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[phgq]

Caraganons celebrate MWOP, antique bell installed

#PHinfo: Caraganons celebrate MWOP, antique bell installed

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- This year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration joined by members of various local communities in Caraga region such as the indigenous Peoples (IPs), Muslims, and Christians was highlighted with the historic blessing and installation of one of the Balangiga bell replicas on November 28, 2019 at St. James the Great Parish in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The bell is one of the two church bells that were made in 1863 in the United States which was purchased by Dr. Henry Boland Howard, director of the United States-Philippines Society.

Most Reverend Cosme Damian Almedilla, Bishop of Butuan City, led the blessing of the antique bell that symbolizes unity and peace.

A loud chant of “Mindanao, Kalinaw (Peace)!” was heard from the people who witnessed the ringing and hoisting of the church bell that marked another milestone in the history not only of the municipality of Buenavista, but also of the whole peace process being campaigned nationwide by the government and various stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Coordinator Mauricio Abrao greeted everyone with warm welcome during the opening program held right after the Eaucharistic mass. He also acknowledged the support of Caraganons towards inclusive peace and development, not only in the province but in the entire region.

Meanwhile, Mayor Norbert Pagaspas of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte expressed his gratitude to Howard for choosing Saint James Parish as one of the beneficiaries of the bell. He emphasized that it would help promote peace in the communities for a well-lived life.

“Everyone deserves peace. We are happy to see people being united and working peacefully regardless of cultural differences," said Howard.

In his message delivered by Atty. Ramie Duropan, Agusan del Norte governor Dale Corvera said that despite the different cultures, customs, beliefs, principles, and even clashing personal viewpoints, "we stand in great hope to fortify the alliance of civilizations so that we can advance the most clamored status of peace in Mindanao."

Atty. Ramie Duropan added that there is no alternative for peace. ”With the help of all stakeholders, we can establish a true haven in this Promise Land- Mindanao.”

Representing Brigade Commander BGen. Maurito Licudine of the 402nd Brigade is Major Fransisco Garello, Jr., who was quick to remind everyone that attaining peace requires a collective effort and is therefore the responsibility of everyone.

A press conference facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was held shortly after, where coordinators of MWOP discussed their agenda for this year’s celebration with present media partners. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

  #MWOP2019 #MindanaoKalinaw

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References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Caraganons celebrate MWOP, antique bell installed." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031060 (accessed December 02, 2019 at 06:08PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Caraganons celebrate MWOP, antique bell installed." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031060 (archived).

[nonfictionart-blog]

"In memory of his [Jesus'] death and resurrection, we offer you Father, this life giving bread, this saving cup. We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity of the Holy Spirit. Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took bread and gave you thanks, he broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and said, take this all of you and eat it. This is my body, which will be given up for you. When supper was ended, he took a cup, again he gave you thanks and praise, he gave it to his disciples and said, take this all of you and drink from it. This is my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenent. It will be shed for you and for all, so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me." [From Eucharistic Payer II]