Viva La Virgen de la Candelaria!
Cover Design by Paul Patrick A. Alipao
Oil on Canvass by Joseph D. Firmeza, 2000
(Paintings Courtesy of the Archbishop's Residence, Jaro Iloilo City)
Click on the Picture to Enlarge
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Candle Light February 2009 Special Issue Cover
Happy Fiesta to ALL!!!!
Viva La Virgen de la Candelaria!
Cover Design by Paul Patrick A. Alipao
Oil on Canvass by Joseph D. Firmeza, 2000
(Paintings Courtesy of the Archbishop's Residence, Jaro Iloilo City)
Click on the Picture to Enlarge
Viva La Virgen de la Candelaria!
Cover Design by Paul Patrick A. Alipao
Oil on Canvass by Joseph D. Firmeza, 2000
(Paintings Courtesy of the Archbishop's Residence, Jaro Iloilo City)
Click on the Picture to Enlarge
MUCH ADO ABOUT THE FIESTA CELEBRATION
MUCH ADO ABOUT THE FIESTA CELEBRATION
Heartbeats by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
I am looking forward to the Feast of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria on February 2. You see, I have been away for seven years and there’s a sense of anticipation in my heart to witness the festivity which I used to enjoy before. When I was still in Manila, I would only hear news from people who vaguely described the event, making me swear with regret that it could’ve been better if I was actually present to witness the celebration.
As I count the days, I can’t help but remember those fond memories I had years ago, when I indulged myself with the hustle and bustle of the entire district. Jaro fiesta will always be associated with tourists, devotees, and guests barging into the cathedral doors in order to attend the Eucharistic celebration; The Perdon candles that are being sold like hotcakes at the right side of the parish compound; The “Palapak” where some old folks would ask you to have their clothes, hankies and even their entire body blessed by the image of Our Lady; The 4:00 p.m. traditional procession that temporarily stops the usual 360 degrees rotation of the earth from its axis as people from all walks of life pause for a while and witness not just the opulence but the religiosity of the Jareños; The “Halad kay Maria” where a teenage girl would stand at the balcony before the awaiting crowd, recite the often difficult lines in Spanish, and later express the believing community’s devotion to Our Lady in a crisp yet understated inflection which is typical of Ilonggos; The annual carnival and the agro-industrial fair that never ceased to delight one’s discriminating senses, obliging him to do some haggling for the many good finds that caught his attention; The coronation of the festival queen where it is usually attended by prominent figures in politics and society; And of course, the overflowing food and drinks that are being served in every homes, conveying the message “Dali, silud lang! Ka-on ta kay namit ang amon handa para sa inyo!” (Come in! Let’s eat the sumptuous food we have prepared just for you!) to visitors and passers-by.
These are the things that kept on recurring in my reminiscence and I can’t help but smile at those experiences that seemed to be very significant for me. They are so vivid that I am being drifted flaccidly in memory lane. Even though the activities are still the same, something new is being unfolded as I also grow in my discernment and appreciation for the festivity. Perhaps, this pondering was made possible when I actually became a part of the preparations, particularly in the Pilgrimage of Our Lady to different barangays. I have seen for myself the willingness of people in accepting the “Urna” of Our Lady in their houses, challenged by the fact that it is not just purely “devotional” but an effort to establish small Christian communities united in faith, hope and love. It is a lasting proof that our devotion to Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria is not born out of sheer fanaticism, but an expression of our affection and gratefulness to Mama Mary, who by her acceptance to carry Jesus in her womb, has brought into this world the Savior which we all have been waiting for. It’s nice to know that there are earnest faithful in our parish that have accepted Mary in the confines of their humble homes. It is indeed an indication that we have grown in our faithfulness and commitment as a community, that we do not just limit ourselves to the celebration itself and lost our sense of identity along the way because we are too overwhelmed by the many fusses of this revered event.
As we celebrate yet another fiesta, may we always be reminded that we are a church and a community united not just in the enticements brought about by the festivity, but we are always invited to gather around the person of Jesus Christ, trying our very best to live in virtue as we follow his footsteps that usher us toward holiness and communion, through the guiding light of Mama Mary. Our faith should not only be expressed in familiar prayers and devotions, it should also be witnessed in our own examples, in our own lives.
“In the waters of baptism, we are reminded that we are not born in a vacuum, now do we journey entirely alone (although loneliness is part of the burden). Being reborn, being made alive, involves being born into a community. So there are strings attached to this adventure. Far from being the spiritual journey of the solitary individual in search of God, it drags people, a church, a nation, the human race, along with it”
Happy Fiesta to all! Viva la Virgen de la Candelaria!
For the benefit of those who haven’t read last week’s CL issue: An “URNA” is actually an image of Our Lady of Candles encased in a wooden box. This is usually lent to the member-baranggays of the parish with the purpose of creating “CELDAS”. A “celda” should have at least fifteen (15) households wherein the image will be transferred every night and the household who will accommodate the “urna” of Our Lady should pray the Holy Rosary. This has been on-going through the years but the parish is now reintroducing the routine with the purpose of creating Basic Ecclesial Communities. Aside from praying the Rosary, the “celda” should also schedule a weekly faith sharing at the house of a family where the “urna” is situated.
Alan Jones, Journey into Christ, p. 53
Heartbeats by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
I am looking forward to the Feast of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria on February 2. You see, I have been away for seven years and there’s a sense of anticipation in my heart to witness the festivity which I used to enjoy before. When I was still in Manila, I would only hear news from people who vaguely described the event, making me swear with regret that it could’ve been better if I was actually present to witness the celebration.
As I count the days, I can’t help but remember those fond memories I had years ago, when I indulged myself with the hustle and bustle of the entire district. Jaro fiesta will always be associated with tourists, devotees, and guests barging into the cathedral doors in order to attend the Eucharistic celebration; The Perdon candles that are being sold like hotcakes at the right side of the parish compound; The “Palapak” where some old folks would ask you to have their clothes, hankies and even their entire body blessed by the image of Our Lady; The 4:00 p.m. traditional procession that temporarily stops the usual 360 degrees rotation of the earth from its axis as people from all walks of life pause for a while and witness not just the opulence but the religiosity of the Jareños; The “Halad kay Maria” where a teenage girl would stand at the balcony before the awaiting crowd, recite the often difficult lines in Spanish, and later express the believing community’s devotion to Our Lady in a crisp yet understated inflection which is typical of Ilonggos; The annual carnival and the agro-industrial fair that never ceased to delight one’s discriminating senses, obliging him to do some haggling for the many good finds that caught his attention; The coronation of the festival queen where it is usually attended by prominent figures in politics and society; And of course, the overflowing food and drinks that are being served in every homes, conveying the message “Dali, silud lang! Ka-on ta kay namit ang amon handa para sa inyo!” (Come in! Let’s eat the sumptuous food we have prepared just for you!) to visitors and passers-by.
These are the things that kept on recurring in my reminiscence and I can’t help but smile at those experiences that seemed to be very significant for me. They are so vivid that I am being drifted flaccidly in memory lane. Even though the activities are still the same, something new is being unfolded as I also grow in my discernment and appreciation for the festivity. Perhaps, this pondering was made possible when I actually became a part of the preparations, particularly in the Pilgrimage of Our Lady to different barangays. I have seen for myself the willingness of people in accepting the “Urna” of Our Lady in their houses, challenged by the fact that it is not just purely “devotional” but an effort to establish small Christian communities united in faith, hope and love. It is a lasting proof that our devotion to Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria is not born out of sheer fanaticism, but an expression of our affection and gratefulness to Mama Mary, who by her acceptance to carry Jesus in her womb, has brought into this world the Savior which we all have been waiting for. It’s nice to know that there are earnest faithful in our parish that have accepted Mary in the confines of their humble homes. It is indeed an indication that we have grown in our faithfulness and commitment as a community, that we do not just limit ourselves to the celebration itself and lost our sense of identity along the way because we are too overwhelmed by the many fusses of this revered event.
As we celebrate yet another fiesta, may we always be reminded that we are a church and a community united not just in the enticements brought about by the festivity, but we are always invited to gather around the person of Jesus Christ, trying our very best to live in virtue as we follow his footsteps that usher us toward holiness and communion, through the guiding light of Mama Mary. Our faith should not only be expressed in familiar prayers and devotions, it should also be witnessed in our own examples, in our own lives.
“In the waters of baptism, we are reminded that we are not born in a vacuum, now do we journey entirely alone (although loneliness is part of the burden). Being reborn, being made alive, involves being born into a community. So there are strings attached to this adventure. Far from being the spiritual journey of the solitary individual in search of God, it drags people, a church, a nation, the human race, along with it”
Happy Fiesta to all! Viva la Virgen de la Candelaria!
For the benefit of those who haven’t read last week’s CL issue: An “URNA” is actually an image of Our Lady of Candles encased in a wooden box. This is usually lent to the member-baranggays of the parish with the purpose of creating “CELDAS”. A “celda” should have at least fifteen (15) households wherein the image will be transferred every night and the household who will accommodate the “urna” of Our Lady should pray the Holy Rosary. This has been on-going through the years but the parish is now reintroducing the routine with the purpose of creating Basic Ecclesial Communities. Aside from praying the Rosary, the “celda” should also schedule a weekly faith sharing at the house of a family where the “urna” is situated.
Alan Jones, Journey into Christ, p. 53
AWTORIDAD
AWTORIDAD
by Rev. Fr. Carlo M. Noquez
Nagtubo ako nga may madamo nga awtoridad sa akon palibot. Akon ginikanan, katigulangan, maestro kag maestra, mga pari kag mga superyor sa akon obra subong. Halin sang una, may lain ako nga pag-intiende sang awtoridad. Mga tawo nga ginakahadlukan, ginatuman sing wala sing pagpamangkot ukon pang-duha duha, nangin mga tawo nga indi ko kaisa matulok sing tadlong sang akon mga mata . Apang sa dalayon ko nga pagtan-aw sang kabuhi ni Kristo kag sang iban pa nga awtoridad, didto ko nahangpan nga ang mautod nga sahi sang awtoridad amo ang ehemplo ni Kristo.
Ang awtoridad ni Kristo nagikan sa iya kaangtanan sa Dios nga Amay, sa bagay nga ang ginapanudlo kag ginahambal niya indi lang iya kundi iya sang Amay nga amo ang matuod nga awtoridad. Ang iya pulong nagasanto sa iya buhat kay ini tanan suno sa kabubut-on sang Amay. Luyag sang Amay nga ang mga katawhan makabati kag makakita kung ano siya- isa ka awtoridad nga nagakabalaka, awtoridad nga nagadala sang kaayuhan, awtoridad nga nagagiya sa iya katawhan padulong sa kahilwayan kag kaluwasan. Ini nga pagpahayag ni Kristo sang Amay nagahangkat sa akon kag sa aton tanan nga magkabuhi nga may awtoridad nga nagasanto ang aton mga pulong kag buhat suno sa kabubut-on sang Amay, kag mangin sahi sang awtoridad kaangay sa ehemplo ni Kristo nga naga-alagad kag nagadala sang isigkatawo sa kaayuhan kag kaluwasan.
Ipangamuyo naton mga utod nga giyahan kita ni Kristo bilang mga awtoridad, ginikanan man ukon yara sa palangakuan, kaparian man ukon sa anuman nga gintugyanan sang posisyon sang pagdumala, nga mangin matuod nga mga awtoridad kaangay ni Kristo sa iya pulong kag buhat, sa iya padayon nga pagtuman kag pagpahayag sang kabubut-on sang Amay, sa pagdala sang maayong balita sa mga katawhan.
by Rev. Fr. Carlo M. Noquez
Nagtubo ako nga may madamo nga awtoridad sa akon palibot. Akon ginikanan, katigulangan, maestro kag maestra, mga pari kag mga superyor sa akon obra subong. Halin sang una, may lain ako nga pag-intiende sang awtoridad. Mga tawo nga ginakahadlukan, ginatuman sing wala sing pagpamangkot ukon pang-duha duha, nangin mga tawo nga indi ko kaisa matulok sing tadlong sang akon mga mata . Apang sa dalayon ko nga pagtan-aw sang kabuhi ni Kristo kag sang iban pa nga awtoridad, didto ko nahangpan nga ang mautod nga sahi sang awtoridad amo ang ehemplo ni Kristo.
Ang awtoridad ni Kristo nagikan sa iya kaangtanan sa Dios nga Amay, sa bagay nga ang ginapanudlo kag ginahambal niya indi lang iya kundi iya sang Amay nga amo ang matuod nga awtoridad. Ang iya pulong nagasanto sa iya buhat kay ini tanan suno sa kabubut-on sang Amay. Luyag sang Amay nga ang mga katawhan makabati kag makakita kung ano siya- isa ka awtoridad nga nagakabalaka, awtoridad nga nagadala sang kaayuhan, awtoridad nga nagagiya sa iya katawhan padulong sa kahilwayan kag kaluwasan. Ini nga pagpahayag ni Kristo sang Amay nagahangkat sa akon kag sa aton tanan nga magkabuhi nga may awtoridad nga nagasanto ang aton mga pulong kag buhat suno sa kabubut-on sang Amay, kag mangin sahi sang awtoridad kaangay sa ehemplo ni Kristo nga naga-alagad kag nagadala sang isigkatawo sa kaayuhan kag kaluwasan.
Ipangamuyo naton mga utod nga giyahan kita ni Kristo bilang mga awtoridad, ginikanan man ukon yara sa palangakuan, kaparian man ukon sa anuman nga gintugyanan sang posisyon sang pagdumala, nga mangin matuod nga mga awtoridad kaangay ni Kristo sa iya pulong kag buhat, sa iya padayon nga pagtuman kag pagpahayag sang kabubut-on sang Amay, sa pagdala sang maayong balita sa mga katawhan.
God continues to “speak” to us!
AS CHRIST LIVES
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
God continues to “speak” to us!
Right after a funeral mass last Saturday, our sacristan informed me that there was a request for blessing of another dead. In stark contrast to the previous celebration that was well-prepared and well-attended, I met a young, grieving father – alone – who accompanied the dead which was placed only inside a small recycled carton box. Before performing the rite of blessing, I tried to engage the father in a dialogue so I could connect with him, allowing him to express his pain and sadness and to name what truly happened. In between his sobs, I learned that inside the box was a fetus of a four-month twin which was just discovered to have been already dead for a week inside his wife’s womb. The wife was still in the hospital and I felt a deep pain seeing him leave alone after the blessing to bring his dead to their grave without a community to accompany and support him in his grief and pain. My pain was due more to the absence of a caring community than to his loss.
Right there and then I felt “spoken” to by God for on that day we began our novena masses in preparation for our parish fiesta with the theme, “Gamay nga Kristianong Katilingban: Alagyan padulong sa Bug-os nga Paghiliusa” and God seemed to be showing me through that experience how life could be different, particularly for that father, if he belongs to a Christian community or if in our parish there is a presence of a community of believers sensitive and ready to respond to a situation of need such as this. It further affirmed the vision and direction we have set for our parish. It also raises a lot of other disturbing questions: Was pre-natal care available to the mother? How could such death of the twin be prevented? Why is he alone to bury their dead? How many more are in this or even worse situation? I am not sure if he is a regular church-goer but I was so touched that in his grief he still found it important to have his dead blessed in Church. Such moment of deep loss can also be a moment of grace, an opportune time to realize one’s need for God and the importance of a living and loving community.
I hope that our entire parish activities in preparation for and in celebration of our Patronal Feast in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria help develop and strengthen the culture of BEC, a lifestyle of communal living based on the life of the Trinity, similar to the early Christian Community in the Acts of the Apostles (cf. Acts 4:32-35), faithful to our vision of a renewed Church in the Philippines. For in the words of Msgr. Jose Marie Amado S. Delgado: “…..as the Parish integrates the Culture of BECs (which, by the way, does not come along at all easy) she is renewed in her fundamental life as a Church. BEC thus is not a “foreign element” or an “appendix” but is a birthright in the Church.” I pray that we are able to LISTEN more to the many ways God is communicating to us so we are able to RESPOND and COMMIT better to God’s loving plan for us. MALIPAYON NGA FIESTA SA ATON TANAN!
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
God continues to “speak” to us!
Right after a funeral mass last Saturday, our sacristan informed me that there was a request for blessing of another dead. In stark contrast to the previous celebration that was well-prepared and well-attended, I met a young, grieving father – alone – who accompanied the dead which was placed only inside a small recycled carton box. Before performing the rite of blessing, I tried to engage the father in a dialogue so I could connect with him, allowing him to express his pain and sadness and to name what truly happened. In between his sobs, I learned that inside the box was a fetus of a four-month twin which was just discovered to have been already dead for a week inside his wife’s womb. The wife was still in the hospital and I felt a deep pain seeing him leave alone after the blessing to bring his dead to their grave without a community to accompany and support him in his grief and pain. My pain was due more to the absence of a caring community than to his loss.
