FIS: Romancing the Numbers
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. _________________
Title: australasia 2193
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces FIS Fr Gircour
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2193
