"Let the grace that is in you

through the laying on of hands be rekindled."

(2 Timothy 1:8)

When a priest celebrates his

25^th ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY,

it is actually not about him.

It’s about the PRIESTHOOD which he is a model.

It’s about CHRIST whom he exemplifies.

It’s about the wonderful work of a priest,

and the way he touches the lives of so many.

In occasions like this,

we have a chance to express

our love and gratitude

to our priest.

Today, 31^st March 2009, we, the parishioners of

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manama, Bahrain,

join our very dear Filipino Priest,

Rev. Fr. Uldarico C. Camus, OFM Cap,

In celebrating the Silver Jubilee

of his Priestly Ordination.

Now is a time to be grateful for his achievements in the short two years of his ministry in this parish. We can see that he is most happy and proud of his work with the people in the Filipino community.

We thank you, Fr. Ding,

for your fidelity,

for your loyalty to our church,

for the wonderful gentleness and humor,

for the wonderful things you have done for so many people,

especially the Filipino Community

of our Parish.

We love you, Fr. Ding, and we pray :

"Almighty Father, we implore Thee,

continue to grant this Thy servant, the dignity of the Priesthood.

Renew within him the spirit of holiness, that he may keep the rank

in Thy service which he has received from Thee 25 years since,

and by his conduct afford a pattern of holy living. AMEN. ”

25^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF HIS PRIESTLY ORDINATION

REV FR ULDARICO “DING” CAMUS, OFM Cap.

The highlight of Rev Fr Uldarico “Ding” Camatison Camus’ 25^th Silver Anniversary is the special Eucharistic Celebration of his Priestly Ordination on the 31^st March 2009 at 7 pm. This was concelebrated by the Celebrant himself and 2 priests (Rev Fr Vincent & Rev Fr Joy) and the whole Sacred Heart Parish Community.

25 years of faithfulness and loyalty to Christ’s bride: the Church is for Rev Fr “Ding”, both a heavenly blessing and an opportunity to further Christ’s works in the lives of the faithful. Parishioners were honoured to be part of this wonderful celebration, at least here in Bahrain as there are 2 other celebrations to be undertaken in the Philippines this April 2009.

Fr Ding, as he is fondly called by everyone, was introduced to Sacred Heart Parish by His Excellency, Bishop Paul Hinder, in April of 2007; hailing this occasion as “Good News to the Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish”. Fr Ding’s assignment came as a breath of fresh air especially to the Filipino community who only had Filipino priests visiting from time to time.

Fr Ding hails from Leon, Iloilo, Philippines; took his elementary and secondary schooling in his home town and having dreamt from his childhood that he will one day become a priest; he ventured and sought education at the “Our Lady of Lourdes Seminary” in Lipa City, Batangas. He went on to further study Theology at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City, Cavite and was solemnly professed a Capuchin on 21^st May 1983 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Quezon City. He was later ordained PRIEST forever on 31^st March 1984 in St Francis of Assisi Church in Mandaluyong City.

His several assignments in the Philippines from 1984 till 2007 included being Chaplain, National Vocation Director, Parish Priest, Guardian and Spiritual Director of some Campuses, Parishes and Formation Houses in the Philippines; from Manila, to General Santos City, Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna, Tagaytay City, San Jose GMA, Cavite, Lipa City and again back to Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna before coming to Bahrain in 2007 (25^th April).

Parishioners are not only grateful for Fr Ding’s presence in the Parish of the Sacred Heart, Bahrain; but they want to acknowledge the blessings of this vocation by continually offering him prayers and sacrifices that he may reach the 50^th celebration of his priestly ordination on 31^st March 2034. Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza’s words of acknowledgement during the fellowship and programme for Fr Ding’s Silver Anniversary were simple words of congratulations, thanksgiving, inspiration and encouragement as one dedicates his body, mind and spirit to the works and sacrifices of priestly life. The event has also given excitement and happiness to the priests who were present; and the Carmelite Sisters. The 25 and/or 50 years of priesthood may never be attained by some, but Fr Ding’s show of dedication and joy as a priest will never be discounted to reach the target numbers but is expected to obtain greater heights and thus give inspiration to many people, young and old; in his daily interaction with them.

Fr Ding was presented with a floral offering from a child of the Parish and later summarised with a SPIRITUAL BOUQUET offering which was read by Bro Rogel from the Legion of Mary; the collective masses, Holy Communion, rosaries, penance & sacrifices, Stations of the Cross, visits to the Blessed Sacrament and fasting offered and pledged by Parishioners.

A Plaque of Appreciation from Sacred Heart Parish, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain; was read out and presented by Fr Vincent in behalf of the Parish Priest and Assistant Parish Priests of Sacred Heart, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Fr Ding’s response to the success of the community’s efforts of celebration was a very humble thanks and request for continued prayers for him to battle temptations and trials related to his vocation.

The inspiration one gets from a humble person’s declaration of humanness & frailty is taken from scripture’s words – “man does not live on bread alone but by the words of God”. And to strengthen him further with the sweetness of Christ’s love, the Arabic community presented Fr Ding with a celebration cake which was cut and shared by everyone.

Together with the priests, along with the special participation of Rev Fr Felicio Diniz, the Carmelite Sisters and whole Parish community were treated with a short entertainment programme; the Invocation Prayer Dance was performed by a group of Sacred Heart School girls; a second dance number of the “Mamang Sorbetero” (Ice Cream Man) theme was rendered by the Philippine School of Bahrain; a vocal rendition from Ms Charice of the El Shaddai Group; and a short poem coming from the Kids for Christ, Master Joshua Rebutazo. A short video clip showed Fr Ding as both an active priest; a spiritual director and also as a friend and sports man.

Participation of the Parish communities were from the El Shaddai Group; the Legion of Mary; Novena Prayer Group; Malayalam community; Couples for Christ; English Charismatic; Konkani Group; Urdu Community; Sri Lankan Community; Arabic Community; French Community; Altar Servers; Eucharistic Ministers; Lectors; Hospitality Ministers; The Philippine School of Bahrain; and the Sacred Heart School of Bahrain.

The short programme was hosted by Jie Anne Abuan from the Couples for Christ and Florine Matthias from the Liturgy Ministry and the Legion of Mary.

A short prayer led by Vincent Lisboa from the Couples for Christ / Eucharistic and Lectors’ Group ended the night’s celebration followed by a community singing led by the El Shaddai for “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”.

Fr Ding will be traveling to the Philippines for his short vacation and have meanwhile gave an invitation for parishioners who might be going home for their holidays to join him with the 25^th year, silver anniversary Eucharistic Mass celebration on the 18^th April at the St Francis of Assisi Church, Mandaluyong City and another Eucharistic Mass celebration on the 27^th April in his home town in Leon, Iloilo.

May God grant this devoted servant more wonderful and fulfilling years of dedicated service to Jesus and His Church.