Orare. Docere. Amare.

January 29, 2012 - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Dear Brothers and Sisters: do not be afraid to go in aspiritual warfare! Fight sin! Fight evil! Fight with the name of Jesus, thepowerful Lord and Master of our life! In our hearts, he lives! Never allow thedevil work in you! He is not your master! Avoid sin! Avoid evil!

But the question is: “How?” Listen to God’s voice, neverharden your hearts. Believe in him! Accept him as your God, your only true God.Jesus is your Lord! The Holy Spirit is your life! Our Lady is your Mother! TheSaints and Angels are your friends! Remove anxiety, it will never help. Go awaywith the seven capital sins! It will never make you happy.

My friends, let go of the worldly and evil pleasures! LetGod live in you and work in your life! If he reigns in your life, you will see that the greatest joyin the world is the joy the comes from the Master of All, God.

Feastday of the Angelic Doctor (January 28)

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"Follow the Norms of the Church"

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The Holy See approved the Neo-Catechumenal Way's form of celebrating Christian Initiation, which is different from the normal Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) celebrated by the Roman Church. But why only the Christian Initiation and not the way how they celebrate Mass? Well... Vatican officials gave wonderful statements to tell "The Way" and the whole world what the Eucharist and liturgy is. I quote two below:

"With respect to the celebrations of the Holy Mass and the other liturgies of the Church, follow the norms of the Church as indicated in the liturgical books – to do otherwise must be understood to be a liturgical abuse."

“But also during the way, it is important not to separate oneself from the parish community, and particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist which is the true place of universal unity, where the Lord embraces us in our various states of spiritual maturity and unites us in the one bread that makes us one body.” - Pope Benedict XVI

January 22, 2012 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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I love watching drama serials on television. Oneparticular serial is entitled “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig,” which, for me, is soinspiring and full of life lessons. But what touched me most is when the kidsreturn “Baby Raffa” to the belen of the Church that led to their conversion,especially the two kids who were influenced by evil. The Baby Jesus changedthem by his presence, miracles experienced, and adventures they had.

We just ended Christmas, the feasts of the Black Nazareneand of the Santo Niño.Filipinos love festivities very much. But what will happen next? Two choices:conversion or nothing.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to repent and believein the coming of the Kingdom of God. This is not for us to fear with judgment anddoomsday but an invitation to open our hearts to the reality that life on earthis not the ultimate end and joy of men. To choose conversion is choosing Jesus.Choosing Jesus is to live in joy, peace, and mercy of God.

May the Gospel today open our hearts to respond to thecall to conversion. If we wish to feel the presence and miracle of Jesus, go tothe Eucharist! If you wish to have an adventure with Jesus, live in him andstay with him. Life will be much better; life is best with Jesus!

Feast of the Holy Child (Philippines)

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"Jesus as a child, Jesus as an adolescent.

I love to picture you like this, Lord, because… I can dare more.

I love to see you as a tiny, almost helpless babe.

It makes me feel you need me."

-St. Josemaria Escriva

The Forge, 301

Proclamation of the Date of Easter 2012

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Know, dear Brothers and Sisters that,

as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord JesusChrist,

so by leave of God's mercy we announce to you also

the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Saviour.

On the twenty-second day of February will fall AshWednesday,

and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lentenseason.

On the eight day of April you will celebrate with joy Easter Day,

the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the twentieth day of May

will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the twenty-seventh day of May, the feast of Pentecost.

On the tenth day of June, the feast of

the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).

On the second day of December, the First Sunday of the Advent

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

to whom is honour and glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

*****

PROCLAMATION OF FEASTS - One of the special traditionsconnected with Epiphany was the publication on January 6 of the annual letterof the patriarch of Alexandria announcing the date of Easter for the currentyear (epistola festalis). The scholars of Alexandria were consideredmost competent to make the difficult computations and observations necessary todetermine this date, and thus the whole East followed their findings, whichwere sent to all churches by the patriarch. In the sixth century, the fourthCouncil of Orleans (541) ordered the same procedure in the West. During theMiddle Ages the dates of other movable feasts used to be added to the date ofEaster and be solemnly read to the people on Epiphany Day. This ancient customis still observed in some cathedrals as a traditional solemnity on January 6 atthe end of pontifical Mass.

January 8, 2012 - Epiphany of Our Lord

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DEARBROTHERS AND SISTERS: Today the Lord Jesus Christ manifested himself to allnations represented by the Magi; he is Emmanuel, God who is with us, fullydivine and fully human. As we gather here in the Holy Eucharist, he speaks tous, the Eternal Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. On this altar, hemanifests himself once again, the Bread of Angels who becomes the Bread of Man.Moreover, he is with us and he bestows peace to people of good will.

Aswe near to the conclusion of Christmas, we ask Our Lady's intercession, together with Saint Joseph, and the Saintly Magi that themercy and glory of God be manifested not only with our lips but in the lives welead. Hence, as a pilgrim Church, confirmed in faith and charity, we may sharethe blessed hope of God’s saving power.

