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FR. DOODS BUGAS, MSP LEAVES FOR NEW ZEALAND

FR. RICARDO “Doods” BUGAS JR., MSP has left for his new mission, i.e., New Zealand, on March 24, 2008, Easter Monday. He presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration at 6: 30 in the morning at the MSP Central House Chapel. In his homily, he first reflected on the “gift of peace” which is an Easter gift of the risen Christ to his disciples. In the same way, he will be bringing that gift of peace to his new mission. Secondly, he described his going to his new mission post as a race, but, as an avid fan of Manny Pacquiao, he likened it to a boxing. He foresaw that there may be moments or rounds that he would win, break even, and lose. However, like St Paul, he would “keep his faith.”
 
Meanwhile, Fr Soc Mesiona, the MSP Father Moderator, likewise gave his message of encouragement to the missionary. During the Easter week, two missionaries are going to leave: Fr Bugas to New Zealand and Fr Allan Chabit to Guyana. First, Fr Soc found that the sending-off of missionaries during Easter is very symbolic and fitting because, like in the first Easter, the disciples became all the more missionaries by preaching the good news of the resurrection of the Lord. And thus, the two missionaries will do the same. Second, Fr Soc gave his exhortations to Fr Doods. Like “boxing”, he reminded Fr Doods the need of discipline and staying fit and these require a good, faithful relationship with the LORD.

A special breakfast was served after the mass. Among the well-wishers were Frs Soc Mesiona, Pat Casino, Benjie Pelias, Allan Chabit, Toto Dujali, Lads Oliver, Mawe Jadraque and Tita Nora Arguelles. At 10:30am, Fr Doods left for the airport.

By the way, as suggested by the Bishop of Auckland (New Zealand), the name “Doods” will no longer be in use in New Zealand from now on because of its negative meaning in Maori language. So, Fr Doods will now be called “Fr Richard.” It is reminiscent of what had happened to the greatest patriarch: from Abram to Abraham. So, good luck, Fr Richard!

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