Mark Jimenez's HNL Foundation showers Navotas with blessings in Mass Binyagan
Eight hundred twenty children became Christians in Navotas City on June 30, 2008, courtesy of Mark “MJ” Jimenez's Hulog ng Langit Foundation.
Baptism is a priceless gift given by God to us, but many people cannot avail of the sacrament because of various reasons --- foremost of all is poverty. So, Mark Jimenez and his HNL Foundation continue with their self-imposed, apostolic mission to bring innocent children before the altar of God.
Like many other areas in the metropolis, pockets of poverty and helplessness dotted Navotas. Parents and young children often have to utilize their whole time earning a living to keep body and soul together.
As much as they wanted, they are either too busy to allot time for things spiritual like baptizing their children or they can't afford the expenses connected with the process.
Navotas is a coastal city located north of Manila noted for its perennial floods. It lies below sea level and two-thirds of the city sink underwater every time the tide rises. Navotas also plays host to the biggest fish port in the country that supplies marine products for Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
During the last days of June, while some parts of the city was still flooded due to the havocs of typhoon Frank, the HNL Foundation staffers were also busy organizing the biggest Binyagan event ever seen in Navotas.
Baptismal gowns and dresses had to be fitted, brand new shoes had to be distributed, church fees had to be paid, lists had to be updated, activities had to be coordinated for the 820 children.
The Church of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Phase 1-C Kaunlaran Village was festooned with cheerful buntings and posters suited for the occasion. It was a mini fiesta enjoyed by people in the North Bay Boulevard North and North Bay Boulevard South.
Chairwoman Angelita Del Rosario of Barangay NBBS and his tanods did a yeoman's job to keep the area peaceful and orderly. Arlene Bautista and William Chua from the parish office volunteered their time and effort and acted as overall coordinators of the festive event.
Generously, Boy Cabral, president of the homeowners association of Phase 1-C, got into the act and allowed the Hulog ng Langit Foundation to use the covered court for the receptions.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Allan Lopez,OP had to schedule the baptism in six batches. The first batch started at 7 o'clock in the morning and went on every hour until the baptisms were finished at 12 noon.
Four priests -- Rev. Fr. Patricio Hiwatig, OP; Rev. Fr. Delfo Canceran, OP; Rev. Fr. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP; and Rev. Fr. Reu Galoy, OFM – had to be invited to help the parish priest in performing the sacrament.
They were assisted by guest Brothers or Deacons, who were Rev. Edison Pabag, OFM, Rev. Benigno Flores Jr., OFM; Rev. Reycel Centino, OFM; Rev. Virgilio Mendoza, OFM; and Bro. Jerome Ponce, OFM.
Afterwards, parents, friends, and relatives of the baptized children enjoyed a hearty meal of Jollibee goodies and cheerful entertainment after each batch -- again courtesy of MJ's Hulog ng Langit Foundation.