th year in the service to the Lord with a holy mass, fellowship dinner with religious leaders and a two-hour literary-musical program.
In his short speech, the subdivision's spiritual leader profusely thanked his parishioners for their sustained support and cooperation in all parish undertakings.
An articulate speaker and a homilist in his own right, Fr. Mao during the eucharistic celebration fondly recalled that he and his brother were both seminarians. People predicted that it would be the older brother who would pursue his priestly vocation.
They proved themselves wrong - the meek one left the seminary for good while the seemingly mischievous one finally served in the vineyard of the Lord.
Fr. Mendez further expressed his admiration for the spontaneity in the preparation for the activity, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Lindaville knights and CWL leaders.
''With the grace of God, I can depend on you,'' he concluded his brief talk.
Sir Knight Gus Pascual, head of K of C Council No. 9329 based in this subdivision, delivered the opening salvo.
The other speakers, who all heaped praises and admiration for the lovable clergyman, included CWL President Rose Esperanza, Sir Knight Teodoro Deligero and Fiscal Conrado ''Dodong'' Supremo, the parish's legal counsel.
Musical renditions came from talented members of the Lindaville K of C, CWL and Legion of Mary.
KC District Deputy Glicerio Jubac, a Loboc legislator, closed what Gus Pascual opened.
Sister Jean Lumanas masterfully steered the program as the night's master of ceremonies. --
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