‘Dapat sa unang araw ng kapiyestahan, una ang Panginoon’ - Parayno

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. - Psalm 103:1

This verse highlighted the all-embracing thanksgiving night hosted by the different Christian denominations during the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Night, December 1.

It has been a long tradition that ecumenical thanksgiving is always held on the last day of the series of celebrations for the city fiesta, until City Mayor Julio "Rammy" F. Parayno III thought, "Bakit ba idinadaos ang thanksgiving o pasasalamat sa Diyos sa huling araw ng kapiyestahan? Naguguluhan ako, hindi ko mapagtanto, ang pasasalamat ba sa Diyos ay ginagawa sa huling araw ng pagpapasalamat? Sabi ko, dapat sa unang araw ng kapiyestahan, una ang Panginoon, una natin pasalamatan ang Poong Maykapal."

With the theme, "Light the World with Love," performances from special guests such as the PAPURI Singer and Composer, Bishop Jonaver Luklukan, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, and Vanjoss Baybayan lit the stage with songs of love in honor of the ultimate giver of love, and the purpose of the event, Jesus Christ.

Participants from various Christian sects also showcased their talents through interpretative dances and group singing.

Rev. Arthur Palaoay, the President of the Ministers Assembly of Urdaneta City Incorporated, gave a Thanksgiving message through the Word of God. The celebration ended with a special prayer for the City officials and to praise God for what He has done to Urdaneta City, which was presided over by different evangelical leaders.