Excerpts from the Christmas message of FATHER BEN SIM SJ:

Here's wishing all of you a Blessed Christmas and a Grace-filled New Year! I've been here in Cebu for 4 years and 3 months already. Where did all that time go? Some of my memorable experiences this year were:

• When my resignation was officially announced at the National CLC Assembly, there was such an outpouring of appreciation. I realized how the Lord has used me to touch the lives of so many people in a significant way.
• My reunion in Hawaii with my brothers and sisters at the end of October was a much needed break for all of us. It was the first death anniversary of my sister Ely, who was so dear to all of us. It was a good chance for us to gather together to share some positive experiences and fun. And we had so much joy that we decided to all gather again at the end of February next year in Cebu.
• And lastly, during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament on the Feast of Christ the King (which was my first in this parish), the devotion and reverence among the people in the chapel community of San Miguel moved me to tears. As I was carrying Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament down the street, people lining both sides of the street started kneeling down and singing. Some women were throwing flowers on the path in front of our Lord.Jesus was really being treated like a King! I will never forget that experience. And I don’t think Our Lord will forget that either.

As we come to the close of this year, I look forward to next year when I will be 75! And the 40th Anniversary of my Priesthood on May 1. Aside from our next family reunion in February, a number of friends (even those from Manila) are looking forward to coming to Cebu to celebrate with me on May 1. However, since May 1 next year is a First Friday, we’ll have to give way to the Sacred Heart, our beach outing will have to be on April 30, the month of my birthday.

To end, I wish you all again -

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A GRACE-FILLED 2009!

MAY THE PRINCE OF PEACE BRING YOU HIS PEACE AND JOY, WHICH THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE. WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS, Ben Sim SJ