By Myra Colis-Zymelka
The 28th of February 2021 marked the official first Sunday mass held by the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda (FCC-Gouda) & Surroundings at the H-Josephkerk as the community has now moved to this new location at Aalberseplein 2 in Gouda. To also officially bid farewell to the community’s old location, last month’s 4th Sunday service was held at the O.L.V. Hemelvaartkerk, which actually served not only as a venue for church services but also as a home for FCC-Gouda in the past 23 years. Marking this transition from old to new, this month’s eucharistic celebration also highlighted the celebration of married couples, who gladly received prayers for blessings of joy, strength, empowerment and love from the community.
Led by Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, the following prayer and blessings were bestowed not only upon the couples who were present that day but also to all couples watching from home as well as all couples from the Filipino Community of Gouda & Surroundings, the Parish and all those who worship at the H-Josephkerk.
“Dear God, we are praying for all couples in this community and also all couples in this parish—the Dutch community and all who worship here. Father, we ask you who planted the love in them and right from the beginning to refresh and renew their love for one another. Give them the heart to love and to forgive. Give them the grace to forgive. Strengthen them, empower them and be with them in their times of pain. Be with them in their times of confusion. It is your great will that they continually have fulfilling love relationships. Don’t abandon them and don’t leave them. Come into their lives. Renew, bless, uplift, strengthen, and empower them. Let their love for one another grow everyday and let them be a sacrament of your presence who is love Himself. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”
As the song entitled “Through the Years” is being played as background music, each married couple received a rose and a nicely crafted token made with love by Jenny Luna and all courtesy of the FCC-Gouda administration.
The FCC-Gouda Sunday services continue every 4th Sunday of the month with strict compliance with the COVID-19 regulations. The number of people allowed to attend masses in person is restricted to 30 people, but those who stay at home can follow the mass on live streaming. You can find the recording of this month’s celebration HERE.
Photo credit: Amor van Os