Submitted by Wilmer Tria on
“With just your own efforts, can you bring yourself to heaven?”, a question raised by Rev. Fr. Francis Tordilla on the 15th Archdiocesan Celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Held on the first of July, 2011 (Friday) at the Immaculate Conception Parish (Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City), the said event with the theme, "The Challenge of the Heart of Jesus: Stand for Life!", was successfully organized by the Apostleship of Prayer (AP). The program started at one o’clock in the afternoon with a prayer and a meditation of the Holy Rosary.
Thereafter, Rev. Fr. Mario Gaite welcomed the delegates, reminding them of leaving their hearts open to Jesus. His brief welcome address was succeeded by a few words from the AP Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Wilmer Tria. At two o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Francis Tordilla gave a short discourse on "The Practice of Prayer: Vocal and Mental Prayer". According to him, prayer is a luxury in the sense that if you really want to pray, you would find time to do so. It is not something a man must reserve for his free time, but rather a habit he must make time for.
“Prayer is a relationship of love,” he added, answering his own question. Nothing in this life can be done alone, just as prayer isn't a monologue, as he puts it. Rather, it is a loving conversation between two people. When one is talking, the other is listening. When one is in need, the other patiently supports and provides. The highlight of the feastday was the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by the Archbishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P. D.D. In his homily, the Archbishop said that if anyone should stand up for life, he/she must be a remarkable image of Christ's love. The mass was concelebrated by the AP Spiritual Director, Priest-sons of AP Members and Guest Priests. A short gathering for members, family and friends capped the well-organized event. (Natalie Quimlat)