Fr. Arnel, SSS talks to Jose Mari Chan

Summer, 2013. It was a busy afternoon along the streets of Makati City. 
The moment Fr. Arnel reached the Legazpi tower, he knew, right then, that there's something good about to happen. 
Jose Mari Chan is a busy man. His office on the 6th floor of Legazpi tower would give you a hint that he's a businessman. Their clan own businesses. Among the group of companies, the biggest is the the sugar mills that have been contributing a lot to our country's economy. Anyone would think, 'he's not a serious singer after all.' But through the years, Jose Mari Chan proved that he has passion for both worlds. Unlike other singers, one of his apostolates is to help religious congregations by supporting their missions. He has been singing for the Lord and he has been touching hearts through his songs.

This afternoon would the first time for Fr. Arnel to meet personally the songwriter-singer artist. They knew each other some few months ago already, but it was only through constant phone calls between Manila and Mindanao. Mr. Chan had a hectic schedule. It was only when Mr. Chan's secretary found an open sched that Fr. Arnel flew immediately from Cagayan de Oro to Manila.
Mr. Chan has been expecting Fr.Arnel. His secretary told Fr. Arnel, he would attend him in a couple of minutes. While sitting, Fr. Arnel was praying. In front of him was an altar, and on it's center... a SANTO NIÑO, smiling back to him.
"Hello, Fr. Arnel," it was the warm voice of Joe. "Anything you want to drink?"
Fr. Arnel preferred a glass of water.
Then a long conversation followed... the concert, the discounts, the contacts... but the most important, for Fr. Arnel, the priestly vocation.
Joe was so delighted to hear the purpose of the benefit-concert... it is to fund the Eucharistic Mission of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. He's been so surprised that there were lay-people who collaborated with the congregation... Fr. Arnel, mentioned the LITE's team. Joe told Fr. Arnel that he really admired them.
"I also share the same sentiments," Joe admitted. "I am deeply saddened everytime I hear religious congregations shutting down... there was one, back there in our province in Negros... it was so sad...I am also one with you in praying for more vocations."
Fr. Arnel told him that The Congregation of the Blessed Sacament fosters a Vocation Club, the BSVC aside from the LITE's Team which spreads Eucharistic evangelization reaching even the far-flung area of our country. Both were challenging but both attracts vocation.
Hearing all these, Joe smiled. "We really need to pray for more vocations. Priests, nuns and brothers... diocesan and religious priests... these vocations from God are what we need to guide all of us spiritually." denmar