Cordilleran priest from Kalinga receives numerous recognition in California

Photo Courtesy || Leonard Oakes

Reverend Leonard Oakes from Tabuk, Kalinga Philippines received numerous recognition from different government officials and the Embassy of the Philippines in San Francisco California.

The Holy Child and St Martin Episcopal Church  in Daly city held a big celebration for Father Oakes' 10 years in service as a Vicar on November 17, 2018. It was celebrated joyfully with different individuals, groups, friends, families and "kakailyan" who showed their warm and loving support through music with Choirs singing hymns, worship and traditional songs, and the traditional Kalinga dance.

"His party was very organized. He had many guests coming from Baguio and Benguet. They also had canao" Ohmee Cortez, a  resident of Daly City California said.

 "God bless your work. God bless your weaving and may your tapestry continue to reveal God's unshakable and expansive love and commitment and presence in this corner of God's creation" was the heartfelt  and uplifting message of the Diocese of California, Rev. Canon Abbott Baily, to Father Oakes  during the mass.

Father Oakes was ordained Sacred Orders of Priest in August 1997 and Migrated to the US with his wife Haidee Salbino.  He was then chosen as the third priest for HCSM in 2008

Aside from serving as a Vicar, he expands his ministry reaching out and contributing to the community. He is a member of BIBAK California and the serving president for 2019.

He extended his passion and commitment for his ministry outside his church and he is being appreciated for promoting and encouraging programs for the welfare and development of his congregations and community in San Francisco.

Because of his big contributions at the bay Area, he was given recognition by the San Francisco Philippine Consul  General Henry Bensurto.

Photo Courtesy || Leonard Oakes

Father Oakes was also recognized by the Colma Mayor Joanne del Rosario, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and San Mateo County Board of Supervisor David Canepa declared Novemeber 17 as Rev. Leonard Oakes Day.

 Rev. Leonard Oakes  gave an inspiring message for everyone  by saying, "Each one of us is  our own gifts of ministry. We need to recognize that. Share and shine that others may see that all things come from God and all things are being put into being".