Right there and then I felt “spoken” to by God for on that day we began our novena masses in preparation for our parish fiesta with the theme, “Gamay nga Kristianong Katilingban: Alagyan padulong sa Bug-os nga Paghiliusa” and God seemed to be showing me through that experience how life could be different, particularly for that father, if he belongs to a Christian community or if in our parish there is a presence of a community of believers sensitive and ready to respond to a situation of need such as this. It further affirmed the vision and direction we have set for our parish. It also raises a lot of other disturbing questions: Was pre-natal care available to the mother? How could such death of the twin be prevented? Why is he alone to bury their dead? How many more are in this or even worse situation? I am not sure if he is a regular church-goer but I was so touched that in his grief he still found it important to have his dead blessed in Church. Such moment of deep loss can also be a moment of grace, an opportune time to realize one’s need for God and the importance of a living and loving community.
I hope that our entire parish activities in preparation for and in celebration of our Patronal Feast in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria help develop and strengthen the culture of BEC, a lifestyle of communal living based on the life of the Trinity, similar to the early Christian Community in the Acts of the Apostles (cf. Acts 4:32-35), faithful to our vision of a renewed Church in the Philippines. For in the words of Msgr. Jose Marie Amado S. Delgado: “…..as the Parish integrates the Culture of BECs (which, by the way, does not come along at all easy) she is renewed in her fundamental life as a Church. BEC thus is not a “foreign element” or an “appendix” but is a birthright in the Church.” I pray that we are able to LISTEN more to the many ways God is communicating to us so we are able to RESPOND and COMMIT better to God’s loving plan for us. MALIPAYON NGA FIESTA SA ATON TANAN!
The History of the Feast of Nuestra Sra. de la Candelaria
Candlemas is the feast celebrated every 2nd of February to commemorate two major events in the New Testament – the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ex. 13:2, Lk. 2:22-38, Lev. 12:1-8)
In history, Candlemas (known as 40th day of Epiphany) was already celebrated in Jerusalem as early as 400 A.D., until it spread in the Eastern Empire in Constantinople, this, called as Hypapante; and into the Western Empire where the procession of the lights believed to be of pagan Roman origin was institutionalized in the 11th century.
From being a Christological celebration, the Candlemas evolved into a Marian-centered feast probably because “the procession in both East and West terminated at a Marian church.” In later centuries, the creation of an icon showing Mary as the “bearer of the light of lights” has further solidified the Marian character of Candlemas – such is our celebration of the feast of Nuestra Sra. de la Candelaria.
--------------------------
The devotion to the Nuestra Sr. de la Candelaria journeyed and was welcomed in many town churches in the country since the early 1600s. Jaro was one among the nine pueblos who advocated the Virgin in 1904. She became the center of the Candelaria devotion in the Philippines, where devotees from all over the region and farther make pilgrimage every February 2, until she was proclaimed the Patroness of Western Visayas.
--------------------------
There were many stories that tell the origin of the stone statue of Nuestra Sr. de la Candelaria. Many of these stories were passed on from one generation to the next; such stories became legends that all the more stirred the popular devotion to the Virgin.
The most recent story was narrated by our late Archbishop Alberto J. Piamonte, D.D., who commissioned Engr. Jose “Tantoy” Locsin to transfer the statue to a new niche for the visit of the Pope in 1980. Tio Tantoy found it difficult because the chains broke several times as the workers tried to bring her down. Suddenly, an insight dawned on him that sine they were dealing with a Queen, as Queen, she must be attended to, “dapat tambungan.” With this, Msgr. Piamonte dressed in full regalia and personally directed the transfer; this time, the chains did not break and the Virgin was installed into her new niche where she is not at present.
---------------------------
Nstra. Sra. de la Candelaria proved to be a mother as she nurtured and nourished the faith of the people of Jaro, as a pueblo until she was elevated into a diocese in 1865 under Bishop Mariano Cuartero; and finally, into an Archdiocese in June 29, 1951 under Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco.
In history, Candlemas (known as 40th day of Epiphany) was already celebrated in Jerusalem as early as 400 A.D., until it spread in the Eastern Empire in Constantinople, this, called as Hypapante; and into the Western Empire where the procession of the lights believed to be of pagan Roman origin was institutionalized in the 11th century.
From being a Christological celebration, the Candlemas evolved into a Marian-centered feast probably because “the procession in both East and West terminated at a Marian church.” In later centuries, the creation of an icon showing Mary as the “bearer of the light of lights” has further solidified the Marian character of Candlemas – such is our celebration of the feast of Nuestra Sra. de la Candelaria.
--------------------------
The devotion to the Nuestra Sr. de la Candelaria journeyed and was welcomed in many town churches in the country since the early 1600s. Jaro was one among the nine pueblos who advocated the Virgin in 1904. She became the center of the Candelaria devotion in the Philippines, where devotees from all over the region and farther make pilgrimage every February 2, until she was proclaimed the Patroness of Western Visayas.
--------------------------
There were many stories that tell the origin of the stone statue of Nuestra Sr. de la Candelaria. Many of these stories were passed on from one generation to the next; such stories became legends that all the more stirred the popular devotion to the Virgin.
The most recent story was narrated by our late Archbishop Alberto J. Piamonte, D.D., who commissioned Engr. Jose “Tantoy” Locsin to transfer the statue to a new niche for the visit of the Pope in 1980. Tio Tantoy found it difficult because the chains broke several times as the workers tried to bring her down. Suddenly, an insight dawned on him that sine they were dealing with a Queen, as Queen, she must be attended to, “dapat tambungan.” With this, Msgr. Piamonte dressed in full regalia and personally directed the transfer; this time, the chains did not break and the Virgin was installed into her new niche where she is not at present.
---------------------------
Nstra. Sra. de la Candelaria proved to be a mother as she nurtured and nourished the faith of the people of Jaro, as a pueblo until she was elevated into a diocese in 1865 under Bishop Mariano Cuartero; and finally, into an Archdiocese in June 29, 1951 under Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco.
PHILIPPINES Devotees Pray To Santo Nino, Dance To Mark Feast Day
PHILIPPINES Devotees Pray To Santo Nino, Dance To Mark Feast Day
By John Francis Lagman
January 21, 2009
MANILA (UCAN) -- Erwin Gadia, 13, had one prayer to the Santo Nino (Holy Child) on the eve of the popular annual feast, "I wish all my goods sell." He sells colorful balloons at 25 pesos (US$0.53) each outside Santo Nino de Tondo Church. On a good day, he can earn 300 pesos, but some days he makes only a third of that. Whatever he earns, he gives half to his mother. He is third in a family of 12 children; dropped out of school after graduating from sixth grade "to help care for younger siblings." He starts work at 4 a.m., blowing up 100 balloons, and gets home around 6 p.m., "ready for sleep."
On the day before the Santo Nino fiesta, he looked forward to eating adobo, a local stew of chicken and pork.
Some people living near the church, however, had no feast to look forward to.
Augustinian priests brought the ivory image of the Santo Nino to the country from Acapulco, Mexico, in 1572. The present church reportedly traces its origins to a structure built in the 1800s, after the original convent and church were damaged by wars and an earthquake. Stories of miracles occurring in the midst of wars and natural disasters have surrounded the church and Santo Nino image. During World War II (1939-1945), when its roof was reportedly set on fire, the parish priest was said to have safely evacuated people from the church while carrying the image.
On Jan. 18, Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila, who lives in the parish, led the 6 p.m. feast day Mass. He told UCA News before the Mass, "I do not know whether the image of Santo Nino in Tondo is miraculous or not, but people flocking around it shows it promotes their devotion."
The bishop wondered whether this reflects their hope of sharing in the Child Jesus' "greatness despite being small." This is the message of the Gospel, that "the great ones are not the rich or powerful, but the lowly people," he added. "I hope we 'great' and 'powerful' people also take the challenge to be great in God's eyes by humbling ourselves, by attending to small people, the poor, homeless, children and powerless," the prelate said.
He noted that the parishioners, who are "mostly very poor," are also "very religious." They place religious statues at street corners, organize processions frequently and flock to church with their children for Friday novena Masses.
The previous day, some devotees danced down Tondo's streets waving statues of the Santo Nino. In the bishop's view, they were praying by "using body language to express themselves to God."
In our country, the feast of the Sto. Niño is one of the most celebrated. Street dancing and merrymaking mark this event. The dance steps tell of how we became a Catholic nation, our struggles as a community, our religiosity and our thanksgiving for a successful undertaking, be it in harvest, in business, even in battle.
We are also reminded of our responsibility to take care of one another, especially, those who are small, the weak and the poor, the homeless and the powerless.
May our faith be like the faith of a child – trusting, humble, innocent, pure – for the kingdom of God belongs to such as them.
May our religiosity not stop in the streets when we dance but be attuned and live our lives according to the Father’s will.
With Commentary by Ma. Rosario R. Tejada
By John Francis Lagman
January 21, 2009
MANILA (UCAN) -- Erwin Gadia, 13, had one prayer to the Santo Nino (Holy Child) on the eve of the popular annual feast, "I wish all my goods sell." He sells colorful balloons at 25 pesos (US$0.53) each outside Santo Nino de Tondo Church. On a good day, he can earn 300 pesos, but some days he makes only a third of that. Whatever he earns, he gives half to his mother. He is third in a family of 12 children; dropped out of school after graduating from sixth grade "to help care for younger siblings." He starts work at 4 a.m., blowing up 100 balloons, and gets home around 6 p.m., "ready for sleep."
On the day before the Santo Nino fiesta, he looked forward to eating adobo, a local stew of chicken and pork.
Some people living near the church, however, had no feast to look forward to.
Augustinian priests brought the ivory image of the Santo Nino to the country from Acapulco, Mexico, in 1572. The present church reportedly traces its origins to a structure built in the 1800s, after the original convent and church were damaged by wars and an earthquake. Stories of miracles occurring in the midst of wars and natural disasters have surrounded the church and Santo Nino image. During World War II (1939-1945), when its roof was reportedly set on fire, the parish priest was said to have safely evacuated people from the church while carrying the image.
On Jan. 18, Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila, who lives in the parish, led the 6 p.m. feast day Mass. He told UCA News before the Mass, "I do not know whether the image of Santo Nino in Tondo is miraculous or not, but people flocking around it shows it promotes their devotion."
The bishop wondered whether this reflects their hope of sharing in the Child Jesus' "greatness despite being small." This is the message of the Gospel, that "the great ones are not the rich or powerful, but the lowly people," he added. "I hope we 'great' and 'powerful' people also take the challenge to be great in God's eyes by humbling ourselves, by attending to small people, the poor, homeless, children and powerless," the prelate said.
He noted that the parishioners, who are "mostly very poor," are also "very religious." They place religious statues at street corners, organize processions frequently and flock to church with their children for Friday novena Masses.
The previous day, some devotees danced down Tondo's streets waving statues of the Santo Nino. In the bishop's view, they were praying by "using body language to express themselves to God."
In our country, the feast of the Sto. Niño is one of the most celebrated. Street dancing and merrymaking mark this event. The dance steps tell of how we became a Catholic nation, our struggles as a community, our religiosity and our thanksgiving for a successful undertaking, be it in harvest, in business, even in battle.
We are also reminded of our responsibility to take care of one another, especially, those who are small, the weak and the poor, the homeless and the powerless.
May our faith be like the faith of a child – trusting, humble, innocent, pure – for the kingdom of God belongs to such as them.
May our religiosity not stop in the streets when we dance but be attuned and live our lives according to the Father’s will.
With Commentary by Ma. Rosario R. Tejada
Pope says Christians need to promote life, traditional families
FAMILIES-POPE Jan-20-2009
Pope says Christians need to promote life, traditional families
By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “Today more than ever, Christian families need to pay witness to and promote the irreplaceable value of life and the family based on marriage between a man and a woman. The best service that we Christians can offer today's society is being "people who are free and rich with human and Gospel values and who are on a journey toward holiness." Pope Benedict XVI said.
The traditional family is "an indispensable foundation of society and peoples as well as an irreplaceable good for children who deserve to come into the world as a fruit of love and the total and generous giving of the parents," he said at the end of the Sixth World Meeting of Families which took place Jan. 14-18 in Mexico City. He made these comments via satellite from the Vatican Jan. 18 after a closing Mass at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass was celebrated by the pope's envoy, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
“Christians also need to show that they are open to life at all its stages. Every Christian must help promote "legislative and administrative measures" that support the traditional family and their "inalienable rights." The family, founded on indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman, is the expression of this relational, filial and communal aspect of life. It is the setting where men and women are enabled to be born with dignity, and to grow and develop in an integral manner," he said.
But families' efforts to be a true school of humanity and perennial values are being hindered by "a deceptive concept of freedom that glorifies whims and individual impulses to the point of leaving everyone locked up in the prison of his or her own 'I'. True human freedom comes from having been created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, should be exercised with responsibility, always opting for the true good so that it becomes love, the gift of self. Real love and closeness among family members are needed more than ideals or theories,” he added.
It is through one's concrete experience in the home "that one learns to truly live and value life and health, freedom and peace, justice and truth, work, harmony and respect," he said.
Pope Benedict also said his prayers were with families who are facing the trials of poverty, illness, isolation and separation because of migration, as well as those families being persecuted for their Christian faith. He encouraged large families who are oftentimes criticized or not understood by others yet are giving "an example of generosity and faith in God." He urged families to pray together, especially the rosary, and to build their faith on listening to the word of God and working to incorporate Gospel values concretely in their lives.
He concluded with the announcement of the next World Meeting of Families will held in Milan, Italy, in 2012 on the theme "The Family: Work and Play”
The family is the basic unit of society. As such, it is the source of its strengths and weaknesses. A strong foundation naturally gives a strong outcome, while a weak one results in a society that is unstable. Therefore, if we want stable and strong societies, we must start at the very core of it – the family.
It is in the family where the creation of God – man and woman – and no other share in His gift of procreation. That is why we have the institution of Holy Matrimony that gives the couple the sanctifying grace to bring up their family in the way of God. Respect for the uniqueness of one another and giving him/her the free exercise and expression of his/ her will. Our free will is God’s gift to us.
It is also in the family where we learn our ‘firsts’ starting from our growth and development in all aspects of our personality. It is the place where we learn and see values lived out in the lives of our parents. That is why we are a product of our parents and our environment. It is where and it is with our family we first learn the lessons of life.
We must respect life in all its forms and stages – from being small to big, from conception to senility. Life is God’s gift to us; therefore, He alone has the right to take it.
Any effort from the outside to shaken family values must be arrested in its very early stage. The move of our legislators with the Reproductive Health Bill is an outstanding example. The hidden agenda of these people are masked in this bill while the burden of guilt is laid on us, the people, when we are made to do what is against our conscience. We must not allow them to trade us with their personal whims and fancies.
Let us nurture and protect our families if we want to see our children live in dignity and respect for one another in a just, work-loving, peaceful, caring, healthy, life-promoting society.
With Commentary by Ma. Rosario R. Tejada
Pope says Christians need to promote life, traditional families
By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “Today more than ever, Christian families need to pay witness to and promote the irreplaceable value of life and the family based on marriage between a man and a woman. The best service that we Christians can offer today's society is being "people who are free and rich with human and Gospel values and who are on a journey toward holiness." Pope Benedict XVI said.
The traditional family is "an indispensable foundation of society and peoples as well as an irreplaceable good for children who deserve to come into the world as a fruit of love and the total and generous giving of the parents," he said at the end of the Sixth World Meeting of Families which took place Jan. 14-18 in Mexico City. He made these comments via satellite from the Vatican Jan. 18 after a closing Mass at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass was celebrated by the pope's envoy, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
“Christians also need to show that they are open to life at all its stages. Every Christian must help promote "legislative and administrative measures" that support the traditional family and their "inalienable rights." The family, founded on indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman, is the expression of this relational, filial and communal aspect of life. It is the setting where men and women are enabled to be born with dignity, and to grow and develop in an integral manner," he said.
But families' efforts to be a true school of humanity and perennial values are being hindered by "a deceptive concept of freedom that glorifies whims and individual impulses to the point of leaving everyone locked up in the prison of his or her own 'I'. True human freedom comes from having been created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, should be exercised with responsibility, always opting for the true good so that it becomes love, the gift of self. Real love and closeness among family members are needed more than ideals or theories,” he added.
It is through one's concrete experience in the home "that one learns to truly live and value life and health, freedom and peace, justice and truth, work, harmony and respect," he said.
Pope Benedict also said his prayers were with families who are facing the trials of poverty, illness, isolation and separation because of migration, as well as those families being persecuted for their Christian faith. He encouraged large families who are oftentimes criticized or not understood by others yet are giving "an example of generosity and faith in God." He urged families to pray together, especially the rosary, and to build their faith on listening to the word of God and working to incorporate Gospel values concretely in their lives.
He concluded with the announcement of the next World Meeting of Families will held in Milan, Italy, in 2012 on the theme "The Family: Work and Play”
The family is the basic unit of society. As such, it is the source of its strengths and weaknesses. A strong foundation naturally gives a strong outcome, while a weak one results in a society that is unstable. Therefore, if we want stable and strong societies, we must start at the very core of it – the family.
