Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet

By Resti Ma. Bautista, MD

For World Mission Sunday 2024, the Manila-Pasig Verbum Dei Family endeavored to respond to the call of Pope Francis, to “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet” (Matthew 22:9). This inclusive and urgent call to bring God's life and love to everyone was concretized at our Missionary Journey, which brings God's Word to the urban communities surrounding the VD Formation Center in Pasig.

Around 200 adults, teens, and young children attended the gathering for formation and prayer. The MJ adults were led into a reflection on World Mission Sunday, on their specific role as evangelizers in their families and communities. The MJ Teens deepened their discipleship on the Means of Perseverance as young followers of Christ in the world today. The MJ Kids learning activity focused on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), how each one is wonderfully made with many talents to be cherished and shared, culminating in a fun and festive Talent Show with dancing, singing, and a special performance by the VD Ukulele Kids Troupe. The gathering was joyfully capped by a simple banquet of sweet Filipino-style spaghetti for all.

​During the Celebration of the Eucharist, Fr. Iwao Ikegami shared about his call and path to the priesthood, highlighting the missionary heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). We are grateful for the dedicated missionary disciples of Manila-Pasig, MJ servant-leaders, and guest volunteers for bearing much fruit in the MJ. May they share in the great happiness of the Master of the Harvest, as he speaks in their hearts, “Well done, good and faithful servants!” (cf. Matthew 25:23).

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Resti, together with his wife, is part of the formation course of the Verbum Dei Missionary Married Couples branch.