By Bong Pedalino

Maasin City (29 October) -- The first-ever “Festival of Mothers” Diocesan level, meaning from Baybay up to Silago, Southern Leyte, was successfully held at the Anatalio Gaviola Public Plaza, Saturday, October 28.

In attendance were some 2,000 delegates-parishioners from 41 parishes comprising the Diocese of Maasin, along with the parish priests, Bishop Precioso Cantillas, and some elders of the Couples for Christ – Teodora Ministry -- from Manila.

Also attending the one-day gathering were civilian officials like Governor Rosette Lerias, City Mayor Damian Mercado, and Rep. Roger Mercado.

The day, which was marked by an overcast sky and a slight drizzle every now and then, started with a short parade around the city proper, followed by cultural presentations at the Plaza in the morning, in which 41 parishes filled the air with a successive 3-hour dance numbers, mostly traditional.

By 1 o’clock after the agape lunch at the SJC Covered Court, the parishioners listened to some valuable inputs in different venues for one hour according to their liking.

Among the nine topics to be chosen included the following: Ang Might Bond, Budgeting, Sumpa o Grasya, Walang Tatalo sa Gatas ng Ina, Ma’am ko si Mom, B is for Big, Superwoman Baga, Malayo man, Malapit din, and Usapang Lalaki.

A Holy Mass at the public plaza in the afternoon celebrated by Bishop Cantillas with all the Priests present capped the day, along with a short song rendering by three Priests -- Rev. Frs. Samuel Papa, Joey Macuto, and Plutarco Rodriguez -- and the Bishop to the amusement of the crowd.

In his talk in the morning and during the homily, Bishop Cantillas emphasized that what was done was a manifestation of the people’s love of God by honoring Mother Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

The occasion was also the right moment to honor, appreciate, and recognize all the mothers, whose love was oftentimes taken for granted.