Philippine Catholic Lay Mission: Spreading Advent Joy Through Missionary Work

The Philippine Catholic Lay Mission (PCLM) celebrated its 38th Sending Forth ceremony, an event filled with faith, gratitude, and missionary spirit on December 15, 2024 during the Gaudete Sunday. Held at the Ascension of the Lord Parish and live-streamed for the first time via DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM, the ceremony highlighted the Church’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and building Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) across the Philippines.

In his homily, Fr. Zenon Ampong, parish priest of Ascension of the Lord, reflected on the significance of the missionaries’ work. Expressing gratitude to the Maryknoll Fathers who pioneered the PCLM, he highlighted the legacy they leave through the missionaries.

“You are the fruits of the Maryknoll missionaries, and you are considered gifts to the Church,” Fr. Ampong said. “As you allow yourselves to become instruments of the Lord, He will work through you as you do the mission.”

His words served as both encouragement and a challenge to the missionaries, calling them to embody their roles as instruments of God’s mission.

The ceremony, presided over by Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D., was a solemn and inspiring moment for the Church. Ms. Merlina Franco, PCLM Directress, presented the missionary candidates, who then professed their vows in the presence of the congregation.

Bishop Rimando blessed the crosses and Bibles that the missionaries would use in their work, symbols of their faith and dedication. Holding lit candles, the candidates signed their written commitments, witnessed by the faithful gathered in prayerful support.

Bishop Rimando urged the community to follow the missionaries’ example, emphasizing the universal call to service in the Church.

“Hinaot unta nga kining atong gibuhat karon, makadasig unta sa uban. We are called as missionary disciples,” he said.

The new missionaries hail from various parishes and dioceses, including Mr. Marven John Dipay from Kapalong, (Diocese of Tagum), Ms. Daphne Belaño from Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental (Diocese of Kabankalan), and Ms. Mellane Porras from Panabo’s Sto. Niño Parish, (Diocese of Tagum).

Their mission embodies the Church’s dedication to evangelization, fostering unity, and building faith-filled communities in underserved areas.