by Joel V. Ocampo
As we already know, this year we celebrate the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines. In line with the celebration, the 500YOC Commemorative Home and Business Plate was released. The commemorative plate was made to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event in our country. It serves not only as a valuable souvenir but also as the best memorabilia for this rare occasion.
The 500 YOC Commemorative Plates was initiated by Fr. Nathaniel Mariano, OSJ (Oblates of St. Joseph). He leads the project with the help of FADZ GT OPC, a registered firm that assists in distributing the plates nationwide and worldwide.
According to Rev. Fr. Erwin Mendoza, OSJ, “The purpose of the plate is to spread the awareness that we are celebrating the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines. When you have the plate, you proclaim that you belong to the Catholic Church. You declare that you are a blessed Catholic. You show your support to the celebration, and with the plate, may you inspire others also to give.”
DESIGN
In the middle part of the plate, the statement “500 YOC” is highlighted. On the upper right and left portion, our two Filipino Saints: San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and San Pedro Calungsod were featured. In addition, St. Joseph was also featured on the lower right portion as part of celebrating the Year of St. Joseph this year. Other details of the plate include the following: “1521-2021”, “#gifted to give”, “500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines”, the map of the Philippines, the 500YOC and CBCP logo.
THREE PILLARS
According to Fr. Nathaniel Mariano, OSJ, the 500YOC Commemorative Plate has three pillars:
SPREAD AWARENESS – it seeks to remind the people that we are now celebrating the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.
FUNDRAISING – the plate serves as a form of fundraising for the Church, headed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Proceeds of the fundraising activity will be used by the parishes for their programs and service like community pantries, feeding program, construction and repair of damaged parishes, advocacies for the indigenous people, etc. Therefore, each time we purchase a commemorative plate, we help other parish communities in their programs and services.
#GIFTEDTOGIVE – the plate was also made to serve as a reminder to the faithful that we celebrate the 500 Years of Christianity in the act of giving.
According to the organizers, “The Philippines is gifted for it is the foremost Catholic country in Asia, this is itself a special gift of God, a special blessing, that Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionaries of faith in Asia. A once in a lifetime event that deserves a once in a lifetime commemoration. The 500 YOC Commemorative Plate is the perfect way to memorialize being a part of this joyous celebration.” They also added, “Your donation of ₱800 entitles you to one commemorative plate. This serves as your Certificate of Participation in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.”
FEATURES
Proof of becoming and belonging to the Catholic Church of Christ
Visual imagery symbolizes that you are blessed Filipino Catholic.
Serves as seal or certificate of support to the celebration.
Best souvenir item of the celebration that you can keep.
Unique memorabilia which reminds the milestone event for life.
BENEFITS
Allows the Filipino Catholic to commemorate the event even at pandemic.
Available nationwide and can even cover overseas Filipinos through bayanihan effort and initiatives.
Assist and support the mission projects of the CBCP, diocese, parishes and religious sectors
Provide financial contributions to the Church and its beneficiaries
The Commemorative Plates are available nationwide: through Lazada, Shopee, dioceses, parishes, and other religious congregations.
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