It is in the family where the creation of God – man and woman – and no other share in His gift of procreation. That is why we have the institution of Holy Matrimony that gives the couple the sanctifying grace to bring up their family in the way of God. Respect for the uniqueness of one another and giving him/her the free exercise and expression of his/ her will. Our free will is God’s gift to us.
It is also in the family where we learn our ‘firsts’ starting from our growth and development in all aspects of our personality. It is the place where we learn and see values lived out in the lives of our parents. That is why we are a product of our parents and our environment. It is where and it is with our family we first learn the lessons of life.
We must respect life in all its forms and stages – from being small to big, from conception to senility. Life is God’s gift to us; therefore, He alone has the right to take it.
Any effort from the outside to shaken family values must be arrested in its very early stage. The move of our legislators with the Reproductive Health Bill is an outstanding example. The hidden agenda of these people are masked in this bill while the burden of guilt is laid on us, the people, when we are made to do what is against our conscience. We must not allow them to trade us with their personal whims and fancies.
Let us nurture and protect our families if we want to see our children live in dignity and respect for one another in a just, work-loving, peaceful, caring, healthy, life-promoting society.
With Commentary by Ma. Rosario R. Tejada
The Tree of Hope
The Tree of Hope
by Rev. Fr. Richard Daulo
One of the memorable marks of December 2008 was the 14 footer Christmas tree right at the center of the façade of the Cathedral. But more than just the newness and the size of what is seen is the experience of taking part in it. Surely it was not simply meant to decorate, for to look at it strictly it still has room to improve on harmony and elegance. But the real beauty lay on the opportunity it provided. It gave us the chance to put more meaning in decorating a Christmas tree, for it was not just a tree to behold, but one that bore fruit. It bore fruits that fed a few malnourished kids, fruits that augmented a seminarian’s financial needs, fruits that have contributed to the formation of our youth and fruits that made a statement supporting the campaign for solid waste management. Simply put, it was a true Christmas tree for it became a more consistent symbol of Christ in the sacrifices made that brought life and in the point of communion that it became for many of us.
The total amount collected was P55,000.00.
Out of this amount, P11,000.00 each was given to Msgr. Jomarie Delgado, for the Rector’s Fund of St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary and to the Dulang Paglaum Feeding Program under the Parish Social Action Ministry (PSAM). They were represented by Miss Evelyn Nervato, PSAM Secretary; Mrs Lilia Parreñas, PSAM Coordinator and Rev. Fr. Macario Sortido, PSAM Priest-in-Charge. The 60% of the proceeds (P33,000.00) as mentioned, will finance the formation program of our youth.
We congratulate and thank our youth who worked for it and the many generous hearts of our parishioners who shared their blessings. In our journey towards unity, more power and MORE FRUITS!
by Rev. Fr. Richard Daulo
One of the memorable marks of December 2008 was the 14 footer Christmas tree right at the center of the façade of the Cathedral. But more than just the newness and the size of what is seen is the experience of taking part in it. Surely it was not simply meant to decorate, for to look at it strictly it still has room to improve on harmony and elegance. But the real beauty lay on the opportunity it provided. It gave us the chance to put more meaning in decorating a Christmas tree, for it was not just a tree to behold, but one that bore fruit. It bore fruits that fed a few malnourished kids, fruits that augmented a seminarian’s financial needs, fruits that have contributed to the formation of our youth and fruits that made a statement supporting the campaign for solid waste management. Simply put, it was a true Christmas tree for it became a more consistent symbol of Christ in the sacrifices made that brought life and in the point of communion that it became for many of us.
The total amount collected was P55,000.00.
Out of this amount, P11,000.00 each was given to Msgr. Jomarie Delgado, for the Rector’s Fund of St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary and to the Dulang Paglaum Feeding Program under the Parish Social Action Ministry (PSAM). They were represented by Miss Evelyn Nervato, PSAM Secretary; Mrs Lilia Parreñas, PSAM Coordinator and Rev. Fr. Macario Sortido, PSAM Priest-in-Charge. The 60% of the proceeds (P33,000.00) as mentioned, will finance the formation program of our youth.
We congratulate and thank our youth who worked for it and the many generous hearts of our parishioners who shared their blessings. In our journey towards unity, more power and MORE FRUITS!
Uncertainty
Uncertainty
by Jesa Christine Capagal
If you ever watched the story of “Pocahontas” or the movie “A New World”, this story won’t be unfamiliar to you. There was once this missionary who tracked down Indian folks residing in the forest. After her mission, she was accompanied by a group of natives on her way home. Along their way, they came across a river with a big log to walk through to get to the other side. This scene gave the missionary the shivers. She was so afraid. She asked them if there is another way they could trail to get to the other side. They responded with a “Yes” and explained that they have to climb down the falls at the end of the river and walk a few miles further to get across. Then, the Indians told the missionary that they had to spend a night in the forest if they would go that way. Finally, they just decided to cross the river on that big log. As the missionary stepped on the log, her heart pounded harder with each step. She couldn’t help but stare down until one of the Indians held her hand lightly. She never thought that with that light touch, she would be at ease to cross the river. It was on the other side that she realized if she had slipped, the way the native had hold her hand wouldn’t be enough to grip her so she won’t fall. But that soft and certain touch gave her confidence to cross the river.
God gave us the options to choose from in order for us to decide. However, in life it isn’t always easy. Circumstances that often we say God’s instructions aren’t clear will express that God just gave us a soft but certain light. A small hope but if we see life through God’s light, life would be certain that for us waiting for Him would have a place in His promised kingdom.
by Jesa Christine Capagal
If you ever watched the story of “Pocahontas” or the movie “A New World”, this story won’t be unfamiliar to you. There was once this missionary who tracked down Indian folks residing in the forest. After her mission, she was accompanied by a group of natives on her way home. Along their way, they came across a river with a big log to walk through to get to the other side. This scene gave the missionary the shivers. She was so afraid. She asked them if there is another way they could trail to get to the other side. They responded with a “Yes” and explained that they have to climb down the falls at the end of the river and walk a few miles further to get across. Then, the Indians told the missionary that they had to spend a night in the forest if they would go that way. Finally, they just decided to cross the river on that big log. As the missionary stepped on the log, her heart pounded harder with each step. She couldn’t help but stare down until one of the Indians held her hand lightly. She never thought that with that light touch, she would be at ease to cross the river. It was on the other side that she realized if she had slipped, the way the native had hold her hand wouldn’t be enough to grip her so she won’t fall. But that soft and certain touch gave her confidence to cross the river.
God gave us the options to choose from in order for us to decide. However, in life it isn’t always easy. Circumstances that often we say God’s instructions aren’t clear will express that God just gave us a soft but certain light. A small hope but if we see life through God’s light, life would be certain that for us waiting for Him would have a place in His promised kingdom.
Mama Mary -Through the Years
Mama Mary -Through the Years
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
During my childhood days, I always waited eagerly for those Sundays when my father would take me with him to attend special celebrations for the Blessed Mother, which were usually highlighted with public adoration and a procession.
My first devotion was to our Lady of Lourdes. Since my parents loved our Lady so much, I was influenced by them and tried to imitate them. Every night, my spinster aunt led the rosary and made us kneel throughout the prayer. If we got a little lazy to sustain the kneeling position, or else, yawn, she would pinch our buttocks and we were forced to assume the kneeling position.
Since I was a bit naughty in my young years, I was sent to study at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, right in our town of Pototan, which is the Mother House of the Hijas de Jesus in the Philippines. It was run by the Spanish nuns who were very strict and emphasized the teaching of religion, plus its practice. Every Thursday, we were taught the doctrine and were made to study and understand the gospel for the coming Sunday. Every part of the Mass was repeatedly explained to us and proper behavior in Church was always emphasized.
Our Lady of the Inmaculada Concepcion was and still is, the Patroness of the school. Every December 8, which is her feast, we have the altar-decorating contests, the singing of the “Mil Albricias” and “poesias”. As I look back through the years, my eyes fill with tears as I remember how the nuns, leaving their home in pain, did their utmost to form us into fervent devotees of Mama Mary. We, in the High School level were trained as catechists.
I grew fervent in my devotion to Mary and when the icon of Our Lady of Fatima from Portugal was brought to Pototan in 1949 through the efforts of our Mayor, we were made to pray to her in groups and my love for her grew to big proportions. I wanted to do something for her. I knew that in God’s own time, I would be able to do it.
In 1950, my dream materialized. My husband, who was a Mary devotee himself, made arrangements with then Msgr. Ciceron Martirez to start a Rosary Crusade in Barangay Igang, Pototan. This launched our family apostolate. Picking up the momentum with the late Msgr. Salvador Esmero and with the support of Archbishop Piamonte, we went to the other towns and even in the city to spread the devotion to the Holy Rosary. Calumpang became our seat in the city with the help of the Parish Priest, and Bro. Bert, Sis. Delia, Sis. Puring, Bro. Edwin, and Bro. Nelson.
Today, I’m too old to go to the mountains for the apostolate. My prayer now is: “Please letme spend therest of my days doing my apostolate through my pen, oh Lord.”
Before I write my oration and declamation pieces, I always invoke the Holy Spirit to give me light and to influence my article, so that through indirect means, I can still be His little instrument through Mary.
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
During my childhood days, I always waited eagerly for those Sundays when my father would take me with him to attend special celebrations for the Blessed Mother, which were usually highlighted with public adoration and a procession.
My first devotion was to our Lady of Lourdes. Since my parents loved our Lady so much, I was influenced by them and tried to imitate them. Every night, my spinster aunt led the rosary and made us kneel throughout the prayer. If we got a little lazy to sustain the kneeling position, or else, yawn, she would pinch our buttocks and we were forced to assume the kneeling position.
Since I was a bit naughty in my young years, I was sent to study at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, right in our town of Pototan, which is the Mother House of the Hijas de Jesus in the Philippines. It was run by the Spanish nuns who were very strict and emphasized the teaching of religion, plus its practice. Every Thursday, we were taught the doctrine and were made to study and understand the gospel for the coming Sunday. Every part of the Mass was repeatedly explained to us and proper behavior in Church was always emphasized.
Our Lady of the Inmaculada Concepcion was and still is, the Patroness of the school. Every December 8, which is her feast, we have the altar-decorating contests, the singing of the “Mil Albricias” and “poesias”. As I look back through the years, my eyes fill with tears as I remember how the nuns, leaving their home in pain, did their utmost to form us into fervent devotees of Mama Mary. We, in the High School level were trained as catechists.
I grew fervent in my devotion to Mary and when the icon of Our Lady of Fatima from Portugal was brought to Pototan in 1949 through the efforts of our Mayor, we were made to pray to her in groups and my love for her grew to big proportions. I wanted to do something for her. I knew that in God’s own time, I would be able to do it.
In 1950, my dream materialized. My husband, who was a Mary devotee himself, made arrangements with then Msgr. Ciceron Martirez to start a Rosary Crusade in Barangay Igang, Pototan. This launched our family apostolate. Picking up the momentum with the late Msgr. Salvador Esmero and with the support of Archbishop Piamonte, we went to the other towns and even in the city to spread the devotion to the Holy Rosary. Calumpang became our seat in the city with the help of the Parish Priest, and Bro. Bert, Sis. Delia, Sis. Puring, Bro. Edwin, and Bro. Nelson.
Today, I’m too old to go to the mountains for the apostolate. My prayer now is: “Please letme spend therest of my days doing my apostolate through my pen, oh Lord.”
Before I write my oration and declamation pieces, I always invoke the Holy Spirit to give me light and to influence my article, so that through indirect means, I can still be His little instrument through Mary.
Church and BEC Culture
Church and BEC Culture
Excerpts from the booklet, “Church and BEC Culture)
Msgr. Joemarie S.Delgado
Evangelization is the Church’s deepest VOCATION and MISSION.1 The CHURCH exists to PROCLAIM the GOOD NEWS of the FATHER’S LIFE in JESUS CHRIST through the HOLY SPIRIT to the World in order for it to attain SALVATION.
When the Church evangelizes, she acknowledges that her whole life is CENTERED in the TRINITY. She originates from it, is sustained by it, and is directed towards full COMMUNION with it at the end of time! The TRINITY is the source and pattern of the Life of the Church.2
The Church actualizes this Trinitarian Life in her Life of COMMUNION and MISSION.
This is mainly concretized in the Local Church today in her efforts to build and sustain Communion of Communities through the promotion of UNITY in faith, hope, and love in, through, and around the Hierarchy; enhancement of DIVERSITY of roles and charisms of priests and lay in the building up of the Church; recognition of EQUALITY in DIGNITY of all the baptized; and consistent SHARING and PARTICIPATION in the Mission of Salvation as identified and pursued by the Christian Communities.3
The primary resource, thus, from which the movement of renewing the life of the Church would come, is not external but internal to the various levels of her life. There is an inner dynamism of the Trinitarian Life at work in the Church (parish/diocese) – with the direct participation of the hierarchy and laity – transforming the Church’s life into a deeper experience of Communion and Mission! In this regard, the renewal of the life of faith of the community from within becomes truly empowering for it makes everyone a “stakeholder” in the mission of Evangelization.
Through all this, our conviction is that, as the Parish integrates the culture of BECs (which, by the way, does not come along at all easy) she is renewed in her fundamental life as a Church. BEC thus, is not a “foreign element” or an “appendix” but is a birthright in the Church. Her becoming into a communion of small communities is a genuine growth towards maturity in faith. The sustainability, thus, of BEC is vital as it is growth promoting for the life and ministry of the Local Church. It is a challenge for us to promote essential elements of BEC Culture, and help bring about a paradigm of partnership and co-responsibility through structures to sustain BECs through the following elements:
Four Elements of BEC Culture
The creative movement of evangelization in the Parish starts from what is basic – the home and neighborhood. With the chapel perhaps as its center, families in the neighborhood organize themselves into clusters of cells, building their life with more pronounced marks of the Church of Communion.
UNITY (Pakikipagka-isa) in Faith, Hope and Love in, through and around the Hierarcy; DIVERSITY (Pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba) of roles and charisms of the lay and clergy in the building of the Church. EQUALITY in DIGNITY (Pakikipag-kapwa) of all the Baptized. SHARING and PARTICIPATION (Pakikipagdamayan/Bayanihan) in the Mission of Salvation.
1. Pakikipagka-isa (Paghiliusa): Coming from various social classes, families in the neighborhood are organized into cells growing in personal relationships, in cooperative planning, and in the joy of celebrating together the sacraments, especially the EUCHARIST. Moreover, they are organically linked with other cells to the wider life and ministry of the Parish around their Parish Priest. This neighborhood community is usually facilitated by a regular meeting in one of the houses of the members led by their own local leader, where they pray the scriptures as a family. Such regular “faith-sharing” where hearts are opened, unique charisms are recognized and appreciated; conflicts are resolved; consensus for actions are done; and resources are shared bring different families together to an experience of deep communion and sharing in the neighborhood, the parish, and beyond. (cf. Eph 4:5, Phil 2:1-5, 1Cor 12, Lumen Gentium #4)
2. Pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba (Paghili-angot/Paghili-ugyon): In this neighborhood community, a variety of roles and charisms are discovered, recognized and respected. Therefore each one is encouraged to share, contribute, and cooperate with the thought that what he has is no lesser a gift than the others. Each contribution is an essential part in the completion of a more integrated and wholesome experience of community life. Within the neighborhood cells, there is hope of a rich display of charisms for leadersip and ministries in the areas of catechesis, worship-devotion, service, temporalities or finance, etc. (cf Eph 4:1-16, Jn 17:20-23). Bringing out these charisms, even if the neighborhood is poor, is a significant sign that indeed there are hidden treasures from within our poverty. These riches shall become part of the foundation of a community growing in the experience of being empowered and part of the resources to be shared to the Parish Community.
3. Pakikipag-kapwa (Pagpakigbagay): The experience of meeting Jesus in person through personal or common prayer and sharing serves as the anchor in recognizing the presence of the risen Lord in their midst and in one another. Among members, self-respect as well as deep respect ad compassion for each other, regardless of social condition, is recovered and corresponding resources are generously channeled to sustain community life. “Knowing” Jesus this way raises their conviction that all belong as one, to “His Body” and He is truly the foundation of their life in the community (cf Gal 3:28, Lumen Gentium #32, Mt 23:8-12, James 2:2-4)
4. Pakikipagdamayan/Bayanihan (Pagbinuligay/Pagdagyaw): Being transformed in the process, members see to it that te lonely, sick, downtrodden, and impoverished in their neighborhood experience not only “prayer and praising” but the caring love of the Lord through them, His present-day disciples. Indeed, they have become convinced that Christian life is not a life lived in comfort zones but in being involved in the affairs of their local Church, environment, justice and a wider range of other social issues, putting into action the love they have received from Christ by serving one another, especially the poor, downtrodden, oppressed and lost. (cf. Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35/Acts 15:2-23, Gal 2:11-14, Mt 18:15-18)
At these marks of Christian life see light in the “grass roots”, we have examples of the “wheat” growing healthier than the “weeds”. CONVERSION towards a deeper Christian life is taking place and becoming the core-experience of the community, graced by God, through the efforts led by the members of the community. We see here, not only the birthing but the developing and the fostering of the paradigm of “Co-Responsibility and Partnership”. Here, we have a dynamic sign that an evangelized community is turning more concretely into an empowered, evangelizing “Community of Compassion”.