The title "Saint"

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I received e-mails regarding a calendar where Blessed Pedro Calungsod, whose feast is on April 2, was already declared a "Saint." That is why when you buy this calendar they already made him a Saint. Well, for me, he is, but due to some comments let us do this little catechesis.

After a miracle had been attributed to a Blessed, the Postulator and Vice Postulators will prepare the official report and documents to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. After some time, by the grace of God, the Prefect of the Congregation will present the "alleged" miracle. The pope is the only person who can removed the word "allege" miracle attributed to the Blessed. At the end of the presentation (audience of the prefect to the pope), the pope needs to approve the miracle. The approval of the miracle means that the Blessed is in heaven and the proof is the miracle attributed through his intercession, and he is now nominated for Canonization.

The pope will now call for a Consistory of Cardinals wherein they will need to vote if the Blessed is worthy to be canonized. Each candidate will be presented to the Venerable Cardinals by the Cardinal-Prefect of the Causes for Saints, who reads to them the life and miracle of the Blessed. At the end, each candidate for Canonization must acquire a majority of votes from the Cardinals.

If the candidate for Canonization won the votes of the Cardinals, the pope, together with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, will announce (or notify) the Universal Church on the date of the Canonization of the Blessed Servants of God. (In the case of Blessed Pedro, his canonization will be on October 2012.)

At the Canonization ceremony, which is made (normally) during a Eucharistic Celebration, the pope will read after the presentation of the Cardinal-Prefect and Litany of the Saints the formula of Canonization:

(For example, let's use Blessed Josemaria Escriva, in singular case)

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the fostering of Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayers for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brethren in the Episcopate, we declare and define that Blessed Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is a Saint and we enroll him among the Saints, decreeing that he is to be venerated in the whole Church as one of the Saints.”

Let's do a commentary on the formula:

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the fostering of Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayers for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brethren in the Episcopate (remember the Cause for Canonization and the Consistory of Cardinals? Yup, this formula tells the truth!), we declare and define (meaning the Church through its pastors) that Blessed Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is a Saint (for the first time, the pope will use the title to the person) and we enroll him among the Saints (it means that he is now counted among them and is given the rights and privileges of being one), decreeing that he is to be venerated in the whole Church as one of the Saints (one of the the rights and privileges of a Saint is the Universal Veneration of the faithful). ”

At the end, the pope will put the decree in to permanency by making the Sign of the Cross, a very meaningful act that the Canonization of the Saints is not only made by the Church for her good but for the glory of the Holy Trinity. Canonization is a way of glorifying God, glorifying God in his angels and his saints.

The relics are now being brought into procession and enshrine in the sanctuary. The placing of the relics and the tapestry in the Saint Peter's balcony, where the image of the newly Canonized saint/s (though already unveiled), are "signals" for Universal Veneration.

From Msgr. PE Hallet:

Benedict XIV enumerates seven acts as constituting thisofficial cultus.

(1). All Christians are commanded to regard them as, and callthem, saints.

(2). They are invoked in the public prayers of the Church, and itis forbidden any longer to pray them.

(3). Churches and altars maybe dedicated to God in their honour.

(4). Mass is offered and Divine Officerecited in their honour, and though this Mass may not be prescribed for theuniversal Church, but only for one or more dioceses, yet it may be said, as avotive Mass, anywhere throughout the Church.

(5). Feast days are assigned tothem.

(6). Their images are depicted with the aureole or other attributes ofsanctity.

(7). Their relics are publicly honoured.

Canonization is the final and irreformable judgment of the Church, andtherefore we are bound, as her dutiful children, to believe that saints dulycanonized are in heaven. Beatification, on the contrary, is not a decree forthe whole Church, but rather of the nature of a local tolerance, and thereforewe are not bound to believe that the beatified are in heaven, although we shouldbe extremely rash not to do so, especially where they have been formallybeatified by the Church, and not merely allowed to retain an immemorial cultus.

Welcome Message in Davao

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(Delivered during the arrival of the relics of Blessed John Paul II. John Paul II College of Davao, December 18, 2011.)

Mamakpak kitang mga nahigugma sa Diyos!

Bisag kigapoy tang gahulat, atong kasingkasing para kay Hesus dili malaayan kay naa kitay inspirasyon si Pope John Paul II.

Gihigugma kamo ni Pope John Paul II, gihigugma kita ni Pope John Paul II.

Nagalantaw siya kanato sa kalangitan, para mangamuyo para sa katawhan. Pope John Paul II niya imong mga deboto, nangamuyo nga imo kaming ipangadye. Pangadye e kami ug tudloi kami mga ihatag among tibuok nga kasingkasing, panghunahun a ug kalag para regalo kang Hesus sa iyang adlaw nga natawhan. Daghang salamat sa pagduaw nimo sa Davao.

Christmas... What can I give?

