Twenty Years of  Episcopal Church Ministry Celebration
by LBS
 

The Archdeacon of Queens, the Venerable Canon Bernard O. D. Young, was the Celebrant & Preacher, with the Rev. James Kollin and the Rev. Virgilio Balanza (Ret.) as Con-Celebrants [right photo].

In his homily, Archdeacon Young counseled the young Dario to be responsible for his efforts and not necessarily the result of his efforts. You should not feel bad if the result of your efforts fall short of expectations for as long as you have given it your best efforts. What is unacceptable is giving a half-hearted effort or not trying at all, the Archdeacon explained. The Archdeacon intimated that it was precisely in recognition of  Fr. Dario Palasi's efforts that he was appointed Dean of the Flushing, Queens Episcopal Church Deanery. [That was how I understood the homily. I stand corrected if I am mistaken. LBS]

Seemingly taking a que from the Archdeacon's homily,  Lambert Sagalla focused on the results of  the life-time efforts of  the Very Rev. Dario Palasi, during an introductory talk on the honoree towards the end of the mass. Mr. Sagalla introduced  Fr. Dario as among countless Igorot descendants, who were able to overcome the barriers of a subsistence economy environment; educate themselves; and find gainful employment in the world economy. That Fr. Dario Palasi was able to grow the congregation of St. John' Flushing from 14 souls when he was first assigned as supply priest to the church on Nov. 1, 1998  to a current congregation averaging from 60 to 80 people during the Sunday Eucharists.

The highlight of the Eucharist was the blessing of  the Very Rev. Dario Palasi and family - Daphne, Daryl, Blanche and Cathy - by Archdeacon Young [left photo].

Dario Palasi was ordained to the Deaconate on March 11, 1986 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Saytan, La Union; and to the priesthood in October 28, 1986 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Bangao, Buguias, Benguet  by The Rt. Rev. Manuel Lumpias, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North-Central Philippines.

He served in various capacities in the Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines and in the Diocese of  Long Island, New York. His latest appointment was Dean of the Flushing, Queens Episcopal Church Deanery effective July 1, 2006.

Through Dario's efforts, St. John's Episcopal Church has become the spiritual home for many un-churched immigrants domiciled in Queens, New York and nearby communities. A few come as far as New Jersey, Philadelphia and Connecticut. Most of them trace their roots from the hinterlands of  Northern Luzon, Philippines - one of the regions where American missionaries concentrated their ministry since the early 1900's.

After the mass, dinner was served followed by a slide presentation on the life and ministry  of  the Very Rev. Dario Palasi and cultural dances.

The highlight of the Fellowship was the announcement  by Fr. Palasi that the cash gifts he received from his congregation and friends totaled two thousand dollars [$2,000.00] and that although he badly needed the amount, he was going to donate the same to his favorite charities including the rebuilding of St. Peter's Church, Sabangan Mt. Prov. which was demolished by some misguided souls.

Ay siya dadlo sa [meaning, "May the Good Lord continue to shower the Very Rev. Dario Palasi with HIS blessings.]