_______________
1Cf. Evangelii Nuntiandi, Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul VI on the Modern Wrld. p. 14.
2Cf. Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, #4, par. 2.
3Ibid. #4, pars. 30-34.
Msgr. Joemarie S.Delgado, M.A.
Excerpts from the booklet, “Church and BEC Culture)
Msgr. Joemarie S.Delgado
Evangelization is the Church’s deepest VOCATION and MISSION.1 The CHURCH exists to PROCLAIM the GOOD NEWS of the FATHER’S LIFE in JESUS CHRIST through the HOLY SPIRIT to the World in order for it to attain SALVATION.
When the Church evangelizes, she acknowledges that her whole life is CENTERED in the TRINITY. She originates from it, is sustained by it, and is directed towards full COMMUNION with it at the end of time! The TRINITY is the source and pattern of the Life of the Church.2
The Church actualizes this Trinitarian Life in her Life of COMMUNION and MISSION.
This is mainly concretized in the Local Church today in her efforts to build and sustain Communion of Communities through the promotion of UNITY in faith, hope, and love in, through, and around the Hierarchy; enhancement of DIVERSITY of roles and charisms of priests and lay in the building up of the Church; recognition of EQUALITY in DIGNITY of all the baptized; and consistent SHARING and PARTICIPATION in the Mission of Salvation as identified and pursued by the Christian Communities.3
The primary resource, thus, from which the movement of renewing the life of the Church would come, is not external but internal to the various levels of her life. There is an inner dynamism of the Trinitarian Life at work in the Church (parish/diocese) – with the direct participation of the hierarchy and laity – transforming the Church’s life into a deeper experience of Communion and Mission! In this regard, the renewal of the life of faith of the community from within becomes truly empowering for it makes everyone a “stakeholder” in the mission of Evangelization.
Through all this, our conviction is that, as the Parish integrates the culture of BECs (which, by the way, does not come along at all easy) she is renewed in her fundamental life as a Church. BEC thus, is not a “foreign element” or an “appendix” but is a birthright in the Church. Her becoming into a communion of small communities is a genuine growth towards maturity in faith. The sustainability, thus, of BEC is vital as it is growth promoting for the life and ministry of the Local Church. It is a challenge for us to promote essential elements of BEC Culture, and help bring about a paradigm of partnership and co-responsibility through structures to sustain BECs through the following elements:
Four Elements of BEC Culture
The creative movement of evangelization in the Parish starts from what is basic – the home and neighborhood. With the chapel perhaps as its center, families in the neighborhood organize themselves into clusters of cells, building their life with more pronounced marks of the Church of Communion.
UNITY (Pakikipagka-isa) in Faith, Hope and Love in, through and around the Hierarcy; DIVERSITY (Pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba) of roles and charisms of the lay and clergy in the building of the Church. EQUALITY in DIGNITY (Pakikipag-kapwa) of all the Baptized. SHARING and PARTICIPATION (Pakikipagdamayan/Bayanihan) in the Mission of Salvation.
1. Pakikipagka-isa (Paghiliusa): Coming from various social classes, families in the neighborhood are organized into cells growing in personal relationships, in cooperative planning, and in the joy of celebrating together the sacraments, especially the EUCHARIST. Moreover, they are organically linked with other cells to the wider life and ministry of the Parish around their Parish Priest. This neighborhood community is usually facilitated by a regular meeting in one of the houses of the members led by their own local leader, where they pray the scriptures as a family. Such regular “faith-sharing” where hearts are opened, unique charisms are recognized and appreciated; conflicts are resolved; consensus for actions are done; and resources are shared bring different families together to an experience of deep communion and sharing in the neighborhood, the parish, and beyond. (cf. Eph 4:5, Phil 2:1-5, 1Cor 12, Lumen Gentium #4)
2. Pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba (Paghili-angot/Paghili-ugyon): In this neighborhood community, a variety of roles and charisms are discovered, recognized and respected. Therefore each one is encouraged to share, contribute, and cooperate with the thought that what he has is no lesser a gift than the others. Each contribution is an essential part in the completion of a more integrated and wholesome experience of community life. Within the neighborhood cells, there is hope of a rich display of charisms for leadersip and ministries in the areas of catechesis, worship-devotion, service, temporalities or finance, etc. (cf Eph 4:1-16, Jn 17:20-23). Bringing out these charisms, even if the neighborhood is poor, is a significant sign that indeed there are hidden treasures from within our poverty. These riches shall become part of the foundation of a community growing in the experience of being empowered and part of the resources to be shared to the Parish Community.
3. Pakikipag-kapwa (Pagpakigbagay): The experience of meeting Jesus in person through personal or common prayer and sharing serves as the anchor in recognizing the presence of the risen Lord in their midst and in one another. Among members, self-respect as well as deep respect ad compassion for each other, regardless of social condition, is recovered and corresponding resources are generously channeled to sustain community life. “Knowing” Jesus this way raises their conviction that all belong as one, to “His Body” and He is truly the foundation of their life in the community (cf Gal 3:28, Lumen Gentium #32, Mt 23:8-12, James 2:2-4)
4. Pakikipagdamayan/Bayanihan (Pagbinuligay/Pagdagyaw): Being transformed in the process, members see to it that te lonely, sick, downtrodden, and impoverished in their neighborhood experience not only “prayer and praising” but the caring love of the Lord through them, His present-day disciples. Indeed, they have become convinced that Christian life is not a life lived in comfort zones but in being involved in the affairs of their local Church, environment, justice and a wider range of other social issues, putting into action the love they have received from Christ by serving one another, especially the poor, downtrodden, oppressed and lost. (cf. Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35/Acts 15:2-23, Gal 2:11-14, Mt 18:15-18)
At these marks of Christian life see light in the “grass roots”, we have examples of the “wheat” growing healthier than the “weeds”. CONVERSION towards a deeper Christian life is taking place and becoming the core-experience of the community, graced by God, through the efforts led by the members of the community. We see here, not only the birthing but the developing and the fostering of the paradigm of “Co-Responsibility and Partnership”. Here, we have a dynamic sign that an evangelized community is turning more concretely into an empowered, evangelizing “Community of Compassion”.
_______________
1Cf. Evangelii Nuntiandi, Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul VI on the Modern Wrld. p. 14.
2Cf. Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, #4, par. 2.
3Ibid. #4, pars. 30-34.
Msgr. Joemarie S.Delgado, M.A.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Noypi
"Noypi"
by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
On January 22, 2009, we started the Annual Pilgrimage in preparation for the Fiesta Celebration of our Parish. Our first stop was Brgy. Desamparados and we started everything with an interactive game- we divided them into three groups and we asked them to build a church using the materials we indicated in the proceedings of the game. We were so happy with the outcome of the activity because we came up with significant learnings that coincided with the invitation we presented to the participating families who committed themselves to receive the “urna”1. It is actually an initiative of the parish to establish basic ecclesial communities as we head on to the realization of our three-year pastoral program.
Looking back, I can’t help but recall those experiences I had in the parish where I was assigned several years ago. Indeed, the establishment of BEC became an avenue where people rediscovered faith, hope and love in their personal lives and these were made possible through our weekly faith sharing. I have mentioned before in my column that I was assigned in a slum area somewhere in Novaliches and I’d like to share one significant apostolate experience that awakened my senses to the importance of having a Basic Ecclesial Community in a particular baranggay.
This is what I wrote in my weekly ministry log:
July 23, 2006
The Philippine music scene is now having a “renaissance” with the rise of novelty/alternative bands whose songs reflect the artist’s view on life, love and survival. These became an instant hit for most Filipinos because one could easily identify himself with the lyrics. I personally like “Noypi” by Bamboo since it is very patriotic and timely especially nowadays where most of us are rather apathetic toward the condition of our country. More so, my experiences in the ministry would also affirm the core message of the song.
Tingnan mo iyong palad
Kalyado mong kamay sa hirap ng buhay
Ang dami mong problema, nakuha mo pang ngumiti
Noypi ka nga, astig
We arrived at the parish earlier despite the heavy rains. I was confident this time because I have prepared well for our usual BEC prayer session. When we arrived at the area, we waited for some group members to arrive and I had a hearty conversation with one of the coordinators. She was telling me about her struggles in life and how she managed to survive despite the many problems she encountered. She wasn’t able to attend last week’s session because she accompanied her siblings to Tanay, Rizal in order to check their ailing father. She admitted to me that in the past, they had a lot of grievances against him, but seeing him after long years of separation was enough to alleviate the hurts and the pains. I was inspired by her story because it was all about forgiveness and reconciliation. During our sharing, I asked the group to recall those instances where they learned how to sacrifice in order to uphold something which they truly value in their lives. I was happy because they were getting more spontaneous compared to the previous weeks. One particular testimony caught my attention. A woman, probably in her late forties shared to the group the recent ordeals in her family. She and her husband have no means of living. Her eldest son, who assumed the responsibility of being the breadwinner, got sick of an unexplainable disease. She wanted him to have a medical check up and be admitted in a hospital but they don’t have money to pay the bills. They were even having difficulties in sustaining their everyday food table. The only consolation she got was the support given to her by her neighbors, who at times, offer her some goods like food and clothes. Another story that struck me was the one told by the secretary of the group whose life was torn by the frequent arguments of her parents, which turned out to be very physical because in the latter, they were already beaten up harshly either by their father or mother. Although this time, she was able to free herself from the agony by leaving their place in Samar, nevertheless, the memories would still haunt her. Her consolation at the moment was her job as a factory worker that helped her make ends meet.
Upon listening to their stories, I thought all the while that the session would end up emotionally draining but I was bit surprised that they haven’t lost their cheerful mood, showing me that optimism that their experiences may be harrowing but it didn’t define their future. They just “charged it to experience”. I was deeply moved when they said that they were fully aware of their situation yet they never lost hope. Probably, this is the reason why they can still manage to smile, proof that we Filipinos value life so much that we find means of maintaining our joy amidst the sorrows. No wonder, we were considered as one of the happiest people on this planet because at times, instead of drowning ourselves with despair and misery, we can only laugh at our problems. I know that this reality has its own negative implications, but placing it in a proper context could teach one how to find meaning in his or her existence. I believe that the lyrics I’ve placed above are very appropriate for what is happening in our society.
Sinisid ko ang dagat, nalibot ko ang mundo
Nasa puso ko pala hinahanap kong pulo
Ilang beses na akong muntikang mamatay
Alam ko ang sikreto kaya’t nandito pa’t buhay
Sabi daw nila may anting-anting ako
Pero ‘di nila alam na ang Diyos ang dahilan ko
It is very striking on my part that profound faith in God has always been the battle cry of those who shared their experiences in the group. It is inspiring to hear testimonies on how their sad plights have encouraged them to establish deep relationship with the Father. They were telling me that somehow, prayer was responsible in preserving their sanities although there were instances that they were on the verge of losing everything. This conviction made me affirm that we Filipinos are indeed very religious people, not for the reason that we are always present in most church liturgies and devotions, but God becomes real as the problems we face each day and we cling to Him in times when we could no longer hold ourselves. We have always believed that God has this magnanimous and abiding force that moves us beyond our physicality and we turn to Him when the going gets rough.
Looking back at my various experiences in the apostolate, I still have a lot of reasons to be thankful for being born in this country imbued with rich cultural and religious heritage. Our history would attest that we have endured so much. The strife still persists. However, at the end of the day, though confronted with so much turmoil in the government and society , aggravated by various reactions of people toward the current status of Philippine economy and politics, I continue to give myself a deep sigh and say; “I’m still proud to be a NOYPI”…
1 An “URNA” is actually an image of Our Lady of Candles encased in a wooden box. This is usually given to the member-baranggays of the parish with the purpose of creating “celdas”. A “celda” should have at least fifteen (15) households wherein the image will be transferred every night and the household who will accommodate the “Urna” of Our Lady should pray the Holy Rosary. Aside from praying the Rosary, the “celda” also schedule a weekly faith sharing at the house of a family where the “urna” is situated. This was again re-introduced for the purpose of establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities.
by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
On January 22, 2009, we started the Annual Pilgrimage in preparation for the Fiesta Celebration of our Parish. Our first stop was Brgy. Desamparados and we started everything with an interactive game- we divided them into three groups and we asked them to build a church using the materials we indicated in the proceedings of the game. We were so happy with the outcome of the activity because we came up with significant learnings that coincided with the invitation we presented to the participating families who committed themselves to receive the “urna”1. It is actually an initiative of the parish to establish basic ecclesial communities as we head on to the realization of our three-year pastoral program.
Looking back, I can’t help but recall those experiences I had in the parish where I was assigned several years ago. Indeed, the establishment of BEC became an avenue where people rediscovered faith, hope and love in their personal lives and these were made possible through our weekly faith sharing. I have mentioned before in my column that I was assigned in a slum area somewhere in Novaliches and I’d like to share one significant apostolate experience that awakened my senses to the importance of having a Basic Ecclesial Community in a particular baranggay.
This is what I wrote in my weekly ministry log:
July 23, 2006
The Philippine music scene is now having a “renaissance” with the rise of novelty/alternative bands whose songs reflect the artist’s view on life, love and survival. These became an instant hit for most Filipinos because one could easily identify himself with the lyrics. I personally like “Noypi” by Bamboo since it is very patriotic and timely especially nowadays where most of us are rather apathetic toward the condition of our country. More so, my experiences in the ministry would also affirm the core message of the song.
Tingnan mo iyong palad
Kalyado mong kamay sa hirap ng buhay
Ang dami mong problema, nakuha mo pang ngumiti
Noypi ka nga, astig
We arrived at the parish earlier despite the heavy rains. I was confident this time because I have prepared well for our usual BEC prayer session. When we arrived at the area, we waited for some group members to arrive and I had a hearty conversation with one of the coordinators. She was telling me about her struggles in life and how she managed to survive despite the many problems she encountered. She wasn’t able to attend last week’s session because she accompanied her siblings to Tanay, Rizal in order to check their ailing father. She admitted to me that in the past, they had a lot of grievances against him, but seeing him after long years of separation was enough to alleviate the hurts and the pains. I was inspired by her story because it was all about forgiveness and reconciliation. During our sharing, I asked the group to recall those instances where they learned how to sacrifice in order to uphold something which they truly value in their lives. I was happy because they were getting more spontaneous compared to the previous weeks. One particular testimony caught my attention. A woman, probably in her late forties shared to the group the recent ordeals in her family. She and her husband have no means of living. Her eldest son, who assumed the responsibility of being the breadwinner, got sick of an unexplainable disease. She wanted him to have a medical check up and be admitted in a hospital but they don’t have money to pay the bills. They were even having difficulties in sustaining their everyday food table. The only consolation she got was the support given to her by her neighbors, who at times, offer her some goods like food and clothes. Another story that struck me was the one told by the secretary of the group whose life was torn by the frequent arguments of her parents, which turned out to be very physical because in the latter, they were already beaten up harshly either by their father or mother. Although this time, she was able to free herself from the agony by leaving their place in Samar, nevertheless, the memories would still haunt her. Her consolation at the moment was her job as a factory worker that helped her make ends meet.
Upon listening to their stories, I thought all the while that the session would end up emotionally draining but I was bit surprised that they haven’t lost their cheerful mood, showing me that optimism that their experiences may be harrowing but it didn’t define their future. They just “charged it to experience”. I was deeply moved when they said that they were fully aware of their situation yet they never lost hope. Probably, this is the reason why they can still manage to smile, proof that we Filipinos value life so much that we find means of maintaining our joy amidst the sorrows. No wonder, we were considered as one of the happiest people on this planet because at times, instead of drowning ourselves with despair and misery, we can only laugh at our problems. I know that this reality has its own negative implications, but placing it in a proper context could teach one how to find meaning in his or her existence. I believe that the lyrics I’ve placed above are very appropriate for what is happening in our society.
Sinisid ko ang dagat, nalibot ko ang mundo
Nasa puso ko pala hinahanap kong pulo
Ilang beses na akong muntikang mamatay
Alam ko ang sikreto kaya’t nandito pa’t buhay
Sabi daw nila may anting-anting ako
Pero ‘di nila alam na ang Diyos ang dahilan ko
It is very striking on my part that profound faith in God has always been the battle cry of those who shared their experiences in the group. It is inspiring to hear testimonies on how their sad plights have encouraged them to establish deep relationship with the Father. They were telling me that somehow, prayer was responsible in preserving their sanities although there were instances that they were on the verge of losing everything. This conviction made me affirm that we Filipinos are indeed very religious people, not for the reason that we are always present in most church liturgies and devotions, but God becomes real as the problems we face each day and we cling to Him in times when we could no longer hold ourselves. We have always believed that God has this magnanimous and abiding force that moves us beyond our physicality and we turn to Him when the going gets rough.
