Archbishop Anthony Apuron made his annual pastoral visit to Santa Barbara Catholic School last Monday, September 10, 2012. His half-day visit began with the celebration of the Eucharist at Santa Barbara Church at 9AM. Joining the Archbishop in the Eucharistic celebration were Santa Barbara Parish Pastor, Fr. Paul Gofigan, Fr. Ken Carriveau, Fr. Joel De los Reyes and Fr. Dan Bien. Because of the rain, the students stayed for a few minutes inside the church after the Mass. Taking advantage of the captive moment, Archbishop Anthony used the opportunity to greet and meet with the students who were excited to see him up close and personal. The students surprised Archbishop Anthony with a beautiful rendition of “Blessed Pedro Calungsod Hymn”, a song honoring soon-to-be-saint Pedro Calungsod. Touched by the students’ wonderful singing, he wished for the school to give him a copy of the whole school singing the song. A short video on the life of Archbishop Apuron was shown to the students followed by the Archbishop sharing more about his life story, particularly his call to the priesthood. Afterwards, he gamely responded to questions posed to him by the students.
The “question and answer” time with the Archbishop continued later in the school gym. Joining him on stage were Santa Barbara Pastor Fr. Paul Gofigan and SBCS principal, Sr. Jeanette Marie Pangelinan. First to visit with him were the students from Grade 3-8 followed by the students from Pre K to Second grade. Questions asked of him ranged from the simple “What is your favorite color?” or “What is your favorite ice cream flavor?” to the more serious and thought provoking questions like “What are the joys and struggles of being an Archbishop? or “What would you like to happen in the world today?” Showing no sign of tiredness at responding to all the questions thrown at him, Archbishop Apuron patiently responded to and explained his answers to the students, sometimes injecting humor in his responses, to the delight of the students.
As their gift to Archbishop Apuron, the students offered him a spiritual bouquet. Students from Kinder to Second grade wrote a thank you letter to God for the gift of Archbishop Apuron. Students from Grade 3-5 wrote their wishes for the Archbishop, while the Junior High students composed their prayers for the Archbishop. In writing their prayers, the students were asked to recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be for the Archbishop’s intention. Touched by the gesture, Archbishop expressed his profound gratitude for all the prayers offered to him, especially as he recovers from his recent heart operation. He offered a hug to all the students who gave him the spiritual bouquets.
At the conclusion of his annual pastoral visit, Archbishop Apuron blessed the entire school community and prayed for the students’ success as they continue to receive an excellent, quality Catholic education at Santa Barbara Catholic School.
