JUBILEE IN THE PARK

By Sr. Margaret Walsh OLM
Summer 2000

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For me Jubilee was a privileged time of recalling blessings, being grateful for them, and of going home to our congregational roots in Alexandria and Toronto.

In the Philippines it was, and is, a time to celebrate newness of life with the people, and also a special time to hear and appreciate the hopes and dreams of youth as we enter into a new decade, century and millennium.
Margaret Walsh, O.L.M.

Beautiful Gaston Park, situated near the Cathedral of St. Augustine in the centre of our diocese, serves as a haven of rest and relaxation to the rich and poor alike. As we enter the door of Jubilee, it becomes once again a symbol of our desired unity as God’s people, and a welcoming place indeed for the joys of homecoming.

In the early hours of the morning on a regular day one can sometimes see joggers who tread the holy ground; or the handicapped, accompanied by loved ones, take a walk at their own pace or receive a ride along the park’s refreshing pathways. For the poor especially, it offers a venue for rest on the Sabbath day, an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mother Earth in the company of friends and family.

As one very poor woman said to me recently: “Sometimes on Sunday, Sister, when we can afford the jeepney (public transport) fare, I take the children to the park and then we go to Mass at the cathedral.” For her it was a special outing indeed.

During the past years, economy permitting, a local radio station, Bombo, has sponsored a Christmas tree and crib contest which adds to the Christmas festivities and helps to unite the different barangays or sections of the city. This year the celebrations take on a unique flavour as the park is all lit up and ready for the celebration of Jubilee Year and our entrance into the new century and millennium.

Hopefully we will continue to give praise and thanks to God as we celebrate Jubilee here in our city park, and in all our parks and homes in Canada and throughout the world. Like the psalmist our prayer can be:

“I will give thanks to you Yahweh, for you are good, your love is everlasting.” (Psalm 118:1)

May our grateful hearts then lead us to proclaim Jubilee wherever we are, and in whatever we do, as we continue on the path of repairing our world together.

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