Looking back at my various experiences in the apostolate, I still have a lot of reasons to be thankful for being born in this country imbued with rich cultural and religious heritage. Our history would attest that we have endured so much. The strife still persists. However, at the end of the day, though confronted with so much turmoil in the government and society , aggravated by various reactions of people toward the current status of Philippine economy and politics, I continue to give myself a deep sigh and say; “I’m still proud to be a NOYPI”…
1 An “URNA” is actually an image of Our Lady of Candles encased in a wooden box. This is usually given to the member-baranggays of the parish with the purpose of creating “celdas”. A “celda” should have at least fifteen (15) households wherein the image will be transferred every night and the household who will accommodate the “Urna” of Our Lady should pray the Holy Rosary. Aside from praying the Rosary, the “celda” also schedule a weekly faith sharing at the house of a family where the “urna” is situated. This was again re-introduced for the purpose of establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities.
Radiating the Light of God’s Kindness!
Radiating the Light of God’s Kindness!
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
I attended last January 20-21, 2009 our 74th UST Alumni Priests’ Association Homecoming which we celebrated at the threshold of UST’s 400th year celebration in 2011. This school year is also our Alma Mater’s 80th anniversary as the Interdiocesan Seminary of the Philippines. As one of the two new Thomasian bishops, I presided at the Eucharist on the first day together with ten alumni-bishops including my classmate who is now apostolic nuncio in Haiti and close to 200 alumni-priests and professors including Fr. Gualberto Susaya, one of our silver jubilarians. The mass was in honor of our UST Martyrs and Saints: the Martyrs of Japan (5) and Vietnam (4), and the Martyrs of the 1936 Civil War in Spain (4) plus our saintly Filipino bishops of the Philippine Church – namely: Bishop Alfredo Versoza (ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Vigan and former Archbishop of Lipa) and Bishop Alfredo Ma. Obviar (ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Lipa and former Bishop of Lucena). Indeed we have a rich heritage of saints and great legacy of martyrs!
I preached on our theme, “Thomasian Clergy: Radiating the Light of God’s Kindness.” It is both an affirmation and a challenge; a statement of fact and an invitation to deeper conversion. According to Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP during his conference with us, kindness is “charity which touches us or charity in action.” A good illustration of what kindness can do and how we can radiate the light of God’s kindness is the classic story of Victor Hugo, Les Miserables.
The lead character, Jean Valjean commits a petty crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s hungry family, and is sent to a harsh prison for 19 years for this crime. When he gets out of prison, he is not prepared to support himself and he commits another crime, against Bishop Digne who offered him hospitality in his convent. Valjean tries to steal from the Bishop, but in return, he is not punished, but given another chance by the compassionate Bishop. The only condition on his second chance is to use it to improve his life. Such kindness of the Bishop creates a profound and lasting transformation in the life of Valjean. He goes to a small town (Montreuil sur Mer), where he uses his new found wealth to help the town by rebuilding its industries providing many jobs for the people. He also saves the daughter of the prostitute, Fantine, taking her into his house as his own daughter. Jean Valjean becomes mayor of the small town and is gracious and generous to all its citizens. He is a much loved mayor, not pretentious, but a humble servant of the people. In all of his actions, he is generous and kind, especially to Cosette, the prostitute’s daughter. Because of the Bishop’s kind action towards him, he in turn radiates the light of God’s kindness to others.
How have we experienced God’s loving kindness in our life? How have these experiences shaped or influenced our being instruments of God’s compassion and kindness to others? Who are God’s instruments in making us feel God’s kindness? There is so much fear of terrorism around the world today. Is this because there is not enough kindness shown around us? Is it because we have not been touched enough so we don’t know how to be kind? No wonder then that our present Holy Father Benedict XVI wrote at the start of his pontificate his first encyclical on Deus caritas est, God is Love! St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians describes love right away as being patient and kind. For often in our personal and pastoral experience, “being kind is much more important than being bright,” because sometimes what a person needs is not a brilliant mind that speaks and is able to explain well, but a patient heart that knows how to listen and understand, thus radiating God’s kindness. Anyone being touched by God’s loving kindness cannot but be changed, transformed, converted and become more loving and kind.
Let the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta inspire us: “Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” Let us radiate to others through our forthcoming Fiesta celebration the light of God’s kindness….
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
I attended last January 20-21, 2009 our 74th UST Alumni Priests’ Association Homecoming which we celebrated at the threshold of UST’s 400th year celebration in 2011. This school year is also our Alma Mater’s 80th anniversary as the Interdiocesan Seminary of the Philippines. As one of the two new Thomasian bishops, I presided at the Eucharist on the first day together with ten alumni-bishops including my classmate who is now apostolic nuncio in Haiti and close to 200 alumni-priests and professors including Fr. Gualberto Susaya, one of our silver jubilarians. The mass was in honor of our UST Martyrs and Saints: the Martyrs of Japan (5) and Vietnam (4), and the Martyrs of the 1936 Civil War in Spain (4) plus our saintly Filipino bishops of the Philippine Church – namely: Bishop Alfredo Versoza (ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Vigan and former Archbishop of Lipa) and Bishop Alfredo Ma. Obviar (ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Lipa and former Bishop of Lucena). Indeed we have a rich heritage of saints and great legacy of martyrs!
I preached on our theme, “Thomasian Clergy: Radiating the Light of God’s Kindness.” It is both an affirmation and a challenge; a statement of fact and an invitation to deeper conversion. According to Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP during his conference with us, kindness is “charity which touches us or charity in action.” A good illustration of what kindness can do and how we can radiate the light of God’s kindness is the classic story of Victor Hugo, Les Miserables.
The lead character, Jean Valjean commits a petty crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s hungry family, and is sent to a harsh prison for 19 years for this crime. When he gets out of prison, he is not prepared to support himself and he commits another crime, against Bishop Digne who offered him hospitality in his convent. Valjean tries to steal from the Bishop, but in return, he is not punished, but given another chance by the compassionate Bishop. The only condition on his second chance is to use it to improve his life. Such kindness of the Bishop creates a profound and lasting transformation in the life of Valjean. He goes to a small town (Montreuil sur Mer), where he uses his new found wealth to help the town by rebuilding its industries providing many jobs for the people. He also saves the daughter of the prostitute, Fantine, taking her into his house as his own daughter. Jean Valjean becomes mayor of the small town and is gracious and generous to all its citizens. He is a much loved mayor, not pretentious, but a humble servant of the people. In all of his actions, he is generous and kind, especially to Cosette, the prostitute’s daughter. Because of the Bishop’s kind action towards him, he in turn radiates the light of God’s kindness to others.
How have we experienced God’s loving kindness in our life? How have these experiences shaped or influenced our being instruments of God’s compassion and kindness to others? Who are God’s instruments in making us feel God’s kindness? There is so much fear of terrorism around the world today. Is this because there is not enough kindness shown around us? Is it because we have not been touched enough so we don’t know how to be kind? No wonder then that our present Holy Father Benedict XVI wrote at the start of his pontificate his first encyclical on Deus caritas est, God is Love! St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians describes love right away as being patient and kind. For often in our personal and pastoral experience, “being kind is much more important than being bright,” because sometimes what a person needs is not a brilliant mind that speaks and is able to explain well, but a patient heart that knows how to listen and understand, thus radiating God’s kindness. Anyone being touched by God’s loving kindness cannot but be changed, transformed, converted and become more loving and kind.
Let the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta inspire us: “Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” Let us radiate to others through our forthcoming Fiesta celebration the light of God’s kindness….
The Fisherman
The Fisherman
by Jesa Christine Capagal
One day, a fisherman was having a peaceful time while fishing at his pond. In an instant, a three-headed monster came out of nowhere and tossed the boat way up high along with the fisherman that he didn’t had a chance to run away. The three-headed monster ripped the boat apart and opened up his wide mouth ready to eat his man meal.
Then the fisherman cried out, “Oh, God! Please save me from my distress! Please, my Good Lord! Hear me out!” Then the scene suddenly stopped and as the fisherman was suspended into thin air, the sky cleared off and a virtuous voice was heard.
“My dear child, I came to save you and I always will. But from my aching heart, I tell you. Before all these things happened, you didn’t believe in me”.
“Oh, God. Please give me a break! Awhile ago, I didn’t believe in three-headed monsters either” said teh fisherman.
This is all what matters most- to believe in God and submit ourselves in His caring hands. We are all co-creators of God and it is through Him that we can say: “My life isworth living for!”.
by Jesa Christine Capagal
One day, a fisherman was having a peaceful time while fishing at his pond. In an instant, a three-headed monster came out of nowhere and tossed the boat way up high along with the fisherman that he didn’t had a chance to run away. The three-headed monster ripped the boat apart and opened up his wide mouth ready to eat his man meal.
Then the fisherman cried out, “Oh, God! Please save me from my distress! Please, my Good Lord! Hear me out!” Then the scene suddenly stopped and as the fisherman was suspended into thin air, the sky cleared off and a virtuous voice was heard.
“My dear child, I came to save you and I always will. But from my aching heart, I tell you. Before all these things happened, you didn’t believe in me”.
“Oh, God. Please give me a break! Awhile ago, I didn’t believe in three-headed monsters either” said teh fisherman.
This is all what matters most- to believe in God and submit ourselves in His caring hands. We are all co-creators of God and it is through Him that we can say: “My life isworth living for!”.
BAG-O NGA PANUGOD Rehabilitation Update
BAG-O NGA PANUGOD
Rehabilitation Update
Natapos na ang pagpanghatag sang materyales sa onse (11) ka mga barangay sa ciento sinquenta y ciete (157) ka pamilya nga “totally damaged”. Bahin pa ini sang mga panimalay nga nahalitan sang bagyo “Frank”.
Ang Chapel sang Barangay Lourdes isa man sa naguba sang bagyo “Frank”. Ang gastos para sa materyales pagakuhaon sap undo sang Bag-o nga Panugod. Ag mga pumuluyo nagabuligay dagyaw para matukod liwat ang chapel. Ini ginapamunuan sang ila Brgy. Kapitan nga si Jessie Casumpang kag sang iya mga kagawad, upod sa ila mapisan nga barangay coordinator. Kabay mabalay liwat ini nga chapel, agud matipunan sang mga tumuluo sa amo nga barangay bilang isa ka pamilya nga may paghiliusa, pagbinuligay, paghiliugyon kag paghigugma sa isa kag isa.
Ang aton rehabilitation committee nagpaninguha gid para matigayon ini nga mga hilikuton sa pagpamuno sang aton mapisan nga Rehabilitation Coordinator Ms. Emma Victoria kag ang priest in-charge Rev. Fr. Andy Esperancilla.
Liwat nga ginapasalamatan sang Kura Paroko sini nga parokya ang mga may buluwanon sing tagipusuon nga naghatag sang ila bulig kag pagsuporta.
Rehabilitation Update
Natapos na ang pagpanghatag sang materyales sa onse (11) ka mga barangay sa ciento sinquenta y ciete (157) ka pamilya nga “totally damaged”. Bahin pa ini sang mga panimalay nga nahalitan sang bagyo “Frank”.
Ang Chapel sang Barangay Lourdes isa man sa naguba sang bagyo “Frank”. Ang gastos para sa materyales pagakuhaon sap undo sang Bag-o nga Panugod. Ag mga pumuluyo nagabuligay dagyaw para matukod liwat ang chapel. Ini ginapamunuan sang ila Brgy. Kapitan nga si Jessie Casumpang kag sang iya mga kagawad, upod sa ila mapisan nga barangay coordinator. Kabay mabalay liwat ini nga chapel, agud matipunan sang mga tumuluo sa amo nga barangay bilang isa ka pamilya nga may paghiliusa, pagbinuligay, paghiliugyon kag paghigugma sa isa kag isa.
Ang aton rehabilitation committee nagpaninguha gid para matigayon ini nga mga hilikuton sa pagpamuno sang aton mapisan nga Rehabilitation Coordinator Ms. Emma Victoria kag ang priest in-charge Rev. Fr. Andy Esperancilla.
Liwat nga ginapasalamatan sang Kura Paroko sini nga parokya ang mga may buluwanon sing tagipusuon nga naghatag sang ila bulig kag pagsuporta.
“Pagbag-o ni San Pablo sa tagsa-tagsa: Panghangkat sang Kaliwatan”
“Pagbag-o ni San Pablo sa tagsa-tagsa:
Panghangkat sang Kaliwatan”
Ano ayhan ang aton reaksyon kun sa aton paglagaw sa SM City ukon sa Robinsons upod sang aton barkada, isa ka desente kag ka-edad naton nga pamatan-on ang nagpalapit kag naghambal sang matunog sa aton atubangan, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!” Ang laban nga reaksyon naton siguro amo ang mag-utoy-utoy sang kadlaw sa kaham-ot, pwede man nga talikuran naton lamang siya nga daw wala lang kita sang labot. Ano pa gid ayhan ang aton reaksyon kun ang ini nga hitabo masulit samtang kita nagakasadsad sa dalanun sang siyudad sa pagselebrar sang Dinagyang, ukon samtang nagatambay kag nagatagay kita upod sang tropa sa Smallville?
Nagsulod ining mga sitwasyon sa akon pensar samtang nagapamalandong ako nahanungod sa mensahe sang ebanghelyo naton subong nga Domingo. Ang Gino-o nagsiling sa tanan nga nagtambong sa iya pagwali, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!” Sadto nga panahon, madamo ang natublag kag nagtuo. Mahapos para sa mga katawhan sang Galilea sadto nga panahon nga magpati kay si Kristo mismo ang naghambal sini nga mga tinaga. Indi man liwan nga bisan si Kristo na mismo ang naghambal sini, may iban man nga nag-utoy-utoy kadlaw sa iya, nagtalikod kag naghuring-huring nga siya buang-buang. Gani, indi gid ako magtingala nga-a amo ini ang posible naton nga reaksyon kun ang mga hitabo nga ginsaysay ko matabo sa aton sa sining kaliwatan sang kagamo kag kabudlay dala sang pagduwaduwa kag kahadlok. Para sa aton sa sining kaliwatan, labi na gid ang mga pamatan-on, ang ini nga pagpanghangkat wala na-angot sa konteksto sang aton kalibutan; daw isa ini ka makahalam-ot ukon imposible nga pagpanghangkat; kag kun sin-o man ang nakakita sa sining pag ganyat sa “paghinulsol” ukon “pagbag-o” ginatamay nga isa ka buangit. Sa aton pagpadayun sang sining sala nga pagtan-aw, amat-amat nga nagakadula ang pagkilala kag pagbaton sang presensya sang Ginoo sa aton pangabuhi.
Sa sining kahimtangan, mas nagakinahanglan kita sang isa ka propeta nga magatuytuy sa aton padulong kay Kristo. Sa aton pagselebrar sang kapiyestahan sang Pagbag-o ni San Pablo sini nga Domingo, aton pamalandungan ang kaangtanan sang pagpanghangkat sang ebanghelyo sa aton. Si San Pablo nagkabuhi sa isa ka kaliwatan sang kagamo kag kabudlay, madamo nga mga Kristiyano sadto anay iya ginpatay bangud sa ila pagtuo. Pero, sa tunga sini tanan, wala sila nagpangduwaduwa ukon nagkahadlok nga ipabutyag ang ila pagtuo sa kay Kristo – bisan pa ini katumbas sang ila kabuhi. Padayun sila nga nagpangamuyo bilang isa ka katilingban para sa pagbag-o. Kag ini nga dako nga pagbag-o gindala sang Pagbag-o ni San Pablo, kay siya nga sang una nagpangduwaduwa, subong, amo na ang nagdala sang kamatuoran, sang Maayong Balita sa mga kapungsuran.
Indi liwan nga amo ini ang aton kinahanglan sa pag-atubang sang pagpanghangkat sang kalibutan: ang pagpanghangkat sang matuod-tuod kag madalum nga pagbag-o; pagbag-o nga magadala sang Maayong Balita, indi lamang sa mga hentil, kung indi, sa mismo naton nga mga katilingban, sa aton pamilya, sa aton mga barkada, sa aton mga ka-eskwela ukon kaupod sa trabaho; indi na sa iban nga mga kapungsuran, kung indi, sa mismo nga mga lugar nga kita gatilipon sa mga ordinaryo nga mga tini-on.
Sa aton kaliwatan, dapat naton amat-amat batunon ang ining panghangkat nga maghinulso kag magbag-o agud nga ang Maayong Balita lubos nga makita sa aton adlaw-adlaw nga pagpangabuhi. Kag sa aton pagsalubong sang bag-o nga kaliwatan sang mga Kristiyano, matuod, nga ang kalipayan sang langit yari na sa aton kalibutan.
Gani ang Ginoo – sa tagsa-tagsa - liwat nagahangkat sa aton tanan, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!”
by Joseph Sylvester Evidente Pampliega
cellphone no.: 0916-7911-959)
Panghangkat sang Kaliwatan”
Ano ayhan ang aton reaksyon kun sa aton paglagaw sa SM City ukon sa Robinsons upod sang aton barkada, isa ka desente kag ka-edad naton nga pamatan-on ang nagpalapit kag naghambal sang matunog sa aton atubangan, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!” Ang laban nga reaksyon naton siguro amo ang mag-utoy-utoy sang kadlaw sa kaham-ot, pwede man nga talikuran naton lamang siya nga daw wala lang kita sang labot. Ano pa gid ayhan ang aton reaksyon kun ang ini nga hitabo masulit samtang kita nagakasadsad sa dalanun sang siyudad sa pagselebrar sang Dinagyang, ukon samtang nagatambay kag nagatagay kita upod sang tropa sa Smallville?
