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The “Choose-Day With Vendors”: Reaching Out To The Closest Yet Marginalized Brethren

Jun. 08, 2023 01:23 PM

Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, Parochial Vicar, gives cathechesis on the sidewalk vendors within the vicinity of Quiapo Church (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Quiapo Church—The Formation Ministry, led by Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, parochial vicar, launched its once-a-month 1st Tuesday program for the vendors, dubbed “Choose-day with the Vendors.” The program aims to provide the sidewalk vendors in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church with a monthly formation program and to establish rapport with them.  

Fr. Hans stressed that vendors do also have a place in the community of Quiapo Church despite their challenging situations. Meanwhile, he also took the opportunity to plead with the vendors to keep the reverence and respect for the church, not only the building but for every faithful who comes to pray, so as not to disturb them in their prayers. Nevertheless, Fr. Hans assured them, “God will just give you the right people to buy what you offer.” 

Indeed, God also calls and chooses vendors daily to do good and right things. And this is a good reminder that God’s love excludes no one, even those who do not belong to the Catholic faith. As a way to give equal importance to some Muslim vendors who also joined the activity, Fr. Hans added that “We may have different faiths, but all of us do need God in our lives.” and “God rewards His faithful people in the right way He knows.” After the short formation and catechism, all the participants received simple snacks and tokens from the Quiapo Church as they returned to their respective areas.

–  Alfrein O. Quirionez | EIAM & ADRM