Celebrating Christmas as One Verbum Dei-Luzon Family

By Mila Abigan, VD-Disciple

On December 15, 2024, the Verbum Dei-Luzon communities gathered at Verbum Dei-Tagaytay for a festive Christmas celebration that lasted from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The day began with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Verbum Dei missionary priests Frs. Filipe, Iwao, and Jojo, setting a spiritual tone for the event.

The celebration aimed to unite members from various communities, share blessings and talents, and strengthen bonds between old and new members of the Verbum Dei-Luzon family. The lively duo of Doc. Resti Bautista and Sis. Marabel Viernes from the Pasig community served as emcees, guiding attendees through the day's activities.

The Tagaytay community extended a warm welcome to all participants, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, engaging program presentations, and entertaining games led by Bro. Gabby Lanada, whose "ala-Showtime" facilitation style kept the energy high.

Each community contributed to the festivities with unique performances. The Quezon City community captivated the audience with a heartfelt song, while Manila/Pasig energized the crowd with a dynamic dance number. Tagaytay presented an inspiring skit that reflected on the true meaning of family, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Spread between performances, games kept the atmosphere light and engaging, ensuring all attendees felt involved in the celebration. A highlight of the gathering was the exchange gift activity, where participants shared thoughtful surprises valued at one hundred pesos or more, embodying the spirit of giving and bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

The Manila/Pasig community concluded the event with heartfelt closing remarks, reminding everyone of the day's deeper significance: unity, love, sharing, and gratitude. This Christmas get-together served not only as a celebration but also as a testament to the vibrant spirit and shared faith of the Verbum Dei-Luzon family.
​
As the day ended, participants left feeling inspired and looking forward to more moments of togetherness in the coming year. The event successfully brought together the various Verbum Dei-Luzon communities, fostering a sense of family and shared purpose that extended beyond the celebration itself.

---

Edited by: VD-NATCOMM