Nagsulod ining mga sitwasyon sa akon pensar samtang nagapamalandong ako nahanungod sa mensahe sang ebanghelyo naton subong nga Domingo. Ang Gino-o nagsiling sa tanan nga nagtambong sa iya pagwali, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!” Sadto nga panahon, madamo ang natublag kag nagtuo. Mahapos para sa mga katawhan sang Galilea sadto nga panahon nga magpati kay si Kristo mismo ang naghambal sini nga mga tinaga. Indi man liwan nga bisan si Kristo na mismo ang naghambal sini, may iban man nga nag-utoy-utoy kadlaw sa iya, nagtalikod kag naghuring-huring nga siya buang-buang. Gani, indi gid ako magtingala nga-a amo ini ang posible naton nga reaksyon kun ang mga hitabo nga ginsaysay ko matabo sa aton sa sining kaliwatan sang kagamo kag kabudlay dala sang pagduwaduwa kag kahadlok. Para sa aton sa sining kaliwatan, labi na gid ang mga pamatan-on, ang ini nga pagpanghangkat wala na-angot sa konteksto sang aton kalibutan; daw isa ini ka makahalam-ot ukon imposible nga pagpanghangkat; kag kun sin-o man ang nakakita sa sining pag ganyat sa “paghinulsol” ukon “pagbag-o” ginatamay nga isa ka buangit. Sa aton pagpadayun sang sining sala nga pagtan-aw, amat-amat nga nagakadula ang pagkilala kag pagbaton sang presensya sang Ginoo sa aton pangabuhi.
Sa sining kahimtangan, mas nagakinahanglan kita sang isa ka propeta nga magatuytuy sa aton padulong kay Kristo. Sa aton pagselebrar sang kapiyestahan sang Pagbag-o ni San Pablo sini nga Domingo, aton pamalandungan ang kaangtanan sang pagpanghangkat sang ebanghelyo sa aton. Si San Pablo nagkabuhi sa isa ka kaliwatan sang kagamo kag kabudlay, madamo nga mga Kristiyano sadto anay iya ginpatay bangud sa ila pagtuo. Pero, sa tunga sini tanan, wala sila nagpangduwaduwa ukon nagkahadlok nga ipabutyag ang ila pagtuo sa kay Kristo – bisan pa ini katumbas sang ila kabuhi. Padayun sila nga nagpangamuyo bilang isa ka katilingban para sa pagbag-o. Kag ini nga dako nga pagbag-o gindala sang Pagbag-o ni San Pablo, kay siya nga sang una nagpangduwaduwa, subong, amo na ang nagdala sang kamatuoran, sang Maayong Balita sa mga kapungsuran.
Indi liwan nga amo ini ang aton kinahanglan sa pag-atubang sang pagpanghangkat sang kalibutan: ang pagpanghangkat sang matuod-tuod kag madalum nga pagbag-o; pagbag-o nga magadala sang Maayong Balita, indi lamang sa mga hentil, kung indi, sa mismo naton nga mga katilingban, sa aton pamilya, sa aton mga barkada, sa aton mga ka-eskwela ukon kaupod sa trabaho; indi na sa iban nga mga kapungsuran, kung indi, sa mismo nga mga lugar nga kita gatilipon sa mga ordinaryo nga mga tini-on.
Sa aton kaliwatan, dapat naton amat-amat batunon ang ining panghangkat nga maghinulso kag magbag-o agud nga ang Maayong Balita lubos nga makita sa aton adlaw-adlaw nga pagpangabuhi. Kag sa aton pagsalubong sang bag-o nga kaliwatan sang mga Kristiyano, matuod, nga ang kalipayan sang langit yari na sa aton kalibutan.
Gani ang Ginoo – sa tagsa-tagsa - liwat nagahangkat sa aton tanan, “Nag-abot na ang tion nga gintagna sang mga propeta sang una. Ang paghari sang Diyos malapit na gid. Gani maghinulsol kamo sa inyo mga sala kag magtuo sa Maayong Balita!”
by Joseph Sylvester Evidente Pampliega
cellphone no.: 0916-7911-959)
Children carrying guns in Basilan
Children carrying guns in Basilan
From CBCP Online
Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
MANILA, January 22, 2009—Children as young as twelve years old are now carrying guns in war-torned province of Basilan to defend themselves against lawless elements.
Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad said primary school age children have started arming themselves due to the escalation of hostilities in Mindanao.
He said that the problem of the young children and guns is “significantly worse”.
“They are as young as Grade 6 pupils,” Jumoad told the CBCPNews Thursday.
The religious leader is very worried about the situation, adding that he already called on the parents to stop arming their children but nothing happened so far.
“It’s not good because we are already teaching people to kill one another... we do not teach the value of life and that should not be the case,” he said.
“We have to inculcate in our children and in our people that life is precious and no one has the power to take life except God,” Jumoad added.
The bishop of the predominantly Islamic region said the youth, even Christians, have started arming themselves after the fighting between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted last November.
He said that young people witnessed that the military could not guarantee their security “so they resort to that kind of situation.”
“They still prefer arming themselves because there are so many lawless elements this time,” Jumoad said.
There’s a nice poem written by Dorothy Law Nolte. It’s called “Children learn what they live”. I’d like to borrow some thoughts from this compelling literary work (and I added my own insights) to complement the very sad reality that is happening in the Philippine society nowadays, particularly in Mindanao: “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn... If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight...If a child lives with fear; he learns to be apprehensive...If a child lives in a war-stricken place, he learns to be violent...If a child lives in armaments, handguns, pistols, rifles and the likes, he learns to survive by killing” I don’t have to articulate further the implications because the news can speak for itself. Everything good or bad starts from the basic and we know for sure that the family has a crucial role in this moral dilemma. Be disturbed. Be very disturbed.
From CBCP Online
Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
MANILA, January 22, 2009—Children as young as twelve years old are now carrying guns in war-torned province of Basilan to defend themselves against lawless elements.
Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad said primary school age children have started arming themselves due to the escalation of hostilities in Mindanao.
He said that the problem of the young children and guns is “significantly worse”.
“They are as young as Grade 6 pupils,” Jumoad told the CBCPNews Thursday.
The religious leader is very worried about the situation, adding that he already called on the parents to stop arming their children but nothing happened so far.
“It’s not good because we are already teaching people to kill one another... we do not teach the value of life and that should not be the case,” he said.
“We have to inculcate in our children and in our people that life is precious and no one has the power to take life except God,” Jumoad added.
The bishop of the predominantly Islamic region said the youth, even Christians, have started arming themselves after the fighting between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted last November.
He said that young people witnessed that the military could not guarantee their security “so they resort to that kind of situation.”
“They still prefer arming themselves because there are so many lawless elements this time,” Jumoad said.
There’s a nice poem written by Dorothy Law Nolte. It’s called “Children learn what they live”. I’d like to borrow some thoughts from this compelling literary work (and I added my own insights) to complement the very sad reality that is happening in the Philippine society nowadays, particularly in Mindanao: “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn... If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight...If a child lives with fear; he learns to be apprehensive...If a child lives in a war-stricken place, he learns to be violent...If a child lives in armaments, handguns, pistols, rifles and the likes, he learns to survive by killing” I don’t have to articulate further the implications because the news can speak for itself. Everything good or bad starts from the basic and we know for sure that the family has a crucial role in this moral dilemma. Be disturbed. Be very disturbed.
Throw the Dice
Throw the Dice
by Francine Caram
Life is as sweet as the timbre of one’s first horse-back ride, simply hysterical. You don’t know where your horse will take you, sometimes we aren’t able to control it or want to forfeit, but we come to realize we’ve gone far, too far to turn back.
The longer we ride, the easier it is for us to get a hang of it. Hold it’s rope light, for it shall stop, because the only emperor that can control one’s life is the person himself. It’s difficult to reminisce how far one has gone and vague to determine how far he’ll have to go.
There are times when hardship would you fall, but then it’s up to you if you’d want to get on it again. The past isn’t simply a mile gone to waste, for in this journey life’s faithful hooves leave a mark every inch of our journey.
Most of us seek for perfection, for wanted success, but then it’s about time we realize that success isn’t a destination, rather an invisible path.
We are the artists of our life, and to journey the paint brush is destined for mankind. We may go fast or choose to travel slow, but the path that lays underneath the sun remains a mystery. One’s perseverance can never be determined until the time it is put to the test. Keep going, for you can never tell if this would be your last ride, so throw the dice, for life’s a gamble. Take a bet!
by Francine Caram
Life is as sweet as the timbre of one’s first horse-back ride, simply hysterical. You don’t know where your horse will take you, sometimes we aren’t able to control it or want to forfeit, but we come to realize we’ve gone far, too far to turn back.
The longer we ride, the easier it is for us to get a hang of it. Hold it’s rope light, for it shall stop, because the only emperor that can control one’s life is the person himself. It’s difficult to reminisce how far one has gone and vague to determine how far he’ll have to go.
There are times when hardship would you fall, but then it’s up to you if you’d want to get on it again. The past isn’t simply a mile gone to waste, for in this journey life’s faithful hooves leave a mark every inch of our journey.
Most of us seek for perfection, for wanted success, but then it’s about time we realize that success isn’t a destination, rather an invisible path.
We are the artists of our life, and to journey the paint brush is destined for mankind. We may go fast or choose to travel slow, but the path that lays underneath the sun remains a mystery. One’s perseverance can never be determined until the time it is put to the test. Keep going, for you can never tell if this would be your last ride, so throw the dice, for life’s a gamble. Take a bet!
Pope: Shrine Is Key to Europe's Christian Identity
Pope: Shrine Is Key to Europe's Christian Identity
From www.zenit .org
Mary's Greatness Is in Her Availability to All
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 22, 2009 - Benedict XVI gave an improvised discourse on the Virgin Mary, in gratitude for receiving honorary citizenship of Mariazell, home of one of the most important Marian shrines in Europe.
This distinction was conferred on the Pope after Wednesday's general audience. Mariazell is the site of the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which houses a statue of Our Lady believed to be miraculous. For centuries, the town has been one of Europe's principal pilgrimage sites. Today, some 1 million pilgrims visit it annually.
The Holy Father spoke in German about being joyful "at being a citizen of Mariazell and at being able to live so close to the Mother of God" and he spoke to the others about Mary's role as "promoter of unity" between men.
The Pontiff last visited the shrine in September 2007, and he noted that "according to human foresight, in this life I will not be able to return to making a pilgrimage there physically, but now I live there truly and in this sense I am always present."
He recalled two previous visits to the shrine, and he told some stories that he lived through with the bishop and the rector, especially during his last visit in which they were surprised by a torrential rain.
European identity
Benedict XVI also affirmed the importance that this shrine has had on European history.
"Mariazell is much more than a place!” he said. It also represents "the living history of a pilgrimage of faith and prayer down the centuries."
Yet, he added: "It is not only the prayers and invocations of men that are present, but rather a real answer is also present.
"We feel that the answer exists, that we do not extend a hand toward something unknown, that God exists, and that, through his mother, he wants to remain particularly close to us.
"For this reason I am happy to be at home in my heart and now, so to say, also by law, in Mariazell."
The Holy Father noted that Mariazell expresses all that Europe has been able to build. He affirmed that Mariazell is that "from which proceeds all that today forms [Europe's] identity, and through which Europe would always be able to return anew to be what it is: through the encounter with the Lord, to whom his mother guides us."
True greatness
The Pope recalled that the Virgin of Mariazell has received important titles throughout history, like "great mother" of Austria and of the Slavic towns, in this sanctuary visited by thousands of people during the centuries, until Mariazell was even considered the spiritual center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
However, he added, the Virgin shows us that greatness does not arise from the quality of being unattainable.
He explained that Mary's "greatness is evident precisely in the fact that she addresses herself to the smallest, that she is present for them, that we can turn to her at any moment without having to pay an entrance fee, just with our hearts."
This greatness has nothing to do with "exterior majesty," the Pontiff continued, but rather with "goodness of heart that offers to all the experience of what it means to be together."
"In the trips that I make through the fields of memory," he said, "I always make a stop in Mariazell, precisely because I feel that there the Mother goes out to meet us and reunites us to all."
Mary has always been an exemplar and instrument of Christian unity all over the world. The growing devotion in her honor has drawn millions of people not just to ask favour through her intercession but to experience what it’s like to be a community of believers, united in prayer, with a fervent hope that God will continue to bestow His generosity of Spirit to the wounded humanity. The affirmations mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI is a constant reminder for us to always keep ourselves closer to the abiding love and protection of Our Mother, who served as a humble servant in bringing into the world the promise of salvation which God has offered to us all. Ad Jesum per Mariam! (To Jesus through Mary!)
Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
From www.zenit .org
Mary's Greatness Is in Her Availability to All
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 22, 2009 - Benedict XVI gave an improvised discourse on the Virgin Mary, in gratitude for receiving honorary citizenship of Mariazell, home of one of the most important Marian shrines in Europe.
This distinction was conferred on the Pope after Wednesday's general audience. Mariazell is the site of the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which houses a statue of Our Lady believed to be miraculous. For centuries, the town has been one of Europe's principal pilgrimage sites. Today, some 1 million pilgrims visit it annually.
The Holy Father spoke in German about being joyful "at being a citizen of Mariazell and at being able to live so close to the Mother of God" and he spoke to the others about Mary's role as "promoter of unity" between men.
The Pontiff last visited the shrine in September 2007, and he noted that "according to human foresight, in this life I will not be able to return to making a pilgrimage there physically, but now I live there truly and in this sense I am always present."
He recalled two previous visits to the shrine, and he told some stories that he lived through with the bishop and the rector, especially during his last visit in which they were surprised by a torrential rain.
European identity
Benedict XVI also affirmed the importance that this shrine has had on European history.
"Mariazell is much more than a place!” he said. It also represents "the living history of a pilgrimage of faith and prayer down the centuries."
Yet, he added: "It is not only the prayers and invocations of men that are present, but rather a real answer is also present.
"We feel that the answer exists, that we do not extend a hand toward something unknown, that God exists, and that, through his mother, he wants to remain particularly close to us.
"For this reason I am happy to be at home in my heart and now, so to say, also by law, in Mariazell."
The Holy Father noted that Mariazell expresses all that Europe has been able to build. He affirmed that Mariazell is that "from which proceeds all that today forms [Europe's] identity, and through which Europe would always be able to return anew to be what it is: through the encounter with the Lord, to whom his mother guides us."
True greatness
The Pope recalled that the Virgin of Mariazell has received important titles throughout history, like "great mother" of Austria and of the Slavic towns, in this sanctuary visited by thousands of people during the centuries, until Mariazell was even considered the spiritual center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
However, he added, the Virgin shows us that greatness does not arise from the quality of being unattainable.
He explained that Mary's "greatness is evident precisely in the fact that she addresses herself to the smallest, that she is present for them, that we can turn to her at any moment without having to pay an entrance fee, just with our hearts."
This greatness has nothing to do with "exterior majesty," the Pontiff continued, but rather with "goodness of heart that offers to all the experience of what it means to be together."
"In the trips that I make through the fields of memory," he said, "I always make a stop in Mariazell, precisely because I feel that there the Mother goes out to meet us and reunites us to all."
Mary has always been an exemplar and instrument of Christian unity all over the world. The growing devotion in her honor has drawn millions of people not just to ask favour through her intercession but to experience what it’s like to be a community of believers, united in prayer, with a fervent hope that God will continue to bestow His generosity of Spirit to the wounded humanity. The affirmations mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI is a constant reminder for us to always keep ourselves closer to the abiding love and protection of Our Mother, who served as a humble servant in bringing into the world the promise of salvation which God has offered to us all. Ad Jesum per Mariam! (To Jesus through Mary!)
Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
Headline - Renewed Christian Communities
Renewed Christian Communities:
Sources of Faith, Hope, and Love at the Grassroots
(Last Part of the Three-Part Series)
FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE AT THE GRASSROOTS.
The sub-title of this short reflection speaks of the BECs as “Sources of Faith, Hope, and Love.” Set in the context of a holistic approach to Christian life and “integral evangelization,” the BECs are most effective in making Faith, Hope, and Love concrete through lived experiences. Faith becomes more than an intellectual assent to doctrines or Church teaching; BECs promote “performative faith” which imitates Christ in all daily activities. Hope is not some distant dream; because of the relationships that BECs build, people are secure in knowing that their neighbors in faith truly care about them. Love is more than an emotion or fleeting feeling; BECs make love incarnate and visible, especially since the BECs are animated by Christ’s love. Caritas Christi urget nos; the love of Christ urges us on (2Cor. 5:14).
Very recently the Church held the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome (October 2008); it was focused on the Word of God. Filipino Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, former CBCP President, spoke about the BECs in his intervention. Quevedo noted: “But the Word of God in Asia is calling to the Father in the Holy Spirit thousands of small communities of the poor. And the poor in turn are heeding God’s Word. In so doing they are building a ‘new way of being Church’—really an old way—the way of the early Jerusalem community (see Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35). Guided by their ordained pastors and trained lay leaders and collaborators, grassroots people gather every week in chapels and households to celebrate a Service of the Word.”
