Fundraising event held for missionaries

Catholic lay people were mobilized last weekend to hold a fundraising event aimed at generating financial support for the missionary work of the Verbum Dei Catholic Missionary Family in Cebu.

The October 21 “Missionary Festival” was actually the first of its kind organized by Verbum Dei in the country. It kicked off with a Holy Mass during which Father Filipe Vaz Pardal, FMVD, invited the assembly to pray not only for the success of the event, but for all missionaries around the world who face all sorts of hardships in trying to announce Christ.

The Mass was followed by a program conducted by lay members of the said organization, including the performance of the teenage band “Catalyst,” an international fashion show by the Verbum Dei Kids, as well as a Mexican dance and Zumba, where everyone was invited to participate.

All throughout the event several booths offered local and international food, videoke, games, and services such as reflexology, massage, face painting and others, creating a festive and enjoyable atmosphere for all the families who attended.

Tickets were sold at P1,000 for the one-day event held at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. Organizers printed 1,000 tickets but only released around 300. Nevertheless, not reaching their desired target was not a hindrance to their ultimate goal.

Sister Maricor Radan, one of the Verbum Dei missionaries assigned here, admitted that the organizers did not attain the set target of amount however participants surely gained enjoyable experiences.

“We didn't hit the target funds, but we hit the objective to have fun and get together,” she said, “we don't have yet the exact amount for now since groups still have not given their total sales from their booth and some tickets are not paid yet.”

The money gathered from the event will be used to support the organization's missionary work of evangelization and the different needs of the missionaries in Cebu.

Radan said the missionaries also facilitate retreats and recollections at their apostolate center in Sitio Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe. They also hold many other activities in schools and working places aiming to bridge the gap between the gospel and the life of the Catholic faithful.

According to her, the Verbum Dei missionaries offer their charism to all people from different stages, ages, and states of life.

In fact, the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity is not only composed of consecrated men and women but also includes couples and lay people who are at the service of the “Word of God,” which translated to Latin is precisely “Verbum Dei.”

For Radan, the activity was more of a gathering of all members, families and friends who are collaborating in and supporting the mission of the VD Community.

She said the missionary works of evangelization is still very relevant in the present day.

“The work of evangelization is very important in our time. Our people nowadays need to have a fresh encounter with the Word of Life. Only the Word of Life can give us the hope, meaning, and courage to face the different challenges of our present situation,” she said.

The VDMF is a Catholic missionary community dedicated to prayer, ministry of the Word and testimony of life, and evangelizing the local communities.

It started in 1958 through the apostolic movement of preaching called "Encounters" introduced by Father Jaime Bonet in Majorca, Spain. More information about this community can be found in their website: www.verbumdeiphilippines.com. –May B. Miasco/BRP