In commemoration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, St. Francis Xavier Parish launched a simple yet timely project for its parishioners. The idea for the project came from an old friend of the Xaverians, Brother Elie. The project was called "500 to 500" because it aimed at 500 families to give groceries to 500 families among the poorest of the poor. The area coordinators recommended the beneficiaries. The gift packs consisted of rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, milk, sugar, and cereals. Brother Elie himself solicited the sponsor for the sacks of rice.
The "500 to 500" was the first project of the Parish Financial Council for this year. The overwhelming support, help, kindness, and generosity of parishioners, non-parishioners, donors, and benefactors made this project possible. We are immensely grateful for their generosity and support.
It was such a great feeling seeing the beneficiaries' wide smiles and their expressions of gratitude. The simple gift pack may not be worth much, but it showed them God's Providential care and the parish's love and concern, especially in these trying times.