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“What can I give to the king?” The best gift we can giveto our king is a good liturgical celebration. To have this good liturgy we mustbe humble in following the norms. Saint Josemaria said: “We will never havegenuine joy if we do not really try to imitate Jesus. Like him we must behumble.” Christmas is a season to reflect on the mystery of God becoming Man, “do you seewhere God's greatness is hidden? In a manger, in swaddling clothes, in astable.” The mystery is humility! The holy humility that leads to our salvation!

The same we must do, give the best liturgy to manifests the sacredmysteries, the mystery of God's humble desire to become Man so that the God-Man may save men. “To remind a Christian that his life is meaningless unless he obeysGod's will does not mean separating him from other men,” follow the liturgicalnorms - for it is a way of humility - you follow God. Many people will not understand you, even your parishpriest, but this is our job, our ministry, our life. We cannot cheat of one’sbirthday, we must be honest and true. Therefore, I again invite you: the bestgift we can give to our king on his birthday is none other than a goodliturgical celebration. The fruits of good liturgical celebration are genuine act of Humility and of Christian Charity...

December 18, 2011 - 4th Sunday of Advent

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HistoricalDevelopment

Notes from Fr. A.J. Chupungco, OSB

Adventus (Greek parousia): in the language ofpagan worship it signified the yearly visit of the gods to their respectivetemples in order to sojourn with their worshipers. Adventus was accompanied by a festival in honor of the deities.

Inearly Christian usage, including the liturgy (cf. Gregorian-HadrianSacramentary): Advent was understood as the coming of the Son of God in humanflesh at the incarnation as well as his return in glory at the end oftime. By his incarnation the Son of Godsojourned with us: Et Verbum caro factumest, et habitavit in nobis (And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt amongus. John 1:14). At his ascension he has returned to the Father, but he left apromise to return: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, willcome in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Accordingto the General Norms for the Liturgical year and Calendar (no. 39):“Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas whenChrist’s first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrancedirects the mind and heart to await Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyfulexpectation [of the two comings of Christ]”.

Inthe 4^th-century Gaul and Spain: the Advent Season consistedof three weeks in preparation for the feast of the Epiphany on January 6. In 6^th-century Rome the season of Advent consisted of sixweeks (later reduced by Pope Gregory I to four weeks). Note that in the 6^thcentury the season of Advent was not yet connected with the feast of Christmasand hence was not regarded as a preparation for Christmas but for the secondcoming at the end of time.

Inthe 9^th century Romeadopted the Gallican and Spanish practice. This meant:

a. The Roman Advent became also a season to prepare forChristmas, just as Lent prepared for Easter.

b. The season of Advent began to be markedwith ascetical and penitential elements like fasting and almsgiving. Thisexplains why the liturgical color of Advent is violet like that of Lent,moderate use of ornamentations, no musical instruments except to accompany thesinging, and no Gloria. Rose is used on the third Sunday called “Gaudete” (thefirst word of the Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday) in imitation of the fourthSunday for Lent called “Laetare”.

c. Note however that Advent retains ajoyful character (in spite of the seemingly Lenten expressions) by the use ofAlleluia and joyful melodies. Gregorian chant has some wonderfully joyful andmusically dramatic antiphons at this season. 17th –19th century Advent songsare joyful like: O come, o come Emmanuel, On Jordan’s Bank, O come, Divine Messiah.Some liturgists recommend the use of violet with bluer hues.

John Paul II in Davao

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December 11, 2011 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

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SimbangGabi

SimbangGabi, Misa de Gallo, Aguinaldo Masses, whatever you want it to be called, thisnine mornings starting from December 16 to 24 is a “Filipino style” preparationfor the coming of the Lord.

TheSimbang Gabi, according to the Philippine Ordo, is described as: Masses inhonor of the Blessed Virgin Mary DURING ADVENT (Missa Rorate Caeli).

Inthe spirit of the season one may lawfully use in these Masses the weekdaylectionary, The Gloria is sung in these Masses and white vestment is used evenon Sunday.

Clarifications

1. TheSimbang Gabi is a Votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary DURING ADVENT.Therefore, prayers must be taken from the common of Our Lady in Advent and notthe prayers for the advent weekday.

2.By way ofexception from the sober character of the Advent liturgy, the said Masses arefestive (white vestments, singing of the Gloria, festive ornamentation). But,Christmas Songs must be limited: it can be sung at the recessional and musthave a Christian message, excluding commercialized Christmas songs or carolsseen on television.

PastoralSuggestions:

1. Tohave a more meaningful celebration, High Masses must be limited to showprogressive solemnity. This is a way that people may have a more joyful andsolemn celebration on Christmas.

2. Faithfulto the prayers and readings will help the faithful to distinct the spirit ofadvent with the theme and tradition of Simbang Gabi. Let it be cleared that theMass is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

3. BecauseSimbang Gabi falls on December 17-24, the “O” Antiphons must be instilled inthe Liturgy of the Hours, and, if possible, to the Eucharistic Celebration (asverses for Gospel Acclamation. See Lectionary).

December 8, 2011 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

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"Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning."

