The parish community of San Vicente in its official launching of the spiritual year in preparation for the 35 years of being consecrated as a church was given the shepherd who will lead them the way to spiritual renewal. San Vicente’s very own Fr. Jason Granado who was the Parish Administrator of the Parish for three years, was handed on the task of being the pastor. “Though our celebration is all about God, this is also about Fr. Jason,” A witty remark, but sincere way of the bishop Ryan to show how grateful he is for the presence of Fr. Jason in the diocese. He recalls with much appreciation how God finally made the way of granting the request from the Diocese of Agana, a priest who will help in the diocese for one year. Fruitful and meaningful experiences of service in the ministry led the priest’s heart to renew for another two years. And now, the inspiration lives on, that led Fr. Jason to say “yes” once again not just to the call of service to the parish but to the mysterious call of the priesthood.
“Permanence” is what makes it different, and the bishop explained it with clarity and with sheer simplicity, told Fr. Jason to make the commitment “forever.” A big round of applause from the community explicitly shows their approbation. Recalling the person of John the Baptist in the gospel of the second Sunday of advent, the bishop reminded the community about the importance of the one who will prepare the way of the Lord and connecting it to the event of installing a pastor, he reiterate the pastor’s fate of both joys and beheadings as he continuously journeys with the people. The rite of installation wherein the profession of faith was recited in front of the bishop, the handing on of the baptismal font, the confessional box and the key of the tabernacle somehow gives the expression of permanence. In an intimate way, Fr. Jason professed his vows to the priesthood once again. Sign of his continuous response to the love of God by following His Divine Holy will.
The God who calls never abandoned His people in His special calling for them to be renewed. The Parish community of San Vicente together with the pastor, will relive the experience of being called in this year of Spiritual renewal that will begin by reminiscing the past with gratitude. Fr. Jason in his thanksgiving remarks, recalled the many people who have helped in building the church with much effort and love so that the present generation will worship God in a sacred place where they are gathered for worship. Thus, the theme of the parish’s spiritual year, taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” (Is. 56:7)
