Blessed Unity and Healing Grace: Celebrating the Feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno in Saipan

In the radiant embrace of Saipan’s sunlit beauty, a day of profound spirituality and communal solidarity unfolded on August 19, 2024, as the San Jose Parish community gathered to honor the Feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno, the beloved Patron of Cancer Patients. The atmosphere was charged with reverence and kinship, as devoted souls united to pay homage to the cherished saint.

With the presence of two deacons, the esteemed Fr. James Balajadia, and our Augustinian Recollect priests—Fr. Jayferson Baldelovar, OAR, Fr. Roderick Deguit, OAR, and Fr. Nelson Plohimon, OAR—alongside the dedicated President of the Secretariat on Mission and Ministerial Apostolate (SMMLA), Fr. Anthony Morillo, OAR, who traveled from the Philippines to preside over the celebration, the day was filled with spiritual guidance and fraternal love, like a tapestry woven with threads of divine grace.

The festivities commenced with the final Novena and the solemn Lukao (procession) ceremony, a treasured Chamorro tradition that added a tapestry of cultural richness to the day’s festivities. The ensuing Mass was a symphony of prayers and praises, uniting the diverse congregations of Chamorro, Carolinian, and Filipino faithful in a harmonious chorus of worship and devotion.

In a moment of poignant grace, Fr. Nelson Plohimon, OAR, conducted the anointing of the sick, a profound expression of God’s healing mercy that touched the hearts of all present. The opportunity for confessions offered a sacred space for spiritual rejuvenation, encouraging each soul to delve into introspection and rekindle their faith.

The jubilation continued as the community gathered in conviviality, sharing tales, laughter, and a sumptuous feast that mirrored the boundless generosity and warmth of their spirits. The indomitable spirit of St. Ezekiel Moreno, with his unwavering dedication to serving others, suffused the gathering with a renewed sense of mission and empathy, inspiring all to deepen their faith and extend a compassionate hand to those in need.

Grateful for the blessings and camaraderie of the day, the San Jose Parish community embraced the joy of fellowship and the fortitude of faith, eagerly anticipating the ongoing journey of spiritual growth and unity that awaited them.

Biba San Ezekiel Moreno!