This first line of the song "Mary Immaculate" is one of my favorite statement or, should I say, ejaculation to Our Lady. It is true! Our Lady is the Star of the Morning!

Darkness comes to our life. My life was filled with darkness. As I contemplate on the goodness of God on my life, Mary is always there as the star of my morning. She is always there to light up my darkness. She holds Jesus up-high to be the light, the source of light of her star.

Everyday, I ask Our Lady, "Shine! Shine! Shine my morning star!" And she does! She always shine, because she is a Mother. Mother's knows best!

To place Mary, Our Lady and Mother, as the star of our light, it takes great confidence to Our Lady and faith to God. Trust our Mother, she will never confound us! She won't! Trust me!

O my Morning Star, how beautiful you are!
You guard my night as a mother guard her child.
Star who awaits the Sun of the new day,
Lead me to Jesus my life, truth, and only way.

Happy Anniversay, SC!

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Today, December 4, 2011, is the 48th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy - Sacrosanctum Concilium.

December 4, 2011 - Second Sunday of Advent

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Spirit of Advent

Thegospel for the 2^nd Sunday of Advent is an invitation for all of us:

"Prepare the way ofthe Lord, make straight hispaths." (Mark 1:1-8)

Advent has two liturgical spirit: first, Preparation throughreconciliation. This theme is highlighted in the gospels of 2^nd and3^rd Sunday of Advent. This is the reason why parishes hold CommunalPenitential Services with Individual Confession and Absolution or Kumpisalang Bayanto prepare our mind, body, and soul – in the state of grace - to celebrate withjoy the birthday of our Lord and to receive Christ judgment with love andhumility.

Then,on the 17^th of December until the 24^th, including the 4^thSunday of Advent give the second liturgical spirit of the season, JoyfulExpectation. With the Advent characters: Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and the parents of John theBaptist we join them in their joyful expectation for the coming of Our Lord: weremember, we celebrate, and we expect.

Toremember the birthday of Jesus is a way for us to imitate the characters of Advent.How well did they prepare for the coming of the Lord?

Answer:Our Lady’s virtues, Saint Joseph’sfatherly stand, and the humility and silence of Zechariah and Elizabeth are ourways to prepare for the Lord – to makeChrist the center of our lives and reason of our joy.

November 27, 2011 - First Sunday of Advent

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(For this year, allow me to present to you little by little the Catechesis I made for the Season of Advent)

Introduction

September1 in the

Philippines

is the start of Christmas. Malls set-up their Christmas decors, radios playChristmas songs, houses are getting ready for the season with their Christmastree and lanterns, and, much more, people are counting days for the greatseason. Is this just? Is this correct?

Filipinosare Christmas people. We already got the identity as the country that has thelongest celebration of Christmas. Because of the spirit that marks ouridentity, the Season of Advent is just a dot for our calendars, and, even,others have no idea what Advent is all about.

Thispaper intends to relive the spirit of Christmas, a spirit that is faithful tothe Church and to the Roman Rite, but with a touch of being Filipino. How mustwe understand Advent and Christmas in the context of our culture withoutsetting aside our Roman Catholicism?

The Theology ofAdvent and Christmas

"Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the timewill come.” (Mark 13: 33)

Thisstatement from the Gospel of St. Mark, which we read last first Sunday ofAdvent, manifest to us two meanings what is Advent all about: (1) a time to bewatchful, a time to be alert, and (2) the time of the Lord’s return will come.

Thefirst, “a time to be watchful, a time to be alert,” summoned the gospels of 32^nd,33^rd and of Christ the King Sunday. We need to be prepared becausesomeone will come. Advent is a time of preparation.

Second,“the time of the Lord’s return will come,” is what we need to prepare for. Weneed to prepare for two comings: the anniversary of the first coming of Jesuson earth, which we celebrate during Christmas, and his second coming, the parousia which we need prepare now.

“Prepare for his coming!” this is what advent is all about.

Christ the King Sunday

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The love of Christ the King is a love of humility. Every time we receive Christ's body, it is the most visible manifestation of the humility of our King: letting his glorious self be the bread, and be consumed by his people. We are very blessed that Jesus, our King, is now reigning in us as we eat his body in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Invitation

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Christ the King (St. Josemaria Escriva)

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When he does his work, a Christian is obliged not to side-step or play down the values that earthly things have in themselves. If the expression "bless all human activities" meant abusing or neglecting their intrinsic qualities I would never use such a phrase. Personally I have never been convinced that the ordinary activities of men should carry a placard or confessional label. Although I respect the opposite opinion, I feel that using such a label involves a risk of using the holy name of our faith in vain. And there is evidence of the label "catholic" being used to justify activities and behaviour which sometimes are not even decently human.

The world and all that it contains, except for sin, is good because it is made by God our Lord. Therefore, a Christian who fights continuously to avoid offending God — fighting in a positive way, out of love — has to devote himself to all earthly tasks, shoulder to shoulder with other citizens. He must defend all the values which derive from human dignity.

