Fr. Massimilliano's Appreciation and Farewell Celebration

Taytay, Rizal –Following the visit of the Casante Fr. Massimilliano Parella here in the Philippines, he came back to San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Taytay Rizal for his last destination to visit before his return to Italy. He arrived in Calabrian Home community, evening of March 24, 2025, together with the delegate Fr. Marvin Tadena who visited PSDP communities in Visayas and Mindanao. Arrived also with them Fr. Raymond Balaod, PSDP, from Caburan, Jose Abad Santos to give recollection for the staff and teachers of Brother Francisco Perez Clinic and Calabrian Formation School.

On March 25, 2025, the Casante with the Delegate and some religious visited the “Pasalubong Center (KULTURA)” in SM Megamall. “Pasalubong” is a Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home.

On March 26, 2025, The San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish community had a beautiful despedida program and lunch together with the officers of different chapels.  It was a celebration full of joy and thanksgiving for the presence and encouragement of the Casante for the whole Calabrian Family in Luzon. Fr. Massimilliano was welcomed with a ‘sayawit’ (Sayaw -Awit) of the officers led by Niña Abby Ollet and all attendees. Fr. Massimilliano gave his heartfelt gratitude for all the Calabrian family in San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish.

After the celebration, the religious had a moment of 'coffee and bread' together in the PSDP Sisters House. Everyone is sharing about life, inspirations, missions, and joyful celebrations in the service.

Evening of the same day, the St. John Maria Vianney association together with all the religious Poor Servants in Taytay gathered together for a fellowship and thanksgiving. St. John Maria Vianney association is a group who supports Nazareth Formation House, Postulants, and Seminarians from San Lorenzo within the Diocese of Antipolo, Rizal.

March 27, 2025, Fr. Massimilliano together with all the religious in Taytay gathered together for the prayer and celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by the Casante. In his homily he highlighted five important points on the mission in Taytay:

         First is the Miracle of Liberation. As Jesus cast out a mute demon in the gospel, Poor Servants amidst the challenges are called to be instruments of Liberation. St. John Calabria taught, that the Poor Servants ministry is not just assistance, but a cry of redemption for those who have been rendered mute by poverty, exclusion, and illness.

      Second is the accusation and the truth. As some accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, He was able to dismantle this accusation with the Truth: a divided kingdom cannot stand. Poor Servants, must be united with each other, brothers and sisters to share, collaborate, to listen to each other, forgive one another, eat together, celebrate because when united the devil cannot harm everyone.

     Third is the necessary battle. This is an invitation to decisively stand on the side of the Kingdom. In the context of service, this means choosing every day to stand with the last, the most fragile. Poor Servants are strong with one another. Poor Servants strengths lies not in numbers, structures, or projects, but in the ability to bring hope where it seems impossible, like that of a mustard seed that becomes a tree.

      Fourth is the Prophecy of Don Calabria. Don Calabria saw the very face of Christ in every person, especially in the poorest. Here in Manila, among the children of the slums, the abandoned, elderly, the forgotten sick, Poor Servants must continue that prophecy. Every time, you liberate someone from their ‘demon’ – be it hunger, loneliness, illness, despair – you are realizing the Kingdom of God.

     Lastly, become witnesses of Hope. Poor Servants do not fear for weaknesses. God’s grace transforms our limits into opportunities for miracles. Continue to speak when others are silent, to hope when everything seems dark, to build bridges of fraternity where there seem to be only walls. Free hope. Donate life. Be living Gospels in this place. Be a voice for those without a voice. Be bread for those who have nothing to eat. Be fresh water for those who are thirsty, be clothing for the naked. Be care for the sick. Be friends to the lonely and be home for all who knock at your door. Remember, welcome is your identity card.

In the evening of the same day, around 6:00pm, Fr. Massimilliano return back to Italy. We continue to pray for him, his mission as Casante and his faithfulness as Poor Servant of God, as he goes back the Mother House.