C.C. Salonga

It was my Mom’s idea to name me after St. Cyprian, second century Bishop printed on Catholic calendar. Hence, Cipriano Cruz Salonga or “C.C.” As a tot, my infatuation with the tradition of Catholic church elicited a symphony of tributes to my loving mother who taught me how to pray the rosary. This tradition gradually matured into a wonderful crush on the Catholic faith.

My fingerprints and footprints are all over St. Catherine church since Msgr. Dean was our beloved Pastor in 1980. I’m 79, a year older than our Parish, with about 3,000 members. We used to pass the collection baskets on the choir loft above the vestibule. I am grateful for the enthusiastic, compassionate moral leadership of our Pastors, Administrators, vicars, deacons, sisters, teachers, ministers, altar servers, acolytes, lay faithful, laity, volunteers, chefs, hospitalities, etc.

I’m just a mini-servant of Jesus. Our planet earth is just a tiny dot in the Universe created by the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This is my 16th Bishop’s appeal. These appeals bring people together who have faithful loyalties to our parish and sprawling diocese. I am a faithful contributor to PACE project, chorister, usher, proclaimer, greeter, early member of decorator’s committee, altar server, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist aboard Navy ships. My omnibus ministry is just a grain of wheat, and I am doing my best to keep my faith alive.

We performed 11 charitable concerts composed of skillful powerhouse vocalists. Our choir created legions of fans like pop stars on the rise. My heart is filled with joy during Masses. This liturgical prayer is a privilege encounter with the living Christ. Communion is a friendship with the Son of God, risen from the dead. It is an intense union with Jesus. We get together, talk and then we eat. My voice is tinged with emotion whenever I verbalize “Peace be with you.”

I am proud to carry palms and walk processions from Susana Park to the sanctuary. Many times, it’s only me and Jesus alone during the Eucharistic Adoration & Venerations. Liturgy is beautiful, reflective, gracious, as sunlight shines on the crucifix during communion. My faith is strengthened when I see religious swings the censer on the golden chain releasing clouds of sweet smelling incense around the sanctuary. This inspiring picture beams with abiding commitment to love of God.

My faith is as strong as Saint Dimas, the good thief who was crucified on Jesus’ right. Jesus said that he will be taken up to paradise with him (Luke 23-43). My faith is strong because of the many miracles I have seen. I feel good when my voice blends with the choir as we serenade God, when I donate charities to the missionaries around the world. It is exciting to proclaim with vigor the words of God on the ambo despite the jaw-breaking biblical nouns on the readings. After the sorrowful mysteries come the glorious mysteries. I treasure the fond memories of my family worshipping together and praying the Rosary together. It feels great to forgive others. It frees my soul.

I feel at home at St. Catherine. I praise the community especially the Filipinos for their intense devotion to God. They are a bunch of angels. I support the official opinions of the Holy Catholic Church with 1.284 billion baptized members, with two living Popes, 222 Cardinals, 1,332 Archbishops, 7,992 Bishops, 679,328 Priests and Deacons, 376,326 Sisters. I support immigration reforms, oppose gay marriage, female priests, abortion, and the death penalty. I’m here to work hard and help folks in the pews; to serve and love merciful Christ with all my heart and to imitate His love and care.