The Europe Mission team headed by The Lord’s Flock (TLF) Elder-Founder Techie “Soar” Rodriguez woke up at dawn on August 19 to catch their flight from Palma de Mallorca to Paris. Upon arrival in the city, the mission team still felt the excitement of the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics through billboards, advertisements, and various merchandise. However, their enthusiasm was focused on meeting Fr. Leo N. Balaguer, rector of the Philippine Catholic Mission (PCM) in France to establish a TLF Chapter for the Filipino community in Paris.
The following day, “Soar” and the team, Bro. Froilan Hong (Co-Founder), Stewards Judith Almendrala, Joy Molina, Jess Advincula, went early to the PCM Center at 16th arrondissement, Paris to meet with Fr. Leo. This appointment had already been arranged by TLF Stewards Mel and Chebelle Velasco during their Europe mission last June, 2024. Fr. Leo himself cordially welcomed them. He enthusiastically gave a short history of the PCM and the different religious organizations that it supports. The mission team was delighted to hear Fr. Leo’s assurance that the Lord’s Flock is very welcome to start a chapter in Paris. In fact, he had already added TLF to the list of the PCM’s list of Filipino communities and had informed the Pastoral Council as well!
The team treated Fr. Leo to an Italian lunch at Casa Trocadero with a view of the iconic Eiffel tower. After a wonderful conversation, he graciously offered to take them on a pilgrimage tour to two shrines: (a) the Shrine of our Lady of Miraculous Medal – where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure (a Marian missionary), and where the latter’s incorrupt body is displayed; (b) the St. Vincent de Paul’s Church – where the incorrupt bones covered in wax of St. Vincent de Paul (founder of the Congregation of the Mission of Vincentians) was displayed.
It was indeed a blessed and successful day as they bid Fr. Leo “au revoir.” The kindness and willingness of Fr. Leo to welcome a TLF Chapter in Paris was the ultimate “gold medal!” Mission accomplished!
To God be the glory!
SCRIBES Ministry
Written by: Jess Advincula
(Steward, SOWER Ministry)