But there is one value which he must particularly cherish: personal freedom. Only if he defends the individual freedom of others — with the personal responsibility that must go with it — only then can he defend his own with human and christian integrity. I will keep on repeating that our Lord has gratuitously given us a great supernatural gift, divine grace, and another wonderful human gift, personal freedom. To avoid this degenerating into license, we must develop integrity, we must make a real effort to conform our behaviour to divine law, for where the Spirit is, there you find freedom.

The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of freedom. In it the only slaves are those who freely bind themselves, out of love of God. What a blessed slavery of love, that sets us free! Without freedom, we cannot respond to grace. Without freedom, we cannot give ourselves freely to our Lord, for the most supernatural of reasons, because we want to.

Some of you listening to me have known me for a long time. You can bear out that I have spent my whole life preaching personal freedom, with personal responsibility. I have sought freedom throughout the world and I'm still looking for it, just like Diogenes trying to find an honest man. And every day I love it more. Of all the things on earth, I love it most. It is a treasure which we do not appreciate nearly enough.

When I talk about personal freedom, I am not using it as an excuse to discuss other very legitimate questions which are not of my competence as a priest. I know that it is not proper for me to discuss secular and current topics which belong to the temporal and civil sphere — subjects which our Lord has left to the free and calm discussion of men. I also know that a priest's lips must avoid all human, partisan controversy. He has to open them only to lead souls to God, to his saving doctrine and to the sacraments which Jesus Christ established, to the interior life which brings us closer to God, so that we see we are his children and therefore brothers to all men without exception.

We are celebrating today the feast of Christ the king. And I do not go outside my role as a priest when I say that if anyone saw Christ's kingdom in terms of a political program he would not have understood the supernatural purpose of the faith, and he would risk burdening consciences with weights which have nothing to do with Jesus, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Let us really love all men; let us love Christ above all; and then we cannot avoid loving the rightful freedom of others, living in harmony with them.

(Christ is Passing By, 184)

November 20, 2011 - Christ the King Sunday

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Sa gitna ng ating karupukan, kahinaan, at kasalanan, Siya pa ang may lakas-loob na tawagin tayo sa ating pangalan at mahalin upang madama natin na siya ang Hari ng pagkatao at puso natin.

Sa lahat ng Hari, siya ang hindi nang-uutos, bagkus siya pa nga ang ating inuutusan sa ating mga kahilingan. Ngunit hindi niya ipinagkakaila ang kanyang tulong dahil sa pagmamahal niya sa atin.

Walang makakatalo sa Hari dahil siya pa ang nagnais na mamatay para sa kanyang sambayanan upang maligtas tayo sa kasalanan at kamatayan. Hindi niya ininda ang sakit at hirap, dusa at kamatayan dahil ang pag-ibig niya ay wagas at walang hanggan.

'Yan ang ating Hari, si Hesus ang Hari ng puso ng bawat tao. Ngunit bakit minsan ang tao ang naghahari sa kanyang sarili at sa iba? Hindi pa ba sapat na ipinakita ni Hesus na siya ang tunay na hari ng lahat sa sanlibutan? Ano pa ba ang kulang upang maako niya ang tanan?

Wala siyang pagkukulang, dahil sa katotohanan, tayo ang nagkulang. Nagkulang tayo sa pagkilala natin sa kanya, sa pagmamahal sa kanya, at sa pagtanggap na siya ang Hari ng puso at pagkatao natin. Hayaan natin mabuksan ang ating mga puso at isipin upang matanggap natin na si Hesus nga ang tunay na hari ng lahat.

Hesus, aming hari, maghari ka sa aming puso at sa puso ng bawat tao. Amen.

November 13, 2011 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Husband and Wife, a very nice metaphor of the love between Christ and his Church (in the Old Testament readings). Though the Gospel today speaks of how must an individual Christian lives, the readings intend to show it in a general way.

The Parable of the Talents is how each one of us, who possesses different skills and talents, must use it for the greater glory of God and the sanctification of his people. We do not own one, it is a gift from the source of all that is good.

To have gifts from God is meant to be shared. The greatest gift is our life. How do you share it?

The Church is the best example of a faithful wife who shares everything she has which came from his husband, and a fruit of her husband's labor. She opens everything that we may suck fully from her breast that we may be fully strengthened and matured to serve others. We need to learn from her and to imitate her who is all good, loving, and caring.

As Christ prepares us for his glorious coming, which is symbolizes on the end of the liturgical year, it is the right time for us to check ourselves: Have I used my talents, especially my life, properly? Have I been a good child to my Mother, who shares what is good, love those who are unloved, and cared for those who are in need of a "Godly" caress?

We already sucked fully from our Mother's breast, we suck continuously from her, therefore we are strengthened and matured continuously. Now, did we used rightly and properly the teachings of Our Mother which came from her husband - Jesus - and lived it to the very best we can?

