Monsignor

The morning sun was gently shining, its warmth filling the air with a sense of comfort and peace. It was a day for connection, a day for families and friends to come together after attending the morning mass. Whether they chose to stroll around the bustling malls, dine at exquisite restaurants, or bask in the golden sand of the beach, the important thing was that they were spending quality time with one another.

Laughter and friendly chatter could be heard as friends engaged in lively activities such as mobile gaming, basketball, or simply catching up after some time apart. It was a morning of joy and camaraderie, where the bonds of friendship and family were strengthened amidst the backdrop of a serene Sunday morning.

Indeed, it was a fine Sunday morning, where the beauty of the day was matched only by the beauty of the connections shared between loved ones.

"Fr. Roy, a man of great humility," Filomena, the wife of Mayor Andres delos Santos, remarked with admiration. "I remember how he used to share his experiences during his various assignments in different parishes in his homilies. It was always so enlightening to listen to his stories."

Mayor Andres nodded in agreement. "Fr. Roy is a true gem of a person, trustworthy and reliable. I recall one of his stories about his visit to a remote mountain barangay, where he went on house visits to the indigent families. He spoke about how he always brought food with him, so that the families wouldn't feel burdened and could welcome him with open arms. His pastoral zeal is truly admirable."

Felomena chimed in, "I couldn't agree more. Fr. Roy is not just a priest, but a dear friend who we can trust. It's only fitting that we support his various pastoral and parish projects. With him at the helm, we can be assured that our contributions will be put to good use."

Mayor Andres nodded, a look of determination on his face. "Absolutely. Fr. Roy deserves all the support we can give him. His selfless service to the community is truly inspiring, and I am grateful to have him as a friend and spiritual guide."

***

Father Rommualdo "Roy" Demaguba pondered as he planned his next move. "I'll prepare some thoughtful gifts and a generous envelope for the Bishop," he thought to himself. "I'll share my various pastoral projects with him, in the hopes that he'll assign me to a more affluent parish. I'm tired of dealing with impoverished communities and the occasional uppity aristocrat."

The thought of finally serving in a wealthier community made his heart skip a beat. He could already envision the grand churches, the lavish ceremonies, and the endless possibilities of making a real difference in the lives of the well-off.

Excitement coursed through his veins as he thought about the upcoming district meeting, where the Bishop would be in attendance. Father Roy knew that this was his chance to make a lasting impression on the Bishop. The Bishop's Mass in the mountain barangay was the perfect opportunity for some much-needed integration and happy hour with the district.

As he finalized his plans, Father Roy couldn't help but feel a sense of eagerness and anticipation. He knew that this was his chance to step up and make a real impact in the community. And with the Bishop's support, there was no telling how far he could go.

Father Rommualdo "Roy" Demaguba's mind swirled with dark thoughts as he plotted his ascent up the ladder of the Catholic hierarchy. "The priests in my district are easily swayed by my friendliness and generosity," he mused. "They will sing my praises to the Bishop, and I will finally get my chance to climb the ladder to success."

Father Roy's eyes glinted with a sinister gleam as he envisioned himself being assigned to a lavish city parish, surrounded by wealth and luxury. His plans were foolproof, he thought. With the support of his fellow priests, he would be unstoppable.

"Fr. James owes me a debt of gratitude," he thought with a sly smile. "I helped him cover up his scandalous affair with a woman he impregnated. He will surely repay me by supporting my cause with the Bishop."

"And Fr. John," he continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "He's a gambler, and I paid off his debts to keep him in line. He owes me, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep me happy."

Father Roy's mind raced as he thought of all the priests he had helped in one way or another. "Fr. Robert was caught with a young sacristan, and I paid off the family to keep them quiet," he reminisced. "I even gave them a scholarship for their silence. And the young vicars, they are with me all the way. I am generous to them, and they will sing my praises to the Bishop."

The thought of his impending success filled Father Roy with a sense of euphoria. "Tomorrow's activities will be the start of my rise to the top," he thought. "I am so excited for what the future holds."

***

"Fr. Roy, a man of faith and generosity, is held in high esteem by his parishioners." Manang Rosa praised with conviction. "He embodies the spirit of prayer and devotion, joining us in our daily rituals and inspiring us with his homilies. And tomorrow, a momentous occasion awaits him as he meets with the Bishop at the district meeting." In anticipation of this meeting, the townspeople are eager to show their gratitude to Fr. Roy. "I will prepare a feast fit for a king," declared Manang Rosa. "Lechon Bisayang Manok (Roasted native chicken) and a large cauldron of Bisayang Tinolang Manok (Native Chicken Soup) will be served." Inday Susana chimed in with her own offering, "And I will boil bananas and camote (sweet potatoes) to sustain them throughout the day. Fr. Roy will surely appreciate it." But Mang Jose had something special in mind, "Ah, but let us not forget the Bishop's fondness for a cup of coconut wine during their little integration or happy hour. I have the finest coconut wine in town, and I know that Fr. Roy will be overjoyed to share it with his dear friend, the Bishop. He always appreciates my own special brew."

***

The parishioners of St. Joseph's Church poured their hearts and hands into preparing their gifts for Fr. Roy - an array of homemade delicacies and jars of freshly brewed coconut wine. Mayor Andres and Mrs. Felomena, too, made their own generous contribution by donating a sum of 50,000 pesos to Fr. Roy.

"Fr. Roy, this is just a little amount. I am hoping that this will give joy to all of you for today's activities. We will include you in our prayers, Padre," said Mayor Roy, handing over the donation.

"Thank you very much, my dear parishioners, for these wonderful gifts. Your generosity knows no bounds. We will prepare a sumptuous feast with the different food you have given us. And to Mayor Andres and Mrs. Felomena, your generous donation is much appreciated," replied Fr. Roy, with a grateful smile.

After they left, Fr. Roy surveyed the different donations he had received. He realized that, among them, only that of the Mayor and his wife stood out as the most generous. As for the rest, he decided that it was better to avoid transporting them in his own car to the resort where the meeting was to take place. The pungent smell of the homemade delicacies and the smell of the coconut wine might linger and spoil the interior of his car. Instead, he resolved to use the parish vehicle for transportation.

As he drove, Fr. Roy couldn't help but think that it was probably for the best. After all, he wanted to keep his own car clean and smelling fresh, especially since he had to wear his best clerical while driving. With his mind at ease, he arrived at the beach resort where around 23 priests would be staying the night with the Bishop.

To be continued...