Araw ng Pasasalamat: A Day of Joy and Gratitude for Our Volunteers

The spirit of gratitude was alive and overflowing during the Araw ng Pasasalamat – Annual Picnic Day, held on May 10, 2025, at the Shadow Park Clubhouse in Cerritos, CA. This special gathering, organized by the Friends of the Alagad ni Maria Involved in Leading the Youth (F.A.M.I.L.Y.), the San Jose Filipino Ministry, and the Young Disciples of Mary (Y.D.M.), was a heartfelt tribute to the many volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and love in support of our mission throughout the year.

The day began at 9:00 AM with registration and a light breakfast, setting a cheerful tone for a full day of fellowship and fun. Volunteers of all ages enjoyed a lively morning of games, line dancing, and bingo, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air.

By noon, a delicious lunch was served, accompanied by exciting raffle draws that added to the festive atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and simply enjoy each other's company outside the usual hustle of ministry work.

As the afternoon settled in, hearts were once again turned toward prayer with a solemn Divine Mercy devotion and Rosary at 3:00 PM, followed by the celebration of the Anticipated Holy Mass at 3:30 PM—a fitting close to a day rooted in thanksgiving and faith.

More than just a picnic, the Araw ng Pasasalamat was a testament to the vibrant community spirit that fuels the work of the Alagad ni Maria and its lay collaborators. To all our volunteers—your service is seen, valued, and celebrated. Maraming salamat po!