The first time I heard the name
Fr. Harold, I thought of him as a heartthrob, kilabot ng mga CWL at parish
auxiliaries and a macho gigolo for all ages but definitely not for all genders.
For some esoteric reasons, it was just all part of my eccentric imagination as
Fr. Harold is simply just Fr. Harold, a priest.
Harold is an Old English name
which means "army" and "rule", meaning "heroic
leader", same as the title herald. Also, the name Harold is from the Latin
Herald meaning King, a man of God's own choosing to lead a nation. For whatever
reason his parents may have for giving
him such a name, I believe that Fr. Harold has been true and committed to his Christian
name.
Every time I would listen to his
homily, I can sense a true mark of a priest who was ordained and prepared to evangelize
people by spreading the word of GOD. His authenticity and genuineness as a
priest is always evident through his reflection and sharing. I remember when he
gave a recollection where only few people attended. He still managed to make me
feel that GOD is present in every word that he revealed. It doesn’t matter to him
if there are many people or few, as he would just continue to be subservient to
what he was ordained by the Catholic Church to do.
I got to know him more when he
became the regular priest of our block rosary to our Lady of Fatima. Despite
and in spite of the situation he was in, he would always try his best to come,
as his love and devotion to our Lady I believe, has always inspired him to be
there for our heavenly Father and King.
For all the time and experiences
I have shared with you Fr. Harold, I will never ever forget the “blessing
opportunity” you gave me to be part of Mary Jane Veloso’s telling story. Because
of your invitation, I have witnessed the grace and unfathomable love of GOD
through the people I have met. I have felt and witnessed the generosity of
people which made me realize that there are still a lot of good people in this
world. Your magnanimous desire to help Mary Jane and his family has touched my
heart and soul to make me feel that this is the kind of service I want to do
more and more.
As you continue your priestly ministry
In GOD’s chosen land for you to be, I hope and pray that HE may bless you more with
everything you need that you may continue to lead the nation where GOD planned
you to be with.
A simple word of thank you is not
enough to express to you our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude not
only for every single Mass that you preside, prayer of the holy rosary and
confession that you hear, but for offering your life to GOD by serving us
though unworthy we may be.
Our prayers and good wishes will
always be with you especially in every recitation of the holy rosary in our weekly
devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. We would always be grateful to GOD for the
great love and service you have shared to all of us.
Paalam, Fr. Harold.