November 6, 2011 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary

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"Be ready. Be prepared!" I love telling my students those words. As if it is the last day of the world for them. They don't know if the next day I'll be giving them a quiz or an exam. I love surprises! But this strategy is out of love: that my students will always study and get high grades. They need to learn, study, and apply what they'd learned.

The same with the second coming of Jesus, like the 5 virgins who are wise - they were saved! The 5 foolish virgins - well, they were condemned.

Wisdom is what we need. Wisdom for me is knowledge about God and our faith lived, applied, and shared. We need Wisdom not only knowledge. We need to know the 'why' and not only the 'how' or 'what.' We do really need Wisdom, for it is Christ himself who is the Incarnated Wisdom (cf. Saint LG Montfort, The Love for Eternal Wisdom). To acquire wisdom is to have Christ!

Be ready: Study our faith, live our faith, apply our faith, and share it to others. - Pray for Wisdom! These are strategies to welcome wisely the coming of Christ, the Eternal and Incarnated Divine Wisdom in our lives.

Feast of Holy Relics

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THE FEAST OF HOLY RELICS

November 5

by Dom Prosper Gueranger, OSB

Death prepares us for heaven

Had we angels' eyes, we shouldsee the earth as a vast field sown with seed for the resurrection. The death ofAbel opened the first furrow, and, ever since, the sowing has gone onunceasingly the wide world over. This land of labour and of suffering, whattreasures it already holds laid up in its bosom! And what a harvest for heaven,when the Sun of justice, suddenly darting forth His rays, shall cause to springup as suddenly from the soil the elect ears ripe for glory! No wonder that theChurch herself blesses and superintends the laying of the precious grain in theearth.

The Glory of the Saints

But the Church is not contentto be always sowing. Sometimes, as though impatient of delay, she raises fromthe ground the chosen seed she had sown therein. Her infallible discernmentpreserves her from error; and, disengaging from the soil the immortal germ, sheforestalls the glory of the future. She encloses the treasure in gold orprecious stuffs, carries it in triumph, invites the multitudes to come andreverence it; or she raises new temples to the name of the blessed ones, andassigns him the highest honour of reposing under the altar, whereon she offersto God the tremendous Sacrifice.

'Let your charity understand,'explains St. Augustine (DiscorsoCCCXVIII su santo Stefano, V): 'it is not to Stephen we raise an altarin this place; but of Stephen's relics we make an altar to God. God loves thesealtars; and if you ask the reason: "Precious in the sight of the Lord isthe death of His saints" (Psalm 115: 15). In obedience to God theinvisible soul has quitted its visible dwelling. But God preserves thisdwelling; He is glorified by the honour we pay to this lifeless flesh; and,clothing it with the might of His divinity, He gives it the power of workingmiracles' (Discorso CCLXXV su sanVincenzo, martire, II). Hence the origin of pilgrimages to the shrinesof the saints.

'Christian people,' says St.Gregory of Nyssa, 'wherefore are you assembled here? A tomb has no attractions;nay, the sight of its contents inspires horror. Yet, see what eagerness toapproach this sepulchre! So great an object of desire is it, that a littlepiece of dust from around it is esteemed a gift of great price. As to beholdingthe remains it conceals, that is a rare favour and a enviable one, as those cantestify who enjoy the privilege: they embrace the holy body as though it wereyet alive, they press their lips and their eyes upon it, shedding tears of loveand devotion. What emperor ever received such honor? (Su san Teodoro Martire).

'Emperors!' rejoins St. JohnChrysostom; 'as the porters at their gates, such have they become with regardto poor fishermen. The son of the great Constantine deemed he could not pay ahigher honour to his father, than to procure him a place of sepulture in theporch of the fisherman of Galilee.' (Comm.della Seconda ai Cor. Om. XXVI). And again, concluding his commentary onSt. Paul's admirable Epistle to the Romans, the golden-mouthed Doctor exclaims:'And now, who will grant me to prostrate myself at Paul's sepulchre, tocontemplate the ashes of that body which, suffering for us, filled up what waswanting in the sufferings of Christ? The dust of that mouth which spoke boldlybefore kings, and, showing what Paul was, revealed the Lord of Paul? The dustof that heart, truly the heart of the world, more lofty than the heavens, morevast than the universe, as much the heart of Christ as of Paul, and whereinmight be read the book of grace graven by the Holy Spirit? Oh! that I might seethe remains of the hands which wrote those Epistles; of those eyes which werestruck with blindness and recovered their sight for our salvation; of the feetwhich traversed the whole earth! Yes: I would fain contemplate the tomb whererepose these instruments of justice and of light, these members of Christ, thistemple of the Holy Ghost. O venerable body, which, together with that of Peter,protects Rome more securely than all ramparts!' (Omelia XXXII)

Church’s teaching on relics

The Council of Trent onrelics: "Veneration ought to be shown by the faithful to the bodies of themartyrs and other saints, who live with Jesus Christ. For they were His livingmembers and the temples of the Holy Ghost; He will raise them up again toeternal life and glory; and through them God grants many blessings to mankind."

