Thanksgiving and send-off mass for IFFAsia batch nine graduates

Nov 20, 2015

FAIRVIEW, Quezon City : The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) has achieved yet another milestone in its journey. Thirteen young leaders of Batch Nine, from eight different countries across Asia, one each from China, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, two from Laos and three each from Malaysia and Myanmar, completed a 11-month formation programme.

The 8.30 am Thanksgiving and Send-Off Mass was held at the Good Shepherd Cathedral, Fairview Park on Sunday, November 8. His Excellency, Most Rev Joel Baylon DD, the Bishop of Legaspi and the Chairperson of IFFAsia, presided over the Mass,which was concelebrated with seven other priests.

In his homily, the bishop said that people in the contemporary world are more concerned with how people look at us rather than who we are, the actual person within us. This phenomena leads us to wear different masks in life, to look good, pleasant and successful.

The prelate cited the two parables of the unnamed widows in scriptures: one, giving her two coins to the treasury of the church and another offering her last handful of meal and a little oil to a prophet. They gave of their essence and not their surplus. Both incidents are gentle reminders that, as followers of Christ, we are to be generous with the little we have.

Addressing the young leaders, this is what the prelate said, “As you go home to your family and friends and to your sending organizations, do remember these three significant matters while in mission: Look, not at yourself but on others, and  a at God. Always prioritize others. Be generous and take a risk and always in the grace of God. Put your trust in God and He will do the rest.”

Alice Tan, the Director of IFFAsia, presented the young missionaries to Bishop Baylon, in the presence of the entire congregation, to be sent forth on mission to their people and communities and their sending organizations. She asked the people to pray that God will guide the young people to be genuine witnesses in the renewal of the Church in Asia.

After the Holy Mass, IFFAsia held a special programme at the Institute at Radio Varitas Asia. About 100 people, partners, supporters and well wishers, attended the send-off fellowship, themed Live Christ, Share Christ.

The event commenced with the IFFAsia theme song, It’s good to see you here, and I want to know you a little more.

Alice Tan, in her welcome speech, extended her heartfelt thanks and acknowledged the presence of partners who have  journeyed with IFFAsia throughout the years of mission. She thanked the local churches, the various religious and lay organizations and sending organizations for their belief in IFFAsia in training and forming young leaders, proclaiming the Good News with joy.

The slide presentations on the journey in IFFAsia began with a quote from Pope Francis, Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gift that God has given you. Do not be afraid to dream of great things. It touched on the 11-month life journey in the Institute, focusing on pastoral, human development, social and spiritual formation. The experiences and love acquired must be passed on to others.

The event concluded with everyone on the floor doing two traditional dances from Sabah and Myanmar respectively.