Blessing of the Lower Church adjacent to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD
September 27, 2008 at 11:00 am

Most of us, if not all, are familiar with the miracle story in the gospel where Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed more than five thousand people (cf. Mt. 14:13-21). The crowd followed Jesus all the time and He was moved with pity for them. His disciples suggested that He dismiss the crowd so that they can buy food themselves. But Jesus said that there is no need for them to go away, He fed them through His disciples with the five loaves of bread and two fish that were offered generously by a young boy. Some Scripture commentaries say that this event is a miracle of generosity and not really a multiplication of bread and fish. There was enough food for everyone because each individual brought some provision for himself or herself but everyone was thinking that there might not be enough food even for all. And yet when a young boy gave all what he had, people were touched and inspired to do the same. They started to bring out their provisions and as a result there was food for everybody and there was even a big surplus of leftovers after everybody had their fill.
I call this project the construction of a three storey building that would house the priests serving the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, the parish offices and other much needed facilities like conference room, counseling room, etc.. plus the lower Church that would be used for daily masses, celebration of baptisms and other sacraments and liturgical celebrations: A MIRACLE BUILDING!
When we started this project, we started with a zero balance and yet as usual God uses people to makes His love known and His presence felt. Honestly in my thirty-six years of priestly ministry, this project is the biggest that I ventured in. It was faith and trust in God that motivated me to pursue this project. I vividly remember we had a meeting then at the manila Polo Club for our catechetical program in the Cathedral Parish. Captain Greg Oca came to know about this project and he was the first one to make a pledge of one million pesos. He followed up his initial contribution with many other contributions from his own resources and through the help of his friends in the Navigation business. After the meeting that day, I came home to attend to my other appointments. Dra. Ma. Josefa Yanga was waiting for me and she said that her mother, Mrs. Victoria C. Yanga had something to give. She gave a check of one million one hundred sixty thousand pesos. She would always give ten percent of the land sales she would make. Within two hours, I was able to raise two million one hundred sixty thousand pesos. I wanted to cry for it was the Lord assuring me that He would always be there. After eighteen months, we completed the project and then worked for the furnishings and facilities needed. I would like to thank also Msgr. Jun Bugaoan, Rector of the Cathedral Parish for his continuous support through the school, Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria through Christ the King Parish (Greenmeadows) and the other parishes of the Diocese of Cubao. We also acknowledge the countless generous people who gave their “mite” . Every time I celebrate mass on a Sunday in the Cathedral, people would be offering tiles, paint and bricks. Children, families and people from different walks of life came to contribute. God knows how much I appreciate their willingness to share from the little they have. We also thank those who gave their share in terms of sacrifices, time and talents like our artist, Rafael del Casal, Dr. Raffy Lopez, Architect Tony de Jesus, Engr. Ernie Sy, Kuya Alfred Paterno, Eber, Ate Wilma Gidaya and our Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee.
This morning we are gathered for the blessing of this beautiful lower church. Through your unselfish love, we are able to realize this project. Your generous support and contributions have brought this masterpiece of art to completion. I thank you all for your love for the church which you demonstrate through your generous support in our project.
When people use the word “church” they refer to the church as a building. The early Christians however, referred to the Church more as a community of believers. We find this reality in the Acts of the Apostles when they attended to the needs of each member so that nobody was lacking in terms of material provision. “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need” (Acts 2:42-45). The early Christians in Jerusalem shared all they had so that all could benefit from God’s gifts. It is tempting especially if we have material wealth to cut ourselves off from one another. But remembering that you belong to God’s spiritual family, you try to help in every way possible. God’s family works best when its members work together. Through your generous support, what happened here is actually a re-acting or repeating what the early Christians in Jerusalem had done. Therefore, the blessing of this lower church is not just a blessing of a building but also the blessing of the people who made this project a reality. The gospel speaks about “zeal for your house will consume me” (Jn. 2:17). Yes, zeal for the house of God has consumed your hearts and you have generously given your share.
The Church’s architectural design, decoration and ornaments have always been an important part of liturgical worship. Having the right environment and atmosphere greatly enhances the celebration of the liturgy. This lower church in its simplicity is a work of art. It exudes a serene, peaceful and calm aura that could motivate us to pray, meditate and contemplate more fruitfully. I am filled with awe this lower church fascinates me. This is truly a beautiful place of worship and adoration. Yet, what touches and astonishes me most is this building is the expression of the beauty of the people’s hearts in our community, their faith in God and their love for the Church. Thank you for your generosity. May God who cannot be outdone in generosity bless you all the more with every good gift.

Mabuhay po kayong lahat!