The Thanksgiving Mass of Rev. Fr. Erwin Manalang, CRS in San Roque Parish of Lubao, Pampanga

Fr. Erwin Manalang, CRS celebrates his First Mass

Last December 18, 2009 our beloved Fr. Erwin Manalang, CRS was ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto held in Somascan College Seminary Chapel in Lubao, Pampanga. I was not able to attend the event because I was not feeling well. It was very unfortunate because Fr. Erwin is a very dear friend. We were together in joys and sorrows in Casa Miani Sorsogon for two years when he had his Practicum.

The Altar Boys preparing for the Thanksgiving Mass

Through the grace of God, however, I was able to attend his thanksgiving Mass in San Roque Church in Lubao Pampanga. It was a beautiful and large church but under general renovation. Thus, his thanksgiving was done in the basement of that large church where a temporary Altar was built for the worshippers while the construction is not yet finished.

Only few Somascan Religious were able to attend. Only those from our Seminary in Lubao because it is near and those from Tagaytay because that is the resident community of Fr. Erwin. And of course myself representing the Community of Aemilianum College Sorsogon. But then, I didn't come from Bicol but from Bulacan since it fell during my Christmas vacation.

The Blessed Sacrament, the Tabernacle and the Altar of Sacrifice covered with Purple Cloth for the Advent Season. The Tabernacle resembles the Ark of the Covenant.

I remember that beautiful and cold morning. After the dawn Mass or Missa de Gallo I went home to take breakfast and prepared myself. Then, I passed by to fetch Mrs. Yolly Sengson whose son is a Somascan Seminarian in Lubao, Sem. Yves Sengson. They are my neighbors and distant relatives. And like me Yves was a former Altar Boy in our Sto. Rosario Parish in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The Advent Wreath shining during that December morn

After the Mass, Yves joined us to start his Christmas vacation and since them accompanied me in celebrating Holy Mass in various chapels of the parish.

I've been eager to post these pictures for the sake of our fathers abroad reading this blog and for the friends of our Fr. Erwin. Unfortunately, it is only recently that my Blog acquired new space for more photos.

The Patron Saint - San Roque

Once again, we praise the Lord for the gift of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr. Erwin. May the Holy Spirit grant him the grace to remain faithful forever. Amen.

An antique image of Our Lady

The Somascan Seminarians from Flores, Indonesia

Fr. Michael Escoto, CRS and Fr. Richard Germanetto, CRS

Fr. Santy Gonzales, CRS with Rev. Ruben Galang, CRS and Rev. Enrico Balderrama, CRS

A time-battered image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The newly ordained, Fr. Erwin, CRS and his beloved Parish Priest

Entrance Procession

Holy Incense to worship the God of Heaven

Altar Boys in Procession

The Faithful Kneeling devotedly to Worship the Body and Blood of the Lord

Fr. Abe, CRS near the center of the Altar

Fr. Abe recites the second part of the Canon of the Mass

Fr. Erwin giving the First Communion

Fr. Santy, CRS doing the Ablutions and assisted by Rev. Ruben, CRS and Rev. Enrico, CRS

The Choir

The Left Side of the Tabernacle

The Right Side of the Tabernacle

The Center of the Tabernacle

Full View of the Tabernacle