By Simon Pedro
For almost a decade, I have had the privilege of serving our parish community in countless ways—as a lay minister, choir member, cleaner, coordinator, and even a makeshift electrician at times. Each role I take on is an offering, a gesture of love, and a way to serve not only my fellow parishioners but ultimately, the Lord.
Recently, we celebrated our community’s fiesta in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. While it was a joyous occasion, the amount of preparation required was staggering. From coordinating the Dalaw Patron—our tradition of transferring the patron saint’s image from house to house—to getting the chapel ready for the feast, the tasks seemed never-ending. It was important to us that every detail be just right, not because we wanted perfection, but because we wanted to give our best to the Lord.
The day before the fiesta, I found myself cleaning fans, rearranging pews, and dealing with loose electrical wires. I’ll admit, the weight of these tasks began to overwhelm me. The question popped into my mind: Can I do this alone? In that moment of doubt, I turned to prayer, asking the Lord for help. Not long after, a fellow parishioner showed up to assist me, and just like that, the burden began to lift. I was reminded once again that God works in the most subtle yet profound ways, especially when we’re on the verge of giving up.
More volunteers started arriving, each one stepping in exactly when needed. Whether it was someone delivering water, arranging flowers, or helping carry chairs into the chapel, every hand felt like it was sent by the Lord. These seemingly small tasks, when viewed through the lens of faith, took on new meaning. We weren’t just preparing for a fiesta; we were working for something far greater, and every step of the process became an act of worship.
When the day of the celebration finally arrived, everything went off without a hitch. The procession was seamless, the Holy Mass was filled with joy, and the choir’s music resonated with the love of the congregation. During the homily, Fr. Carlo Tiu reminded us of the importance of family—how a family needs to stay whole to thrive, just as our community had come together to make this event possible. His words echoed what I had been feeling all along: we are not just individuals in service, but a family, united in our love for God and each other.
The day concluded with a simple banquet. The food wasn’t extravagant, but there was more than enough for everyone. Laughter filled the air as children played and old friends caught up, creating a sense of peace and unity that felt almost sacred. As I looked around, I realized that these small acts of service—cleaning, organizing, and showing up—are what truly bind a community together.
Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded that God is always present, especially in the ordinary moments. Through every task, every effort, He works through us, turning our simple acts into something extraordinary. It’s in the quiet and humble work where we often find the most profound expressions of love.
St. Francis of Assisi himself embodied this spirit of humble service. Born into wealth, Francis renounced his privileges to live a life dedicated to simplicity, compassion, and service to others, particularly the poor and marginalized. He saw God’s beauty in the world and in the small acts of kindness that uplift others. This commitment to serve and to find God in everyday life resonates deeply with my own experience of preparing for the fiesta. Much like Francis, I’ve come to understand that it’s not the grand gestures that matter most but the sincerity and love behind the smallest acts.
As St. Francis of Assisi would say, “Pax et Bonum“—peace and goodness. These words resonate deeply with me now, for in serving others, I have found both. And I am reminded that it is in the giving of ourselves, in the everyday tasks and the unseen work, that we truly live out the gospel message of love.
To my fellow parishioners and readers, let this be a call to action. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the small moments that bring us closer to God. Whether you are serving in your community or helping a neighbor in need, remember that no act is too small in the eyes of God. Let us all find ways to contribute to the common good, for in these acts of service, we become instruments of God’s grace. Together, we can build a world grounded in peace, love, and the spirit of giving.