"Considering the unequal distribution of relics throughout theworld, Rome has not fixed one universal feast for the essentially local cultusof these precious remains. She leaves the particular churches free to consulttheir own convenience (Concilio di Nicea II, c. VII), reserving it to herself to bless andsanction the choice of each." (Concilio di Trento, Sess. XXV)

A Tribute to The “Beloved Pope of the Filipinos”

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The RomanCatholic Diocese of Cubao was erected on 28 August 2003 during the pontificate of PopeJohn Paul II. Cubao is one of the new suffragan dioceses that was created out fromthe Archdiocese of Manila. Thanks to the pontiff, the new dioceses became aliving sign of a living Church founded by Christ entrusted to apostles.

Because ofsuch great act of the pontiff, John Paul II will be remembered as the pope whowas used by our Lord Jesus Christ to create the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao-our diocese, our local church!

After thebeatification of Pope John Paul II by our present pope, His Holiness BenedictXVI, many Filipinos were touched because of his great love for the Philippines.Blessed John Paul II or BJP2 visited us twice, first in 1981, for his pastoralvisit, and in 1995 for the World Youth Day in Manila. Let us remember that we still holdthe record of the largest attendance among World Youth Days.

October 22 isthe feastday in the liturgical calendar of BJP2. Though normally a feastday isplaced on the date of death on earth, which is the Dies Natalis or birthday of a person in heaven, Pope Benedict XVIpromulgated that BJP2 be celebrated on the day when the blessed pontiff wasinaugurated as the 264th successor of Saint Peter.

Though the feastday celebration in the liturgy of a Blessed is reserved for a local Church- forBlessed John Paul II in Polandand Rome only-,the Philippinescannot stop herself from honoring the “Beloved Pope of the Filipinos.”

The Diocese ofCubao, in celebration of the first liturgical feast day of BJPII, after hisbeatification last May 1, 2011, teamed-up with Araneta Center to hold anExhibit, a Concert, and a Mass.

BEATUS: Embracing the Holiness of Blessed John PaulII

Last October9, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao blessed and opened the first major photoexhibit and relic exposition and veneration of Blessed John Paul II at GatewayMall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. The exhibit was entitled “Beatus”. A SolemnEucharist started the event followed by the blessing and opening of theexhibit.

BishopOngtioco said during the introduction of the blessing that this exhibit is bothcatechetical and inspirational: Catechetical because it presents quotes and teachingsfrom BJP2 on different occasions and topics like the Youth, Media, Holiness,etc; likewise, it is inspirational due to the living presence of Blessed JohnPaul II in the area through his relics.

The team forthe exhibit, composed of priests (visual artist Fr. Emmanuel “Pong” Del Rosarioand Cubao Chancellor Fr. Frederick Edward “Jojo” Simon), and laypeople (GracitaDumlao, Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, John Jeffrey Velasco, and Julius Furagganan) didwell to sum-up all the important details conveying the legacy of BJP2. One ofthe most favorite quotes of the visitors was: “The Lord issaying to you: the greatest gift you can make to the Church and to the world isholiness.”(Homily, September 5, 2004)

With the photos are exposition of themajor relics of BJP2 such as his blood, zucchetto (skullcap), piece of hiscassock, corporal he used, pectoral cross and ring given to Bishop Ongtioco,chair and chasuble from San Carlos Seminary which the Blessed Pontiff usedduring his visit last 1995, and many more. People really felt his presence andmany were touched to see the Pope through his relics as a person who is near toChrist in heaven. His life, legacy, and holiness will always be remembered.

According to security office of GatewayMall, thousands of people visited everyday, and the organizers expect that thevisitors were inspired by the teachings of BJP2 as they prayed before therelics.

The Beatus exhibit lasted from Sunday, 9October, to Friday, 21 October 2011.

Blessed:A Call to Holiness

We joyfully celebrated the holiness ofBlessed John Paul II because in him Christ lived and moved so that we too canbe holy! This is the primary message of the first concert and liturgicalcelebration in honor of Blessed John Paul II.

Last October 29 the Smart-AranetaColiseum was filled with devotees from Metro Manila and near by provinces. Thepresence of this people is a proof the John Paul II is the beloved pope of theFilipino people.

Different groups such as Hail Mary theQueen Children’s Choir, Kilyawan, Las Piñas Boys Choir, put colors into theconcert through their music. But there’s more! The former ambassador to theHoly See and national president of the Mother Butler Guild, Henrietta “Tita” DeVilla, Ms. Jo Grafil, one of the organizers of the World Youth Day in Manila,and Fr. Francis Gustillo, SDB, a member of the International TheologicalCommission of the Vatican, shared their experiences with Blessed John Paul II.

