By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/11/2010 12:23 PM | Updated as of 06/11/2010 12:23 PM
THE HAGUE - A Dutch pastor dubbed as “Father Cool” by the international community in The Hague received a big surprise from Filipinos and expatriates.
Father Sjaak de Boer has been serving for 13 years as pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, the English-speaking church of Filipinos in The Hague.
Because the international community loves “Father Cool” so much, they gave him a big party for his 50th birthday, which the Dutch calls Abraham.
“He’s the longest priest that we ever had since I joined the parish so ibig sabihin he has really contributed a lot to the growth of the parish and that’s the reason why we are all very grateful to his leadership,” said Manuelito Tomas, who has been going to the same church for 26 years now.
Fr. Sjaak has a very strong charisma and his cool style is embraced by people of all ages.
“I try to talk about things that matter in the world so that they can identify themselves with what’s going on. I try to connect faith to solidarity and spirituality to something that gives hope and has meaning. Then the prayer, the heart, the hands, the head, they go together,” Fr. Sjaak said.
His Mass is so unique that every Sunday, the church is always jam-packed.
“It’s good to include as many people as you can [in the Mass] so it’s not just the priest and altar servers but it’s also many groups, many volunteers so everybody feels this celebration is their celebration, that they’re not just looking at it, they’re participating in it,” said Fr. Sjaak.
Many Filipinos are inspired to join and be active in the church service like Ernie Pineda. Since 1992, Pineda has been assisting in the Mass every Sunday.
“Matulungin siya [Father Sjaak], kahit anong kailangan mo palagi siyang nasa sa iyo, spiritual or whatever, nandyan siya kaya mahal siya ng tao,” Pineda said.
But the Pinoys, too, are very close to the priest’s heart.
“They eat well, they cook well, they like to party, and it’s all good Catholic living,” said Fr. Sjaak.
He regards the Filipinos as a big gift to the international community because of their never-ending service and undying dedication to the Church.
“The Filipino people take with them all over the world that gentle atmosphere of their country, the music and their faith, which is contagious,” he said.
The priest hopes that with the help of Pinoys and expats, he will be able to maintain his mission of making Christ visible to the world.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/11/10/father-cool-gets-surprise-party-pinoys
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