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BE LIKE MARY: SHE HEARD THE CALL AND GAVE HER ALL

Sep. 18, 2026 08:14 AM

QUIAPO, MANILA — On the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 12, 2026, Saturday, the Vicariate of San Jose de Trozo gathered in prayer and renewed its commitment to mission and service during a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist held at the Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian, Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel de San Sebastian, in Quiapo, Manila.

The celebration formed part of the Vicariate Youth Sportsfest, entitled “SIKLAB: St. Joseph Cup 2026,” bringing together young people and servant-leaders in faith, fellowship, and service to the Church.

The Name of Mary: A Name Worthy of Respect

The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Peterson O. Tieng, LRMS, Vicar Forane of the Vicariate of San Jose de Trozo.

In his homily, Fr. Tieng reflected on the importance of respecting the names of Mary, God, the saints, and every person. He emphasized that Mary’s name should never be used in vain, particularly in curses, messages of violence, or expressions of hatred.

He also encouraged the faithful to be mindful of the words they use, including the term “marites,” which is commonly associated with people who spread gossip about the affairs of others. His reflection served as a reminder that words carry responsibility and should be used to promote truth, respect, and charity.

Beyond honoring Mary in name, Fr. Tieng challenged the young people to imitate her example of faith and obedience by responding generously to God’s call to mission.

Renewed Commitment to Service

As part of the celebration, a rite of renewal of commitment was held for the servant-leaders of the Vicariate Youth Council and the Vicariate Ministry of Altar Servers Council.

Through this rite, the young leaders reaffirmed their dedication to serving the Lord and His Church, recognizing that ministry is not merely a responsibility but a response to God’s invitation to participate in His mission.

Fr. Tieng reminded the youth that being like Mary means more than carrying her name. It means having the courage to listen to God, embrace His call, and offer one’s life in loving service.

New Manual and Vicariate Youth Ministry Seal Unveiled

Following the renewal of commitment, the new Manual of the Ministry of Altar Servers of the Vicariate was blessed.

A new seal of the Vicariate Youth Ministry was also unveiled by Fr. Tieng and Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista, Minister of the Ministry of Altar Servers of the Archdiocese of Manila.

The significance and contents of the new seal were explained by Rev. Fr. Christopher Crucero, LRMS, Spiritual Director of the Vicariate Youth Ministry and Ministry of Altar Servers. The unveiling marked another step in strengthening the identity, unity, and mission of the youth ministry within the vicariate.

A Renewed Commitment to Mission

In his thanksgiving message, Mr. John Vincent Roman A. Gerona, Coordinator of the Ministry of Altar Servers of the Vicariate of San Jose de Trozo, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration.

He emphasized that the rites and ceremonies were not simply formal activities but meaningful expressions of renewed dedication to the Lord and His Church.

“Ang mga ito ay hindi lamang mga seremonyang ating isinagawa, kundi mga pagpapahayag ng ating panibagong pagtatalaga ng sarili sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon at sa Kanyang Simbahan nang may higit na pagkakaisa, layunin, at pananagutan.”

He concluded his message by encouraging the young people to follow the example of Mother Mary in accepting God’s mission and grace, and to continue serving the Lord, His Church, and the nation.

The Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary

The Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration honoring the name of Mary, the mother of Jesus and a model of faith and obedience.

The celebration of Mary’s name began in Cuenca, Spain, in 1513 and spread throughout Spain in 1671. In 1684, Pope Innocent XI extended the feast to the universal Church. It was later removed from the Roman liturgical calendar during the calendar reforms following the Second Vatican Council and restored by Pope John Paul II in 2002 as an optional memorial.

As the Vicariate of San Jose de Trozo continues its mission of forming young people in faith and service, the celebration reminds all Christians that Mary’s example is not only to be honored but also to be lived.

Like Mary, may the youth learn to hear God’s call, embrace His grace, and give their all in loving service to the Lord, His Church, and the nation.

 

 

 

 

John Vincent Gerona | Quiapo Ministry of Altar Servers | Quiapo Article Writer