Father Marlo

Fr. Marlo is our priest, he is humble and meek,

A holy man of service, our Lord God, he seeks.

A vicar of two parishes, St. Stephen and St. Anthony,

Partners in Gospel, Parish 23 - He is part of our family

A gifted homilist, when he speaks, you will have to listen.

For the message he unleashes can unbind your own prison.

He pulls a piece of paper, which slowly he unfolds,

As he reads his notes, his sermon we behold.

Softspoken and unhurried, he is insightful and discerning,

With a desire to shepherd his people, he broadens true learning.

One could tell, that Father Marlo reflects and takes his time,

For every Mass he presides, his homily is truly sublime.

He might start with a story, whether fiction or not,

He speaks of the narrative, he speaks of the plot.

Connecting events as he awakens our imagination,

The Gospel he explains, tying it to his narration.

He may start with a song, where he sings parts of the lyrics,

Or give us some acronyms as part of his mnemonics.

Memory aids and patterns he gives to help us remember,

As he ties the homily with reality; profound wisdom, he renders.

As he goes a little deeper, he gives us definitions,

Translating Latin and Greek, to give us better cognition.

As I ponder at his wisdom, I cannot help but admire,

The amount of insight that he gives for it truly inspires.

A man of many talents, he shares his many blessings,

Give him a piano or guitar, he is known for his singings.

Musically inclined, he sings with a golden voice,

A man with many hobbies, could karaoke be his first choice?

Photography and traveling are things he is known to do.

Enjoying company of people, creating adventures anew.

Advocating for Prolife, praying, and caroling at the streets,

Helping us grow in faith, he leads parishioners at Retreats.

Life has its way of beginnings and endings,

As new chapter awaits on life's new settings.

Blessed are those who receive him in his new parish,

New family to create, new souls to guide and nourish.

Bittersweet feelings now that Fr Marlo has to go,

But in his heart and in his mind, may he always know.

An incredibly special place in the hearts of our partner parish,

At St. Stephen and St. Anthony, he is forever cherished.