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The Knights of Columbus in the Philippines together with its youth organization, the Columbian Squires and insurance arm, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc (KCFAPI) joined the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) as they celebrate the 117th Birthday of the person who established their respective organizations -Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ held on June 29, 2014 in two separate venues.
A Eucharistic Celebration was held during the 2014 Luzon Organizational Meeting of District Deputies at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Manila at 7’ocklock in the morning presided by Rev. Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J. Cruz, Trustee, Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc and CYO National Chaplain.
Chairman of the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc., Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. and President, Alonso L. Tan gave the foundations’ report along with the Executive Director, Roberto Cruz, who gave a short talk on the life and works of Fr. Willmann.
The “Beacon of Love” – a song to Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ composed by the multi-awarded priest songwriter, Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo was sung by the CYO Unit 26 after the talk. Fr. Cruz also gave his testimony about Fr. WIllmann.
Meanwhile, another celebration was held at the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Center in Intramuros, Manila attended by more than two hundreds of youngsters consists of the members (majority) by the CYO, Columbian Squires, communities from different areas of Manila and other organizations such as the Rover Scouts Circle 14 organized by the incoming Grand Knight of Manila Council 1000, Jun Florendo.
KCFAPI Vice President for Information and BC Holders Services, Ronulfo Antero G. Infante welcomed the attendees in behalf of the KCFAPI Executive Vice President, Ma. Theresa G. Curia.
The festivity made possible by the assistance of KCFAPI, which provided the venue and food plus the “Willmann Shirts”.
Another youth organization, YOUTHPINOY! headed by Sky Ortigas sponsored the games’ prizes (shirts and bags), while the KC Foundations provided the booklets. Other Knights of Columbus councils who gave their support were from the Manila Council 1000 for the printed bags and Pasay Council 4267 for the birthday cake (before the program ends, attendees sang a joyful “happy birthday” for Fr. WIllmann).
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ headed by Former KCFAPI Chairman and Chief Justice, Hilario Davide, Jr. and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media and KC Spiritual Director, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III as Vice-Chairman of the board urged each and everyone to support the cause of Fr. Willmann by visiting the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Museum located within the KCFAPI compound in Intramuros, Manila
The NEC also acknowledged the people who support the “Father Willmann Fellows” –a camaraderie that will serve as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the values and merit of Fr. Willmann’s life, works, and holiness.
Their one-time monetary donation of P1,000.00 or more is a lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of Columbus of promoting awareness on Fr. Willmann in order that authentic devotion to him may be encouraged among the faithful, especially those who need his intercession for God’s grace and blessings.
Father Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights and Columbus councils, members and their families, friends and even to business institutions. As memorabilia, each fellow is entitled to receive certificate of membership; lapel pin; and pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ.
Interested parties may contact Yen Ocampo, Promotions Coordinator for the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ at telephone numbers (02) 984-8368 and +63932-868-6677. (KC News)