Archbishop Quevedo continued: “They listen to the Word of God, reflect on the Word, pray over the Word, and discern together how to apply the Word to their daily lives. They receive Jesus in the Eucharist from trained lay extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. For them the Word of God is faith-empowering, urging them to participate actively within the Church and in social transformation. They are Basic Ecclesial Communities, renewing families, parishes and dioceses into vibrant communities, witnessing to the Word of God, quite often in a hostile multi-religious environment. They are communities of solidarity and fellowship at the grassroots….”
The BEC vision that Quevedo presented at the Synod of Bishops in Rome is identical with the goal espoused by most dioceses in the Philippines: Church Renewal through BECs. This mission elicits our complete commitment and active involvement. It envisions a nation—and a Church—renewed, as enunciated by PCP-II in 1991 (PCP-II: CD 253-255):
“This is our vision. That all may have life (mabigyan ng buhay). We shall have to create a free nation: where human dignity and solidarity are respected and promoted; where moral principles prevail in socio-economic life and structures; where justice, love, and solidarity are the inner driving forces of development.
“We shall have to build a sovereign nation: where every tribe and faith are respected; where diverse tongues and traditions work together for the good of all; where membership is a call to participation and involvement and leadership a summons to generous service.
“Ours will have to be a people: in harmony with one another through unity in diversity; in harmony with creation, and in harmony with God. Ours shall be a civilization of life and love.”
_____________________________
James H. Kroeger, M.M., missioned in Asia (Philippines and Bangladesh) since 1970, serves as professor of systematic theology, missiology, and Islamics at the Jesuit Loyola School of Theology in Manila. His most recently published books are Once Upon a Time in Asia: Stories of Harmony and Peace (2006) and Theology from the Heart of Asia: I-II (2008) [Manila: Claretian Publications].
Sources of Faith, Hope, and Love at the Grassroots
(Last Part of the Three-Part Series)
FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE AT THE GRASSROOTS.
The sub-title of this short reflection speaks of the BECs as “Sources of Faith, Hope, and Love.” Set in the context of a holistic approach to Christian life and “integral evangelization,” the BECs are most effective in making Faith, Hope, and Love concrete through lived experiences. Faith becomes more than an intellectual assent to doctrines or Church teaching; BECs promote “performative faith” which imitates Christ in all daily activities. Hope is not some distant dream; because of the relationships that BECs build, people are secure in knowing that their neighbors in faith truly care about them. Love is more than an emotion or fleeting feeling; BECs make love incarnate and visible, especially since the BECs are animated by Christ’s love. Caritas Christi urget nos; the love of Christ urges us on (2Cor. 5:14).
Very recently the Church held the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome (October 2008); it was focused on the Word of God. Filipino Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, former CBCP President, spoke about the BECs in his intervention. Quevedo noted: “But the Word of God in Asia is calling to the Father in the Holy Spirit thousands of small communities of the poor. And the poor in turn are heeding God’s Word. In so doing they are building a ‘new way of being Church’—really an old way—the way of the early Jerusalem community (see Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35). Guided by their ordained pastors and trained lay leaders and collaborators, grassroots people gather every week in chapels and households to celebrate a Service of the Word.”
Archbishop Quevedo continued: “They listen to the Word of God, reflect on the Word, pray over the Word, and discern together how to apply the Word to their daily lives. They receive Jesus in the Eucharist from trained lay extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. For them the Word of God is faith-empowering, urging them to participate actively within the Church and in social transformation. They are Basic Ecclesial Communities, renewing families, parishes and dioceses into vibrant communities, witnessing to the Word of God, quite often in a hostile multi-religious environment. They are communities of solidarity and fellowship at the grassroots….”
The BEC vision that Quevedo presented at the Synod of Bishops in Rome is identical with the goal espoused by most dioceses in the Philippines: Church Renewal through BECs. This mission elicits our complete commitment and active involvement. It envisions a nation—and a Church—renewed, as enunciated by PCP-II in 1991 (PCP-II: CD 253-255):
“This is our vision. That all may have life (mabigyan ng buhay). We shall have to create a free nation: where human dignity and solidarity are respected and promoted; where moral principles prevail in socio-economic life and structures; where justice, love, and solidarity are the inner driving forces of development.
“We shall have to build a sovereign nation: where every tribe and faith are respected; where diverse tongues and traditions work together for the good of all; where membership is a call to participation and involvement and leadership a summons to generous service.
“Ours will have to be a people: in harmony with one another through unity in diversity; in harmony with creation, and in harmony with God. Ours shall be a civilization of life and love.”
_____________________________
James H. Kroeger, M.M., missioned in Asia (Philippines and Bangladesh) since 1970, serves as professor of systematic theology, missiology, and Islamics at the Jesuit Loyola School of Theology in Manila. His most recently published books are Once Upon a Time in Asia: Stories of Harmony and Peace (2006) and Theology from the Heart of Asia: I-II (2008) [Manila: Claretian Publications].
Parish Announcement
1. Help build a strong Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC). Join and support the project of Our Lady of Candles Multi-Purpose Cooperative. We are now in full swing of its operation. This Cooperative was mobilized to provide employment or livelihood opportunities to our brothers and sisters who have less in life but willing to work for a livelihood. The on-going project is candle making specifically the “PERDON” being sold every year, during the feast day of Our Lady of Candles.
Midnight Echoes – Create A New World
Midnight Echoes – Create A New World
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
From a log cabin lighted only by oil lamps, situated in a very humble place, the power of change boomed during a Gettysburg address delivered by the first U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, which was carried through the years and made the United States of America, a very powerful nation.
Here are the first lines:
Fourscore and seven years ago, our forefathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
I was an expression of gratitude from the heart of a man who rose from the ranks of poverty to the powerful position of national leadership. This was a clear manifestation of freedom and an equal treatment of men.
From then on, the line of leadership sprouted from that beautiful concept and became a byword for all forty three Presidents who clung to the theory of freedom, and gave the world the meaning of ideal governance which lighted the path for others to follow.
At midnight on Tuesday, January 20, Philippine time, the same idealism was reiterated by its forty fourth President, Barack Obama, the first Black President of the United States, a Cum Laude graduate from the College of Law, of the famous Harvard University. He echoed the same sentiments. I was able to pick up some phrases which I am reproducing on this page, if only to inspire us to pick up courage and perseverance during this time of our trials and challenges.
Read this and pick up strength: President Obama
This is the time to cast aside our childish spirit. Let us unite for a purpose
All have the chance to pursue the gift of freedom.
Our forefathers suffered much. For us they endured the lash of the whip that we may live better lives.
There many indications of crises. We will harness the sun, the land, and the soil to restore what was lost.
All these we will do; all these we can do.
From Elizabeth Alexander
Our life is like darning a hole in the uniform
Somebody is making music somewhere.
Some live by loving neighbors every day
The mightiest word is love.
From Rev. Joseph Lewery
We pray not only for our nation, but for the community of nations.
We seek forgiveness for sowing the seeds of selfishness and greed.
Let us seek inclusion; not seclusion
Dear Lord, please give back the power to our homes, our schools, our churches.
Let not nations lift up their words against other nations: Let us have the joy of a new beginnings.
The beautiful expressions given by the three leaders, will go down in history as words of awakening, of challenges, of inspiration. It is a host of echoes from people who recognize our capabilities if – and only if – we trust in God – Work with God – live with God.
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
From a log cabin lighted only by oil lamps, situated in a very humble place, the power of change boomed during a Gettysburg address delivered by the first U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, which was carried through the years and made the United States of America, a very powerful nation.
Here are the first lines:
Fourscore and seven years ago, our forefathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
I was an expression of gratitude from the heart of a man who rose from the ranks of poverty to the powerful position of national leadership. This was a clear manifestation of freedom and an equal treatment of men.
From then on, the line of leadership sprouted from that beautiful concept and became a byword for all forty three Presidents who clung to the theory of freedom, and gave the world the meaning of ideal governance which lighted the path for others to follow.
At midnight on Tuesday, January 20, Philippine time, the same idealism was reiterated by its forty fourth President, Barack Obama, the first Black President of the United States, a Cum Laude graduate from the College of Law, of the famous Harvard University. He echoed the same sentiments. I was able to pick up some phrases which I am reproducing on this page, if only to inspire us to pick up courage and perseverance during this time of our trials and challenges.
Read this and pick up strength: President Obama
This is the time to cast aside our childish spirit. Let us unite for a purpose
All have the chance to pursue the gift of freedom.
Our forefathers suffered much. For us they endured the lash of the whip that we may live better lives.
There many indications of crises. We will harness the sun, the land, and the soil to restore what was lost.
All these we will do; all these we can do.
From Elizabeth Alexander
Our life is like darning a hole in the uniform
Somebody is making music somewhere.
Some live by loving neighbors every day
The mightiest word is love.
From Rev. Joseph Lewery
We pray not only for our nation, but for the community of nations.
We seek forgiveness for sowing the seeds of selfishness and greed.
Let us seek inclusion; not seclusion
Dear Lord, please give back the power to our homes, our schools, our churches.
Let not nations lift up their words against other nations: Let us have the joy of a new beginnings.
The beautiful expressions given by the three leaders, will go down in history as words of awakening, of challenges, of inspiration. It is a host of echoes from people who recognize our capabilities if – and only if – we trust in God – Work with God – live with God.
St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas
Feastday: January 28
St. Thomas Aquinas, was a priest and doctor of the Church, patron of all universities and of students. His feast day is January 28. He was born toward the end of the year 1226. He was the son of Landulph, Count of Aquino, who, when St. Thomas was five years old, placed him under the care of the Benedictines of Monte Casino. His teachers were surprised at the progress he made, for he surpassed all his fellow pupils in learning as well as in practice of virtue.
When he became of age to choose his state of life, St. Thomas renounced the things of this world and resolved to enter the Order of St. Dominic in spite of the opposition of his family. In 1243, at the age of seventeen, he joined the Dominicans of Naples. Some members of his family resorted to all manner of means over a two year period to break his constancy. They even went so far as to send an impure woman to tempt him. But all their efforts were in vain and St. Thomas persevered in his vocation. As a reward for his fidelity, God conferred upon him the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited for him the title of the “Angelic Doctor:.
After making his profession at Naples, he studied at Cologne under the celebrated St. Albert the Great. Here he was nicknamed the “dumb ox” because of his silent ways and huge size, but he was really a brilliant student. At the age of twenty-two, he was appointed to teach in the same city. At the same time, he also began to publish his first works. After four years he was sent to Paris. The saint was then a priest. At the age of thir-one, he received his doctorate.
At Paris he was honored with the friendship of the King, St. Louise, with whom he frequently dined. In 1261, Urban IV called him to Rome where he was appointed to teach, but he positively declined to accept any ecclesiastical dignity. St. Thomas not only wrote his writings (filled twenty hefty times characterized by brilliance of thought and lucidity f language), but he preached often and with greatest fruit Clement IV offered him the Archbishopric of Naples which he also refused. He left the great monument of his learning, the “Summa Theologica”, unfinished, for on his way to the second Council of Lyons, ordered there by Gregory X, he fell sick and died at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274.
St. Thomas was one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. He was canonized in 1323 and declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.
Reflection:
I was struck by the way St. Thomas of Aquinas lived his life. He renounced the things of this world. In our part it is hard to renounce the sweet and sugar-coated attractiveness of life on earth. Most especially if we are in the midst of a flourishing success, wealth and happy life. But sometimes we wonder, are we really happy in its true sense of the word “happy” enjoying our wealth (honestly acquired or…)? Don’t we feel so empty at times? I came across an article, “The Poor Rich Girl” story of the daughter of Aristotle Onassis, the famous billionaire and husband of Jackie Kennedy. Isn’t it contradicting? She was rich yet poor, in what sense? If we think being wealthy is true happiness, then it may not be true in some circumstances. This girl experienced it in her life. She did not feel happy. Her father was away from her. She felt unloved because people around her were busy. She has nobody to turn to in times of her ups and downs. She felt so lonely and alone. We can say then that what she lacked in life was love. Love makes us happy. St. Thomas renounced all earthy things because he found true happiness by following Jesus. Thus as this song goes: “True, true happiness will follow, if you only follow me.” He found true happiness in serving the Lord and being with Him always. He was so strong in preserving his vocation despite the strong temptations before him. He was very faithful to God, and because of his fidelity, God conferred upon him the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited for him the title of the "Angelic Doctor".
Dear St. Thomas, I owe you the five ways to prove God’s existence. I owe from you this strong foundation in my belief of the existence of God. I owe you my faith. By studying deeply your five ways to prove God’s existence in our course Creed and Apologetics, I was given the gift of faith through your teaching. Thank you. In believe that in any approach to impart knowledge it is best to communicate something abstract in concrete. This was how you presented God’s existence. There is something moving. Everything that moves is put into motion by something else. But this series of antecedent movers cannot reach back infinitely. Therefore, there must be a first mover (which is God). The order and arrangement of the natural world (not merely its existence) bespeaks the deliberate design of an intelligent creator. All these facts can be felt, seen, observed around us. It is therefore a must for us to protect these gifts of an Intelligent Creator, the First Mover.
by Fe Marina Siacon
Sunday, January 18, 2009
THE HEART OF TOTO FIEL
THE HEART OF TOTO FIEL
by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
I have always wanted to write something about my 7-year old nephew, Fiel. Just like any child of his age, he is known for his innocence, playfulness, and curiosity. But what sets him apart from the rest is his cheekiness, wherein at times, you will get confused whether he really meant what he said or it’s just a part of his gullibility. He can be brutally frank that you’d be embarrassed with his usual quips about certain things that caught his attention. Last week, when I said mass at the wake of my relative who died of complications due to his old age, Fiel went inside the house to look for candies. After a while, he approached the daughter and complained, “Puro kahang inyo dulsi, waay gid ti tam-is?” We laughed profusely when we were told about it. He just smiled at us, wondering why we made a fuss over his blatant assertion. I could sense that there was a protest obstinately taking place inside his head. If only he could reason out as an adult before us, he would’ve blurted out, “Hey, what’s wrong with my statement? I’m just being honest!!!”
A child will always be naive no matter how hard you try to objectify things. He is guided by his belief in such a way that he puts his heart into it. He sees life as a continuous search for meaning, hence he would rely on his vulnerability, eager to grasp the hands of those whom he thought would direct him to what is authentic or reliable. His inquisitiveness is not born out of his convoluted reason. He simply wants to unfold, discover and learn the many ways of the world. This is perhaps the explanation why Jesus became indignant towards his disciples when they rebuked those enthusiastic children who wanted to see and touch him. We have an irony here. The kingdom of God does not belong to those who are strong, powerful, and learned. Rather, Jesus offers it to those who are incapable, defenceless, and weak.
Vulnerability is the word. While the rest of us are engaging ourselves in a power struggle, opposing each other to claim the coveted title of who will be the greatest, the mightiest, and the best, Jesus would simply invite us to be susceptible to the magnanimity of the graces offered by his Almighty Father. While science and technology continue to expand the way we perceive life’s seemingly complicated mechanisms, Jesus would want us to take things in its purity and live our lives with an unadulterated cheerfulness. While we exhaust ourselves with endless theories to explain those whom we consider mysterious, unimaginable, and “too awful for words”, Jesus would only require us to possess that heart of a child who is able to recognize and accept the honest-to-goodness fundamentals of human existence.
Even if sometimes, I am annoyed by the naivety and the outspokenness of my nephew, I have learned so much from his self-effacing disposition. He has taught me to go back to what is basic, especially if my mind and heart are shrouded by my never-ending inklings on the things I should do in order that I may be sensible before the world. There were times that I thought I was invincible, only to find out later on that my insistence in trying to get hold of things whole and entire has brought me to staggering failures and disappointments.
One last story about Fiel (I am not supposed to include this because I fear it might ruin the coherent flow of thoughts but I let myself be muddled as I set aside my reason for a while so I can indulge myself to what is simple and true). When my sister left for Hong Kong, my poor, little nephew was devastated and you can really tell how he longed for his Mama. One time, my sister called and talked to him. In all honesty, he told her: “Ma, puli ka lang di, biskan one day lang; Sige na ma, please!” It was a heart-wrenching moment for all of us at home. My sister cried so hard that she never finished their conversation. It was an enduring testimony of a child’s unconditional love for his mother. I was stunned by my nephew’s purity of heart---so weak yet so passionate, so vulnerable yet so spirited.
