A heartwarming story has gone viral online after Fr. Chong-Chong Aquino, through his page The Word in a Minute, shared a significant moment during Christmas Mass at a local parish. The image of Ate Josie and her daughter Joanne, carrying the Baby Jesus to the altar, sparked deep reflections on humility, inclusivity, and the true essence of Christmas in the Catholic faith.
Ate Josie, a dedicated parish cleaner, and her daughter, Joanne, were chosen to perform this important task during the Jubilee Year of Hope. Fr. Chong-Chong explained that while Ate Josie does not contribute large monetary donations to the church, her unwavering service and faith embody the true spirit of giving.
“Ang kanyang bawat pagwawalis at pagsusumikap ay nagiging sakripisyong mabangong handog sa Panginoon,” Fr. Chong wrote. “Ngayong Taon ng Jubilee ng Pag-asa, nararapat lamang na sila ang mag-alay ng imahe ng Batang Hesus sa sabsaban.”
The post garnered thousands of likes and shares, with many commenters applauding the decision to honor everyday parish workers. One commenter emphasized:
“Kung tunay nating susundan ang mga turo ni Kristo, dapat nating tratuhin ang lahat ng tao nang pantay-pantay, anuman ang kanilang katayuan sa buhay. Ang insulto sa mahihirap ay insulto sa incarnadong Diyos.”
Another noted, “Nakakalungkot lang na ang madalas bigyan ng parangal o pagkilala ay yung mga malalaking magbigay sa simbahan… Naiyak ako dito!”
Many others expressed how this act reignited their faith in the Church. A seminarian commented, “What you’ve done is a meaningful reminder that true offerings are not measured by wealth or status but by a heart that serves faithfully and lovingly for God.”
The story also highlighted how this seemingly small but impactful choice reflects the true teachings of Christ. Fr. Chong’s gesture inspired a discussion about how the Church can bridge gaps in social status by recognizing those who quietly dedicate their lives to service.
“Salamat, Father, for bringing back my faith in the Catholic Church… Mabuhay ka! Ito ang diwa ng tunay na kapaskuhan,” wrote one commenter.
“Bakit nga ba hindi?” Fr. Chong concluded. “Si Hesus ay isinilang para sa lahat, ngunit higit sa lahat, para sa mga gaya nina Ate Josie at Joanne—mga simple, mapagpakumbaba, at tapat sa kanilang pananampalataya.”
