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MISSION SEND-OFF RITES CONDUCTED FOR FR. ROMANDO CANAO, AN MSP ASSOCIATE MEMBER

LAST SEPTEMBER 8, 2008, a mission send-off ceremony was accorded to Fr. Romando "Mando" Canao, an MSP Associate Member who will work for the Diocese of Vanimo, Papua New Guinea. The celebration was held at the chapel located within the bishop’s residence compound in Tabuk, Kalinga. The said affair started at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Students from a local Catholic school, wearing the colorful Kalinga costumes, performed a local dance proceeding toward the chapel.

The celebration was presided over by the local ordinary of the Vicariate of Tabuk, Most Rev Prudencio Andaya, Jr. CICM, D.D. and was attended by several people representing the different barangays, and a group of missionary sisters (Sacred Heart) from Ireland and England. A good number of priests from the vicariate and CICM congregation concelebrated the mass. Fr. Soc Mesiona MSP, Fr. Carmelo Horlador MSP, and Fr. Aqui Tabamo MSP were among the MSP priests who joined the celebration. Rev. Arvin Mosqueda MSP served the bishop.

Before the start of the Mass, the bishop first blessed the entire chapel and then blessed also the image of the Our Lady of Lourdes. Before the offertory, there was an acceptance of the missionary sisters to work in the diocese as well as a renewal of vows by a sister who celebrates an important milestone in her religious life. Afterwards, there followed by the mission-sending ceremony for Fr. Mando.

After the communion, Fr. Soc gave a brief speech explaining to the people the mission of the Philippine Catholic Church. After the final blessing everybody proceeded to the grotto and the bishop blessed it. After the blessing of the grotto, a dinner was served at the multi-purpose hall inside the compound.

Fr. Mando will fly to Papua New Guinea on the 29th of September 2008. Good luck Fr. Mando on your mission!

 [Photo1: Fr Mando and the students who performed a local dance
  Photo2: (from l to r) Fr Carmelo, three Sacred Heart Sisters, Fr Soc, Bp Andaya, Fr Aqui]

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