Fr. Armand's Blessings

After the 6pm Mass at St. John Bosco Church, Chief and I met Fr. Armand at AMICI Restaurant, just within the Don Bosco Compound. He was surprised why I had called at this time of the day (around 6:30pm). I told him that we had just heard Mass at the church and "just wanted his blessings as it is our anniversary today." Photo from www.stjohnboscomakati.org. The Church is located A. Arnaiz Avenue corner Amorsolo Street, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City. (632) 894-5932 to 34

"O sige, let us meet at Amici." he told me.

Even if Chief was not feeling well, we walked towards Amici, leaving Shaq in the church compound. It had rained earlier and the road was a little slippery. We just waited for a few minutes and soon, Fr. Armand, in a black T-shirt and beige slacks showed up.

"Oh, mas mukha ka pang pare kaysa sa akin." he first says to us, as I was wearing my lavender-colored short sleeve polo with a Chinese collar.

We sat outside the restaurant. He asked, "Nagmamadali ba kayo?" We replied, "No Father. We just wanted to see you. Kase, it is our 6th anniversary today and wanted your blessings."

But before he would give us his blessings, we got into a conversation about his work and daily challenges. And we thought that he was in a hurry to meet his own "Yuppeace" officials somewhete at Waltermart. We talked for nearly an hour and even moved up to his office at the 3rd floor, where he gave us free copies of the new 2008 Calendar, which features the artwork of Joey Velasco.

I had recently written a story about him in the last issue of Code Red.

Finally, we held hands and Fr, Armand placed his hands over us and prayed and blessed us!

Thank you Fr. Armand! You are "heaven-sent" to us!