Slide Show

St. John the Baptist Parish and the Secular Augustinian Recollects of Milpitas, California, hosted the fourth annual celebration of the Vocations and Contributions of Lay/Secular Orders in the Diocese of San Jose. The gathering, held on Saturday, October 17, 2009, was titled “We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe.” Most Rev. Patrick McGrath, bishop of San Jose, presided at the Mass, which began at 11:15 AM. Joining him as concelebrants were the priest-spiritual directors of the various participating lay groups, including the Third Order Carmelites (TOC and OCDS), Dominicans (OPL), Franciscans (SFO), Incarnate Word (IVE), and Augustinian Recollects (SAR). Fr. John Gruben, who was visiting in Milpitas, represented the Augustinian Recollects. Around 200 people were present for the Mass and reception. As the entrance procession moved up the aisle of the church to the melody of “Table of Plenty”, each of the fraternities carried a fittingly-decorated banner symbolizing its organization. When all had reached their places, Fr. Norman Segovia, pastor of St. John, welcomed everyone to the parish, and extended a special greeting to the Bishop and the visiting priests. In his homily Bishop McGrath had warm and encouraging words for the group, speaking about the important role of the laity in the life and ministry of the diocese and the richness and variety of the religious traditions they brought to the local church. Following the liturgy of the word each of the Third Orders rose in turn and renewed their promises to the various institutes to which they belong. The SAR fraternity was led in the renewal of promises by president, Demetrio Nitafan. The liturgy was enlivened by the inspired singing of the St. John choir, directed by Sr. Divina Caabay, AR. After the Mass and the requisite time for picture taking with the Bishop, everyone went to the spacious parish hall for a pot-luck lunch. People brought a variety of salads, main dishes, and desserts as well as beverages so that no one went away hungry. During the meal a power-point presentation was given, depicting the life and ministry of the different secular institutes that were present. After lunch concluded Fr. John met with our Milpitas SAR fraternity to speak about recent developments of interest to our SAR members including a projected SAR convocation and province-wide newsletter, as well as to share some thoughts on St. Augustine’s teaching on the Virgin Mary for the Marian month of October.

Fr. John Gruben, OAR