CEBU: 10th July 2008 --
It was a both a solemn and happy moment for Fr. Anthony Gircour who so
loves numbers and has shared this passion through teaching maths to
young people and counting mass collections – among his many services. He celebrated his 60 years as Salesian priest last
July 6, 2008. He has spent more than 50 years of that in the
Philippines away from his native country Holland. He came with the
first wave of missionaries.
In
a simple yet beautiful Holy Mass in Don Bosco Technology Center
attended by Salesians, Religious sisters, seminarians, alumni and their
children, Fr. Anthony exhibited what it meant to love ones’ vocation.
Brought in a wheel chair, he was cheerful and stood himself up during
the consecration to pay homage to Jesus who he warmly calls “the King
of my heart.”
Unlike the Soduku numbers-game he has become fond of
playing, Fr. Anthony’s life the past years has been less a mystery. Methodical and organized, he has kept
everything regular, especially his prayers.
At 89 he continues to inspire people with his dedication to hearing
confessions and his quick response to invitations for conference.
Today, not only does he count his blessings, he shares them through
stories and nuggets of wisdom laced with spiritual insights even to a
community that works him up with banters and debates. When prodded he
produces a song with quick movements belying his age. His secret to
such
a graceful longevity is partially revealed in the song rendered by the
seminarians – “Perhaps Love.” Fr. Anthony for sure will take away
“Perhaps” and say “Just three things: Love,
Jesus in my heart, Don Bosco, and Mama Mary.” Those are four items. But
this is Fr. Gircour. He gets away with his numbers.
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