Chaplain of the Filipino Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, MD Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church - Hydes, MD A Message from Rev. Pete D. Literal
th FIESTA Filipino Saints 14
Filipino Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Inc. St. John the Evangelist Church 13305 Long Green Pike Hydes, MD 21082 website: www.filipino-council-aob.org
Dear Esteemed Guests, Teams, and Sponsors,
Welcome to the 14th Archdiocesan Filipino Fiesta to honor our two Filipino Saints, San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod. This year we embark on reconnecting to our sacred identity and our sacred purpose knowing that “we belong to Christ and Christ has entrusted to us a sacred mission. God is with us and unceasingly accompanying us in our spiritual journey and mission. This is a reason to be grateful despite the new challenges we are facing. The challenge of the closing of churches, with which Filipinos are affiliated, causes many to feel discouraged, angry, or uncertain. But let us not forget that “we belong to Christ”. He is our strength, our hope, and our refuge. As a community of faith, we always belong, and we are not alone in our trials. Christ walks with us every step of the way, turning our burdens into blessings. Celebrating this feast, allows us to ponder of “we belong to Christ” reality and discover the new courage and strength to move on. We hope that we embrace this truth with faith and courage, knowing that in Jesus, we have nothing to fear. And together, with the intercessions of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod, we can rise above every challenge, for we are His, and His love never fails. I thank all the officers of the Filipino Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, under the leadership of Lt. Col John Smith, for the support of the many donors and sponsors, the coordination by the executive officers, and the great work by our working teams. Your services make this Fiesta a great success. May you find the courage and inspirationto embark on this remarkable journey toward a spiritually maturing and fruitful life, and may your heart be forever filled with gratitude, love, and the joy of giving.
Rev. Pete D. Literal
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