THEME: “MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES AND THE FISHES

Last October 26-27 was a red letter day for the Council of Servant Leaders as it successfully held a planning session for the Community. In the morning of Oct. 27, Fr. Gabby Chiniona of the Our Lady of La Sallete Congregation celebrated a mass for the CSL. He shared during his homily that they likewise recently conducted a planning session which was attended by hundreds of priests and deacons that lasted for 30 days. In contrast, by God’s grace, the CSL came up with workable plans and program within 24 hours as it commenced its session at 3:00 p.m. on a Friday and winded up at the same time the next day.
The CSL Theme for its 2018-21 Plans & Program is “Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes” which is a take-off from the inspirational homily of Abp. Angel Lagdameo during the anointing of the CSL and the Cluster Shepherds last June 6, 2018. In his homily, he exhorted the Community to live up to a higher order of “Unity and Teamwork.” Indeed through “Unity and Teamwork” we can attain greater heights as this gives flesh to the “Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes,” a multiplication of our time, talents and resources for abundant yields.
One way the CSL envisions this is through sharing of success stories. An example is the sixty covenant aspirants of our Cebu District. How they were able to raise such a large number is something that could be emulated by the other districts. Another is the continuing support given by BLD Toronto to the Scholarship of Hope of BLD Manila. Still another is the construction of the St. Francis Multipurpose Building at Villa Paraiso in Paranaque, which was funded mainly by BLD Cleveland as a joint project with BLD Manila. These last two endeavors were coursed thru and coordinated by the CSL.The scholars and the multipurpose building are certainly “miracles” that came to light from the joint cooperation of two districts.Whether as an individual member or a district, let us be the “boy”in the story, generously offering our “bread and fish” for the Community.
In accord with the BLD Vision and Mission, the CSL is focusing on building communities of faith by pursuing steps which will ensure that our Evangelization and Spiritual/Pastoral Care Programs, including our policies and guidelines, are attuned to the needs of the time and that these are properly supported by all Apostolates and Ministries.
On spirituality, it is worth noting that in the initial meeting of Abp. Lagdameo with the CSL, he expressed his ardent desire for the members to have a devotion to the Holy Family and to regularly pray the Holy Rosary in accord with the well accepted tenet by the faithful that “a family that prays together stays together.” The CSL encourages all Community membersto heed this wish of our Community Spiritual Director. We also advocate the wearing of Scapular as a sign of devotion to our Blessed Mother and for her protection. Praying the 2,000 Hail Mary’s every month may likewise be adopted as what is being practiced by some families and ministries of BLD Manila.
On pastoral concern, the CSL plans to cover all and reach out to the farthest districts of the Community through the use of telecommunication devices. At a certain schedule, Abp. Angel Lagdameo, our CSD, will be with the CSL in its teleconference with the districts.
The CSL likewise regards with special attention the BLD Foundation, Inc. Its Covenant House stands as a solid symbol of how BLD builds communities of faith and how it participates in the life and mission of the Church through the many religious organizations and Catholic schools being served by the Covenant House. The present land area occupied by the CH in Dasmariñas, Cavite is limited/restrictive as to accommodate the original “U Shape” structure of the facilities and the ongoing Chapel Project. Constructing the right wing of the Covenant House for more rooms could maximize its income potential.
At present, the existing rooms are not enough to absorb the influx of members during the Inter District Conference (IDC). Adequate space could be made available by acquiring a parcel of land in front of the Covenant House which is up for sale. This is an opportunity that may be lost once a buyer acquires the said vacant property. Even if just a portion of it is bought and developed, the price of the remaining land may become prohibitive.
In the homily of Fr. Gabby, he further stated that in their own planning session, they came up with a beautiful comprehensive plan but for a time it became an exercise in futility as it was not implemented. They had to hire a professional before everyone took it seriously and made the necessary steps to carry it out. The CSL has drawn up a road map for the Community. We should not let it be just a nice piece of paper embodying our plans and program. And so with our inspirational theme of “Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes” we call upon everyone to join hands with us in solidarity and cooperation, to bring our Plans& Program into fruition all for God’s greater glory and honor.

4 CSL Planning, Oct 26-27, 2018