If there’s one resilient bastion of faith, hope and love when everything else fails in this life, it would have to be the heart of a child.
by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco
I have always wanted to write something about my 7-year old nephew, Fiel. Just like any child of his age, he is known for his innocence, playfulness, and curiosity. But what sets him apart from the rest is his cheekiness, wherein at times, you will get confused whether he really meant what he said or it’s just a part of his gullibility. He can be brutally frank that you’d be embarrassed with his usual quips about certain things that caught his attention. Last week, when I said mass at the wake of my relative who died of complications due to his old age, Fiel went inside the house to look for candies. After a while, he approached the daughter and complained, “Puro kahang inyo dulsi, waay gid ti tam-is?” We laughed profusely when we were told about it. He just smiled at us, wondering why we made a fuss over his blatant assertion. I could sense that there was a protest obstinately taking place inside his head. If only he could reason out as an adult before us, he would’ve blurted out, “Hey, what’s wrong with my statement? I’m just being honest!!!”
A child will always be naive no matter how hard you try to objectify things. He is guided by his belief in such a way that he puts his heart into it. He sees life as a continuous search for meaning, hence he would rely on his vulnerability, eager to grasp the hands of those whom he thought would direct him to what is authentic or reliable. His inquisitiveness is not born out of his convoluted reason. He simply wants to unfold, discover and learn the many ways of the world. This is perhaps the explanation why Jesus became indignant towards his disciples when they rebuked those enthusiastic children who wanted to see and touch him. We have an irony here. The kingdom of God does not belong to those who are strong, powerful, and learned. Rather, Jesus offers it to those who are incapable, defenceless, and weak.
Vulnerability is the word. While the rest of us are engaging ourselves in a power struggle, opposing each other to claim the coveted title of who will be the greatest, the mightiest, and the best, Jesus would simply invite us to be susceptible to the magnanimity of the graces offered by his Almighty Father. While science and technology continue to expand the way we perceive life’s seemingly complicated mechanisms, Jesus would want us to take things in its purity and live our lives with an unadulterated cheerfulness. While we exhaust ourselves with endless theories to explain those whom we consider mysterious, unimaginable, and “too awful for words”, Jesus would only require us to possess that heart of a child who is able to recognize and accept the honest-to-goodness fundamentals of human existence.
Even if sometimes, I am annoyed by the naivety and the outspokenness of my nephew, I have learned so much from his self-effacing disposition. He has taught me to go back to what is basic, especially if my mind and heart are shrouded by my never-ending inklings on the things I should do in order that I may be sensible before the world. There were times that I thought I was invincible, only to find out later on that my insistence in trying to get hold of things whole and entire has brought me to staggering failures and disappointments.
One last story about Fiel (I am not supposed to include this because I fear it might ruin the coherent flow of thoughts but I let myself be muddled as I set aside my reason for a while so I can indulge myself to what is simple and true). When my sister left for Hong Kong, my poor, little nephew was devastated and you can really tell how he longed for his Mama. One time, my sister called and talked to him. In all honesty, he told her: “Ma, puli ka lang di, biskan one day lang; Sige na ma, please!” It was a heart-wrenching moment for all of us at home. My sister cried so hard that she never finished their conversation. It was an enduring testimony of a child’s unconditional love for his mother. I was stunned by my nephew’s purity of heart---so weak yet so passionate, so vulnerable yet so spirited.
If there’s one resilient bastion of faith, hope and love when everything else fails in this life, it would have to be the heart of a child.
The Sto. Niño
This is the actual Santo Niño given from Magellan to Rajah Humabon (Carlos) and Hara Amihan (Juana) in 1521.
The Sto. Niño
by: Joy H. Gefes
History would tell us that the original Sto. Niño is the one found in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City. The Sto. Niño or the Holy Child is a Roman Catholic depiction of the Child Jesus, quite similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague.
A Portuguese explorer who discovered the Philippines in 1521, Ferdinard Magellan gave the image of the Sto. Niño as a baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon after he has persuded Raja Humabon to pledge allegiance to Spain and later baptized them and 800 of his subjects into the Catholic faith, and giving the couple the names Carlos and Juana. However, Magellan died in the Battle of Mactan.
When the Spaniards returned in 1565, 44 years before a new group came and started formal Christianization of the islands. Cebu was the first stop of then Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. He defeated the nephew of Rajah Humabon, Rajah Tupas and destroyed the village in the process. In one of the burnt-out dwellings, the Sto. Niño was found inside a wooden box relatively unscathed by one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found lying side by side with native idols.
The event was acknowledged as miraculous, and a church was later constructed on the purported site of the discovery. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is an important historical and religious landmark in Cebu, with devotees forming long line up to pay their respects to the Holy Child.
The Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines has been granted special liturgical texts for use during its feast with approval by the Holy See. This is set on the 3rd Sunday of January.
Filipinos has always been a devotee of the Sto. Niño. They venerate his image in their houses and stores with great belief that the Sto. Niño will protect them from harm always.
In celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Niño, Cebu celebrates Sinulog simultaneous with Kabankalan City’s version Sinulog celebration that was started by some residents that migrated in the said place from Kalibo. Kalibo in Aklan also has their Ati-atihan Festival on the third Sunday of January which is believed to have started in 1212 and Iloilo City has its Dinagyang Festival on the fourth Sunday of January.
“Ang Pagpauli ni Tatay”
"Ang Pagpauli ni Tatay”
(RETURN TO SENDER)
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
Here are some messages I got these days from various friends: Happy birthing to new life for Tatay Felix... Halleluiah! He rests now where we all should – in God’s love... Last night we got the news of your Tatay’s “going home.” ...What a happy death your father had with his bishop-son preparing him to meet the Lord, a grace not given to many fathers or sons. Still I know how painful it is to lose a parent. ...For your father, I thank God that he raised a son in such a way that it pleased the Lord to anoint him to the fullness of the priesthood... We love you Bp Ger. Ari kami to embrace and hold your hand when you need us... Tatay is home, ginhulat ka lang niya nga mag-obispo... He had somehow accomplished his mission – that of bringing you to Iloilo as its Bishop and now he goes back to the Father with the words: “It is finished” A perpetual banquet awaits him and a special place among the blessed. May his memory live on in your heart as you live with his Ilonggo people and truly become a shepherd of the Ilonggos... He is now “Felix” in heaven as his name was here with us... Now you have two powerful intercessors in heaven... two angels watching over you... We are now your family... We will always be here for you because we love you....
One message came through this touching story of the little boy and the old man: Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.” Said the little old man, “I do that too.” The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.” “I do that too,” laughed the old man. Said the little boy, “I often cry.” The old man nodded. “So do I.” “But worst of all,” said the boy, “I am afraid and scared to be alone... to be left behind.” And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand. “I know what you mean,” said the little old man, “But I promise you... I will always be here for you.” Am sure Tay Felix is saying the same to you... “I will always be here for you!” My family and I will always be here for you, too, Pads. With our prayers and love....
Pila lamang ini sang mga mensahe nga ginpahayag ninyo sa akon sining nagliligad nga mga inadlaw tubtob sang Enero 14, 2009 – ika-80 nga kaadlawan ni Tatay. Ini nga adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa ka adlaw sang pagsaulog sang kabuhi kag paghigugma – a celebration of life and love – the life and love of Tatay, our life and love together, but above all, the life and love of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit at work in the life of Tatay and ours. SALAMAT, SALAMAT, MADAMO GID NGA SALAMAT sa sining aton Dios nga naghatag sa aton kay Tatay! Paagi sa iya, natun-an ko paano mangin isa ka maayo nga anak! Kag tungod sini natun-an ko man paano mangin isa ka amay sa aton panimalay sang pagtuo.
Ang adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa man ka pagsaulog sang pagpauli ni Tatay – pagpauli sa Alimodian, sa iya mga katigulangan, kag labaw sa tanan sa iya Tagtuga kag Manunubos – ang aton matuod gid nga paulian! Ang root word sang pagpauli amo ang uli – ginabalik sa ginhalinan, sa matuod gid nga tag-iya. Sa iya mismo kaadlawan, gin-uli ko upod sa inyo tanan, si Tatay Felix, sa iya Makaako, sa iya matuod-tuod nga Tag-iya upod ang daku nga kalipay kag pagpasalamat tungod sang malawig naman nga pagpahulam Niya sa kay Tatay sa aton.
Salamat sa Dios sa paghatag Niya sa akon sa kay Tatay kag Nanay 49 years ago bilang sabat sa ila pangamuyo nga maka-anak after waiting for almost 8 years. “Like Father, like Son” siling nila kag matuod gid ina. Daku gid nga bahin sa akon naghalin sa akon Amay kag gani matuod gid ang ginasiling, “To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” Tatay continues to live on in me since “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us...” Salamat nga ginpadala ako sang Dios diri sa Jaro kag tungod sini si Tatay nakapauli man sa iya mga partidos kag mga katigulangan. Salamat sa madamo nga kahigayunan nga napabatyag kag nahambal ko gid kay Tatay nga palangga ko siya tubtob nga nabugtuan siya sang ginhawa. I will always remember that loving look of Tatay right into my own eyes as he gave his last breath.
Ang Prefacio sang Misa sang mga Minatay nagasiling: “Kay ang kabuhi sang Imo mga tumuluo, O Ginuo, ginabaylohan lamang, wala ginakuha; kag sa ubos na maguba ining dutan-on nga puloy-an nga umalagi, ila ma-aguman ang walay katapusan nga puloy-an sa langit.” Life is changed not ended... So our relationship does not end but continues beyond death.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR TATAY AND ME!
(RETURN TO SENDER)
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.
Here are some messages I got these days from various friends: Happy birthing to new life for Tatay Felix... Halleluiah! He rests now where we all should – in God’s love... Last night we got the news of your Tatay’s “going home.” ...What a happy death your father had with his bishop-son preparing him to meet the Lord, a grace not given to many fathers or sons. Still I know how painful it is to lose a parent. ...For your father, I thank God that he raised a son in such a way that it pleased the Lord to anoint him to the fullness of the priesthood... We love you Bp Ger. Ari kami to embrace and hold your hand when you need us... Tatay is home, ginhulat ka lang niya nga mag-obispo... He had somehow accomplished his mission – that of bringing you to Iloilo as its Bishop and now he goes back to the Father with the words: “It is finished” A perpetual banquet awaits him and a special place among the blessed. May his memory live on in your heart as you live with his Ilonggo people and truly become a shepherd of the Ilonggos... He is now “Felix” in heaven as his name was here with us... Now you have two powerful intercessors in heaven... two angels watching over you... We are now your family... We will always be here for you because we love you....
One message came through this touching story of the little boy and the old man: Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.” Said the little old man, “I do that too.” The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.” “I do that too,” laughed the old man. Said the little boy, “I often cry.” The old man nodded. “So do I.” “But worst of all,” said the boy, “I am afraid and scared to be alone... to be left behind.” And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand. “I know what you mean,” said the little old man, “But I promise you... I will always be here for you.” Am sure Tay Felix is saying the same to you... “I will always be here for you!” My family and I will always be here for you, too, Pads. With our prayers and love....
Pila lamang ini sang mga mensahe nga ginpahayag ninyo sa akon sining nagliligad nga mga inadlaw tubtob sang Enero 14, 2009 – ika-80 nga kaadlawan ni Tatay. Ini nga adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa ka adlaw sang pagsaulog sang kabuhi kag paghigugma – a celebration of life and love – the life and love of Tatay, our life and love together, but above all, the life and love of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit at work in the life of Tatay and ours. SALAMAT, SALAMAT, MADAMO GID NGA SALAMAT sa sining aton Dios nga naghatag sa aton kay Tatay! Paagi sa iya, natun-an ko paano mangin isa ka maayo nga anak! Kag tungod sini natun-an ko man paano mangin isa ka amay sa aton panimalay sang pagtuo.
Ang adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa man ka pagsaulog sang pagpauli ni Tatay – pagpauli sa Alimodian, sa iya mga katigulangan, kag labaw sa tanan sa iya Tagtuga kag Manunubos – ang aton matuod gid nga paulian! Ang root word sang pagpauli amo ang uli – ginabalik sa ginhalinan, sa matuod gid nga tag-iya. Sa iya mismo kaadlawan, gin-uli ko upod sa inyo tanan, si Tatay Felix, sa iya Makaako, sa iya matuod-tuod nga Tag-iya upod ang daku nga kalipay kag pagpasalamat tungod sang malawig naman nga pagpahulam Niya sa kay Tatay sa aton.
Salamat sa Dios sa paghatag Niya sa akon sa kay Tatay kag Nanay 49 years ago bilang sabat sa ila pangamuyo nga maka-anak after waiting for almost 8 years. “Like Father, like Son” siling nila kag matuod gid ina. Daku gid nga bahin sa akon naghalin sa akon Amay kag gani matuod gid ang ginasiling, “To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” Tatay continues to live on in me since “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us...” Salamat nga ginpadala ako sang Dios diri sa Jaro kag tungod sini si Tatay nakapauli man sa iya mga partidos kag mga katigulangan. Salamat sa madamo nga kahigayunan nga napabatyag kag nahambal ko gid kay Tatay nga palangga ko siya tubtob nga nabugtuan siya sang ginhawa. I will always remember that loving look of Tatay right into my own eyes as he gave his last breath.
Ang Prefacio sang Misa sang mga Minatay nagasiling: “Kay ang kabuhi sang Imo mga tumuluo, O Ginuo, ginabaylohan lamang, wala ginakuha; kag sa ubos na maguba ining dutan-on nga puloy-an nga umalagi, ila ma-aguman ang walay katapusan nga puloy-an sa langit.” Life is changed not ended... So our relationship does not end but continues beyond death.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR TATAY AND ME!
Zoo
Zoo
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
My mind was blank, no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t think of something to write. Although we have our weekly theme, I couldn’t seem to find the right words, the right expression, and what was worse, the right foundation for my article.
I was lost in the desert of blank ideas when suddenly I was brought back to literary consciousness. I recalled my lecture on being observant, creative, and retentive, so that the power of expression would flow.
Nobody was around. Nobody had inspired me except the animals and fowls in our front yard which attracted my attention.
Snarling and showing its teeth, one of our dogs looked at the chicken pecking at the grains on the ground. While the mother hen and rooster clucked and called for the chicks, the dog started to jump and growl attracting the other dogs (there are 8 in all). Not to be outdone, our cats bared their teeth, jumped at the dogs and get ready to scratch. Each group had its own battle formation, and an idea about values entered my head. Animals and fowls may be exempted in the value-formation, but they can give allegorical aspects to the journalism trade.
There are many of us who pounce upon the poor and the helpless, making them easy victims of misery, while those whose pockets are never empty and power-filled, enjoy life’s pleasure at the expense of the “small people”.
Some of us resort to crime and abuse, showing our merciless treatment to the simple and the unprotected. Intelligent and accomplished people, ridicule the less fortunate in intellect, and stand out with pride and self-adulation in gatherings and public activities.
It is difficult to be simple and humble if we are endowed with many gifts. It is difficult to accept that there are many others who have the same qualifications. We are egoistic and have the tendency to do something unethical and unchristian if challenged.
The world is like a zoo where different personalities and values live together. God has given us the basics of enduring Christianity and consideration for each other, but our human tendencies which are stubborn in nature are difficult to overcome.
It is high time to be honest with ourselves and make amends. Reparations can be done directly and indirectly. In doing this, there is only one prescription – Prayer. The only Physician Who can give this, is God.
Go to Him now. We can never tell when the last page of our life should be read.
by Pureza D. Lacuesta
My mind was blank, no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t think of something to write. Although we have our weekly theme, I couldn’t seem to find the right words, the right expression, and what was worse, the right foundation for my article.
I was lost in the desert of blank ideas when suddenly I was brought back to literary consciousness. I recalled my lecture on being observant, creative, and retentive, so that the power of expression would flow.
Nobody was around. Nobody had inspired me except the animals and fowls in our front yard which attracted my attention.
Snarling and showing its teeth, one of our dogs looked at the chicken pecking at the grains on the ground. While the mother hen and rooster clucked and called for the chicks, the dog started to jump and growl attracting the other dogs (there are 8 in all). Not to be outdone, our cats bared their teeth, jumped at the dogs and get ready to scratch. Each group had its own battle formation, and an idea about values entered my head. Animals and fowls may be exempted in the value-formation, but they can give allegorical aspects to the journalism trade.
There are many of us who pounce upon the poor and the helpless, making them easy victims of misery, while those whose pockets are never empty and power-filled, enjoy life’s pleasure at the expense of the “small people”.
Some of us resort to crime and abuse, showing our merciless treatment to the simple and the unprotected. Intelligent and accomplished people, ridicule the less fortunate in intellect, and stand out with pride and self-adulation in gatherings and public activities.
It is difficult to be simple and humble if we are endowed with many gifts. It is difficult to accept that there are many others who have the same qualifications. We are egoistic and have the tendency to do something unethical and unchristian if challenged.
The world is like a zoo where different personalities and values live together. God has given us the basics of enduring Christianity and consideration for each other, but our human tendencies which are stubborn in nature are difficult to overcome.
It is high time to be honest with ourselves and make amends. Reparations can be done directly and indirectly. In doing this, there is only one prescription – Prayer. The only Physician Who can give this, is God.
Go to Him now. We can never tell when the last page of our life should be read.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mission-Vision
We, the children of God in the Parish of Jao, in seeking to promote His kingdom, envision a Christ centered, participatory, enlightened Filipino Church that is evangelizing, missionary and committed toward total human development by witnessing and working for justice, unit and social transformation.
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