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MESSAGE of BISHOP REY EVANGELISTA – BLD 35th ANNIVERSARY

On the occasion of the 35th Foundation Anniversary of Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Covenant Community, let us praise and thank God for all the graces that He has given us. It was “on June 19, 1985 that the first covenants sealed by almost 100 couples took place at a Community Assembly. This has become the reckoning date for the BLD Anniversary.” (BLD Coffee Table Book, p. 33) Since then, BLD continuously blossomed to 61 Districts and 24 Prayer Groups. True to its Community Vision, members strive to be “disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace.”

BLD Manila also celebrates its 35th Anniversary this year 2020. Thanks to the District’s faithful members who remain as authentic witnesses to the covenant that they promised to fulfill.

The theme of the anniversary is “United in love… bearing fruit in Christ.” To belong to BLD means to grow in holiness through the community. As Pope Francis emphasized in his Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exultate On the Call To Holiness In Today’s World – “Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others.” (GE, 141) This is the reason why it is important to attend regularly Praise and Worship, Apostolates (Pastoral Evangelization, Formation Mission and Management), to get involved in all community activities and most especially to be faithful in attending the Holy Eucharist, the highest community worship, the source and summit of our Christian life. The community united in love is the fertile ground of growth to holiness. The Holy Father Pope Francis furtherly added – “A community that cherishes the little details of love, whose members care for one another and create an open and evangelizing environment, is a place where the Risen Lord is present, sanctifying it in accordance with the Father’s plan.” (GE, 145)

June 19 is also the 103rd birthday of the late Rev. Fr. Pascual Adorable, S.J. He was the priest who embodied the ideals of BLD Community. Fr. Ado as many BLD members fondly call him used to exhort everyone “not just to pray together, but to be a community for others.” With this reminder, BLD members should always strive to reach out to the poor, the needy and the marginalized of society. A life of service motivated by love that comes from God should be the highest expression of every BLD’s commitment.

The Lord Jesus Christ said – “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love” (John 15:9). May our fidelity to God’s love be the source of our strength and hope even in this challenging times of worldwide health crisis due to COVID-19. We may not be able to gather physically as a community for the 35th Anniversary but we are united spiritually by “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” (2 Cor. 13:13)

I pray that the BLD Global Community will continue to grow in unity and love and may bear fruit abundantly for the growth of the Church.

Sincerely in Christ,
REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus
BLD Community Spiritual Director

 
 

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