MARCEL’S CONFIRMATION : February 10, 2013

The Bataan Death March test run from Abucay, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga was scheduled for February 10. Unfortunately for me, I was not able to join this test run which was an important preparation for the BDM 102Km Ultramarathon set for March 2 & 3, 2013.

The reason for my non-participation in the 50km test run (For the results, please refer to http://baldrunner.com/2013/02/12/result-2013-bdm-102-test-run-km-50-km-102/ ) is that on that same day my son, Marcel, together with his Grade 7 classmates,  was to take his Sacrament of Confirmation at the Church of Gessu  inside the Loyola Heights Campus of the Ateneo de Manila.  Given the conflict of schedule , the choice is clear. I was first a father before I was a runner.    

Here are pictures from the event.  

Marcel in front of the Church of Gessu

Marcel with mom

Marcel with dad

Marcel with Ninang Leila

Marcel with Ninong Steve

Inside the church

The event was truly a special one for the confirmants, parents, ninongs, ninangs, teachers   and family.  In the mass, the  Most Reverend Patricio Alo, DD ( Bishop of the Diocese of Mati, Davao Oriental) and Fr. Norberto Maria Bautista, SJ (Headmaster of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School) both reminded the confirmants  that the with blessings of the Sacrament of Confirmation come the responsibility to commit to serving the Church more. The confirmed is expected to graduate from being self-centered to becoming concerned with the welfare of Christ-in-the-world (the Church) and the welfare of Christ-in-his-neighbor.  

An inspiring reminder not only for the Grade 7 confirmants but for all the adults present in the celebration.