New congregation rises at the heart of Italy’s capital

The Ecclesiastical District of Italy South’s supervising minister officiated at the inaugural worship service, which was also attended by brethren from as far as Tuscany and Sicily.

In his homily, Brother Randy Macalinao first recognized the selfless efforts of the brethren in sharing the true faith and in edifying one another. He went on to explain the importance of obedience to God’s commandments manifested in their enthusiastic service to Him. To such, he said citing the Bible, God reserves His bountiful blessings.

Right after the sermon, Brother Vizar Balcita, assistant district supervising minister, administered the oath-taking of the Church officers of the new local congregation.

“Despite the worsening poverty and armed conflicts everywhere, new local congregations rise, one of which is here—where the seat of Catholicism lies,” said Arnel Balboa, the congregation’s second head deacon. “Being blessed with this great privilege, that is, being among the brethren who constitute this newly established local congregation, I will continue uniting with the Church Administration.”

The Church Administration designated Brother Joren Ernesto Maceda as the first resident ministerial worker of Roma Centro Congregation. With this recent addition, there are now 11 local congregations and 13 group worship services (GWS) under the jurisdiction of the Italy South District. — With assistance from M-rren Amore D. Sta. Barbara