A Defining Moment
It was so nice to be part of this big celebration
held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island;
roughly, I think, more than three hundred people
were in attendance to celebrate and congratulate
those deserving honorees of Project Hospitality.
This year, too, marks its 25th years of service
since its foundation to many Staten Islanders;
those speeches and presentations made so far,
made me think the work of quintessentially
humanitarian aids to people who are poor.
It’s like a magnet of interest for people like me,
being a disciple, a man of God in my ministry
caring for both: bodies and souls of the people
crying for peace, justice, and sharing of wealth
especially those who hunger for food and shelter.
I met some friends, fellow priests, and parishioners
who came to witness and be part of this event;
there’s emotional tugging that went along with it,
tracing back the past clothed with memorable insights
a wealth of faith and accomplishments to be kept.
Msgr Vincent Bartley, a friend and confrere in the ministry,
was indeed an inspiring example and a true priest to everyone;
his never-ending commitment to the poor and abandoned
reflected God’s love to peoples of different colors.
He’s part of history, a living icon of service to humanity,
with his years of experience in Africa as a missionary –
was a triumph of blessings that continues to abound
an evidence in his life, a gift that could be triumphant.
He received a long standing ovation after he’d done his role,
with that thunderous applause from people in attendance
a moving experience, a sign of God’s love for him
with his dedication to serve the church across cultures.
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