IN a bid to upgrade the existing College Seminary and House of Formation for theology students of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross (MMHC) in Marikina and Silay City, the combined forces of the Holy Family Church in Artesia and St. John of God in Norwalk, are spearheading “A Joeyful Christmas, a night of music with renowned recording artist, Joey Albert on Dec. 1 (Friday) at 6:30 p.m.
The concert venue will be the St. John of God Church on 13819 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, CA.
Miss Albert, a songwriter and recording artist who is now based in Vancouver, Canada, will be backed up by Filipino American Symphony Orchestra with luminary conductor and musical director Bob Shroeder. She was an original mainstay of the iconic New Minstrels Band.
Guest Fil-Am singers: Jane Provido, hailed as most outstanding and versatile vocalist in 2023 and Marilyn Batino, an accomplished singer will also be on hand to warm up the audience.
Ms. Joey Albert is the daughter of the foundress of MMHC, the late educator Leticia Tordesillas Albert. Although a laywoman, Mrs. Albert was regarded as God’s instrument in giving birth to this new religious congregation in the Catholic church in 1997 in the Diocese of Bacolod which started as a Catholic youth group in known as Youth Marian Crusade in 1976.
Rev. Fr. John Roxas Ma. Cordero, MMHC, Regional Superior and Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Artesia said that 2023 is the 14th year that the congregation had established its religious communities to serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles starting with Holy Family in Artesia in 2010 and then expanding to St. John of God in Norwalk in 2016. “We have dedicated ourselves to faithfully serve the churches we were entrusted as well as the greater people of God, especially those in the Federal prisons within the Archdiocese.”
“As missionary priests, we have been sent by our religious congregation which is based in the Philippines to help in the training of more missionary priests. We have discerned that we need to upgrade our existing seminaries; to help in raising awareness as well as the initial funds to begin these essential projects, we are organizing this benefit concert,” he emphasized
Both Rev., Fr. Raymund Decipeda, the pastor of St. John of God Church (562-863-5721) and Fr. John Ernesto Ma. Cordero of the Holy Family Church (562-865-2185 are in the thick of preparation for this musical concert.
According to organizers, ticket prices range from $30 to $100. Interested parties may reach out to Veekee Eugenio @ 949-395-7536; Lita Vicente @ 562-402-4496; Lucille Parisho @ 562-331-4012; and Mary Sanchez @ 562-822-1289.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
