HIV and AIDS Candle Light Memorial

Iloilo City, Philippines

May 19, 2019

After Mass

Snack will be provided for participants of the event after the mass. The
venue where snacks be distributed is outside the chapel.

While the while having snacks reminders and final instructions regarding the
candlelight process shall be announced.

Reminders:
1. Let us maintain the solemnity of this occasion by minimizing our
noise and follow the candle lighting’s flow reverently.
2. Please be with your group/institution/ sector
3. Observe cleanliness, dispose wrappers, cups and other garbage
properly. (if possible, give instructions where the garbage bins are)
4. Refrain from taking pictures near the ribbon while the ceremony is
going on. We will have plenty of time to take pictures after.
5. Show respect by not doing things that may distract fellow attendees
from concentrating on the program.

Instructions on the procession: (with demonstration)

After the time allotted for time for snacks, groups, institutions, sectors and
organizations participating in the candlelight shall be acknowledged by the
emcee making sure that they are posted on their assigned areas.

The event shall start…

Introduction

Leader: “intensifying the fight for health and rights”, is the theme for
today’s event. In this period of fighting for health and rights, how
can we ensure our success? Napoleon Hill, author of the multi-
volume course The Law of Success answers this question with
this: “ An important principle of success in all walks of life and in
all occupations is the willingness to GO THE EXTRA MILE; which
means the rendering of more and better service than that for
which one is paid, and giving it in a positive mental attitude.”

We are gathered here today in memory of and in solidarity with

all those who died of HIV/AIDS. For a few minutes, let us offer our
precious time together and ponder on the things we are willing to
go the extra mile for this cause.

Welcome Remarks: C/o Seminary priests

Introduction of Fr. Dan:

Fr. Dan: (Message of Fr. Dan.)

San Agustine Little Theatre Performance

Synopsis: Director/Emcee
Presentation: San Agustine LT
Reflection: Emcee

Call to Walk

Leader: We are all pilgrims in this world, and we will never pass this way
again. In a moment of silence, let us reflect

Pilgrim’s Theme to be sang by Seraphim Choir

Candlelight Proper

Leader: As we pray to God and pledge our promises with the candles on our
hands, let us bear in mind that in spite of the fact that we came from
different walks of life and we have great things ahead of us, today, we
are gathered for one purpose- to walk side by side as we continue this
journey, let us pray.

First Candle: Health Workers

Reader: But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and
when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and
bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the
man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of
him.
(While listening to the reading, the 30 health workers will form a procession
ready to light the candle)

Leader: Father in heaven, the light of Jesus has dispersed the darkness of
hatred and sin. Inflame our hearts with your grace, keep us in the
radiance of your truth and fill our hearts with your divine love
and compassion. Give us more strength to care and to take care,
to be discreet when it is needed, and to serve unbounded by
skin, race, gender or even medical status.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 health workers will follow the
altar knight to the area assigned for them to light and stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: Heal our Land

Second Candle: Artists and Entrepreneurs

Reader: The house I am about to build will be great, for greater is our God
than all the gods. “But who is able to build a house for Him, for
the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So
who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except burn
incense before Him? “Now send me a skilled man to work in gold,
silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson and violet fabrics,
and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled
 men whom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father
provided.

(While listening to the reading, the 30 Artists and entrepreneurs will form a
procession ready to light the candle)

Leader: As we remember today all those who died of HIV/AIDS in this

memorial, Lord may your light and your Spirit shine on us. We
pray that your love illuminate our lives so that by your grace and
divine assistance we may radiate your hope and compassion for
those who have walked in darkness and despair. Let their lives
inspire our works, our songs sing their bravery and our poems
tell the tales of their resilience. Stir our spirits to create beneficial
services for the PLHIV. Most importantly, enlighten our hearts to
uphold their rights in our establishments and workplaces.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 artists and entrepreneurs will
follow the altar knight to the area assigned for them to light and
stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: You are my all in all

Third Candle: The Government

Reader: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I
am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an
example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I
tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a
messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you
know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

(While listening to the reading, the 30 representatives from the government

will form a procession ready to light the candle)

Leader: We pray for the people you have entrusted in us Lord. We appeal
for guidance as we develop and execute the law. Help us to
uphold the rights of every person. Let justice be integrated with
mercy. Give us the power we need to reach, protect and assist
your people in their needs. Let our offices be a safe haven where
they can be free, at peace and safe. And we are looking forward
of the day that we dream where we live in a world free of gloom
and disarray triggered by the virus.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 representatives from the
government will follow the altar knight to the area assigned for
them to light and stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: Here I Am Lord

Fourth Candle: The Youth

Reader: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but
set an example for the believer in speech, in conduct, in love, in
faith and in purity. Be diligent in these matters: give yourself
wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch
your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you
do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

(While listening to the reading, the 30 representatives from the youth will
form a procession ready to light the candle)

Leader: Loving God our Dad and King, give us the courage to speak up
what is right, what is true, necessary and kind even if we are
young. Provide us with the prudence to protect ourselves from
promiscuity. Guide us to the path of righteousness so that we
learn the lessons without repeating the errors of the previous
generations. Despite of our youth, we ask you to bless us with
the ability to be productive. Help us to be the fresh air for this
race to breathe and continue its prosperity. Let us not just be the
future because we are here today.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 representatives from the
youth will follow the altar knight to the area assigned for them to
light and stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: Forever

Fifth Candle: The Educators

Reader: Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not wise to ask such questions.

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing

And benefits those who see the sun

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter,

But the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves those who have it

(While listening to the reading, the 30 representatives from the Educators

will form a procession ready to light the candle)

Leader: Father, please fill us with your understanding as we instruct

others. To see the potential in every student, fill us with your
patience, help us to keep give our time, especially for those who
struggle the most, give us your divine wisdom, show us when we
must discipline, and when to show mercy. Help us to depend on
you for you are our strength. May we love and care for each
student we teach and serve as you have served. Father, you are
the fountain of knowledge and wisdom, we simply are your
streams. Help us to teach what we must teach and learn what we
must learn. Lead us to mold the mind of the society the way that
you want us to be. Help us to give the right information
cognitively, instruct the proper action as skills and develop the
proper response as values as part of the preventive measure for
 the spread of the decease and as part of dealing with the
individuals living with it.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 representatives from the
Educators will follow the altar knight to the area assigned for
them to light and stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: Crist be our Light

Sixth Candle: The Clergy

Reader: At this, that who heard began to go away one at a time, the older
ones first, until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing
there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are
they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir.” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you.” Jesus declared. “Go now and

leave your life of sin.”

(While listening to the reading, the 30 representatives from the Clergy will
form a procession ready to light the candle)

Leader: We beseech you to strengthen our brothers and sisters who are
stricken with HIV/AIDS. May they find solace and consolation in
the presence of the people and communities who, without
prejudices, continuously offer them support, understanding and
love. We pray for the pastoral care of the Church. For the Church
must continue the mission of Jesus. God’s people must be at the
side of those who suffer. Especially for the needy and the
suffering of today, help us to be the compassion of Jesus- the one
that overcomes fear and prejudice. We pray for the resolve to
reach out to them, welcome them, and serve them as Jesus did
for the sick of His time. Most of all help us to recognize the moral
dimension of the disease while continuing to search for medical
solution.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 representatives from the
Clergy will follow the altar knight to the area assigned for them
to light and stay there)

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: 10, 000 reasons

Seventh Candle: NGO’s and Families and friends of PLHIV

Reader: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and
only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is
love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His
 son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God
so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever
seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His
love is made complete in us.

(While listening to the reading, the 30 representatives from the NGO’s and
Families and friends of PLHIV will form a procession ready to light
the candle)

Leader: Unite all our efforts in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS as we

intensify the fight for health and rights. May you bless the
humble work of our hands and guide us in the furtherance of our
cause for the greater glory of your name.

(After saying the prayer, the leader and the 30 representatives from the
NGO’s and Families and friends of PLHIV will follow the altar
knight to the area assigned for them to light and stay there)

Choir: Jesus your light is shining within us, let not our doubts and
darkness speak to us.

Reader: We offer this prayer for the repose of the souls of….
Seraphim Choir: Spirit Touch Your Church

Final Prayer

Leader: As we reflect in our methods to intensify the fight for health and
rights let us open our hearts and mind as we hold hands and
recite the prayer that Jesus himself taught us.

Seraphim Choir: Amay namon

Sr. Mila Grace Silab, SPC: Concluding prayer.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Final Blessing: Fr. Dan and Fr. Joem

Recessional:

Leader: (A short words of gratitude.)

Photo ops
Seraphim Choir: Kaleidoscope World