Moreover, the people dropped tears whenthey sang again the official theme song of the World Youth Day 1995: “Tell theWorld of His love,” with animation from the Holy Family Parish Youth Ministryof Kamias, Quezon City.Then, for the first time, the Philippinesoffered a song to honor BJP2 entitled “Call us to you”, words by Fr. ManolingFrancisco, SJ, and music by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Prior to the concert, Bishop Ongtiocoblessed the marker that will remind the people who visit the Smart-AranetaColiseum that this is considered a hallowed ground. During the 1981 visit tothe Philippines,Pope John Paul II made an audience with catechists and professionals at the “BigDome.” One of his touching statements, which can be found in the marker, was: “JesusChrist needs yοu for the building up of his Kingdom on earth.And the Church needs your special gifts,individually and collectively,to fulfil her mission of communicating Christ.”

Before the Mass, the prayer for theCanonization of Blessed John Paul II was led by His Eminence Jose CardinalSanchez, who worked hand-in-hand with Pope John Paul II as prefect (nowemeritus) for the Holy See’s Congregation for the Clergy from 1991 to 1996.

The four-hour concert was concluded witha Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Bishop Nessconcelebrated by some clergy and in the presence of Cardinal Sanchez. The Masswas for the intention of the Church (Missa Pro Ecclesia); at present the HolySee has still not responded to the request of the Philippines to the Vatican toinclude BJP2 in our Ordo (liturgical calendar).

During the Mass, Bishop Ongtioco usedthe chalice of Blessed John Paul II. It is a relic of the blessed pope and atthe same time a relic of Jesus Christ because it is a replica of and wastouched to the original Holy Grail (or the SantoCaliz, which we believed as the cup used by Jesus during the last supper)enshrined in Valencia, Spain.

In his homily, Bishop Ongtioco remindedall present and those who love Blessed John Paul II, “All of us are called tobe holy and let Blessed John Paul II be our inspiration and intercessor to theFather, the fountain of all holiness.”

Veneration of a Blessed Servant of God

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For almost two years priests, religious, and laity sent e-mails to me to answer this question:

"Can we venerate a Blessed in our community?"

Allow me to answer the question:

I. The Relics of the Saints in the Liturgy

In thepresent norm released by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, approved byBenedict XVI, beatification must be celebrated in the local church of theServant of God.[1] The local Ordinary, representing the local church, presents thelife and the miracle attributed to the Servant of God. After the proclamationof decree for beatification which comes from the Congregation for the Causes ofSaints and approved by the pope, the recipient of the miracle through theintercession of the new Blessed or a member of his or her community, brings therelic forward, a first class, for veneration, to the Cardinal-Prefect of theCongregation or to the legate of the pope and is enthroned in a proper place,preferably in the sanctuary. This is an indication that the new Blessed is nowworth of veneration in the local church. After the ceremony, an ApostolicLetter is given announcing to the world that there is a new Blessed who may bevenerated by the local church or an individual, and a feast day in the localchurch is also assigned.

II. Fr. Ed McNamara

Part 1:

The most recent norms relating to this theme are contained in a Notification published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, on Sept. 20, 1997.

These update and complement the norms given in the general calendar and the more-detailed norms given in the instruction "Calendaria Particularia" issued June 24, 1970.

This document touches on the subject of inserting the blessed in local calendars in several places, but above all in Nos. 25-37.

In general, the document warns against the excessive multiplication of celebrations in order to keep the General Roman Calendar's basic unity intact.

Especially in the first years after beatification or canonization it is probably better to limit the celebration to the locales more intimately united to the saint's life before seeking permission to include a new saint or blessed in a diocesan, regional or national calendar or in a religious order's general calendar (Nos. 28, 30).

The celebration of a blessed differs from that of a saint above all with respect to the universality of the veneration that may be offered to them.

The blessed are usually venerated with celebrations on a local level in places where they were born, where they died, where their relics are preserved. They are also venerated in places that had a long-term association with their activities, in a church dedicated to them, or within the confines of the churches and oratories of a particular religious order which has its own liturgical calendar.

However, even in these cases, it is better to begin by inserting this celebration as an optional memorial and later expand, both territorially and in liturgical ranking as devotion spreads (No. 31).

In some cases, especially in ancient dioceses, it might even be better to restrict this initial veneration to the church where his relics are kept or to his native town.

A priest may celebrate a saint's feast day anywhere in the universal Church as an optional memorial even if this feast is not included in the general calendar.

However, he must respect the general liturgical norms regarding the precedence of different celebrations which means that such a celebration may only take place on days where there is no other feast or obligatory memorial during ordinary time, in the weekdays of Advent before Dec. 17, those of Christmas after Jan. 2 and during Eastertide after the Easter octave (No. 33).

In order to include the celebration of a blessed in the national or diocesan calendar, or to dedicate a church to a blessed, either the bishops' conference or the local bishop, as the case may be, requests permission from the Holy See.

The inclusion of a new saint or blessed into a national calendar requires a two-thirds majority of the country's bishops in a secret ballot and the recognition of the Holy See.

Once the Holy See has granted permission, the blessed may be included in the national, regional, diocesan or religious order calendar according to the liturgical ranking permitted.

A blessed is usually accorded the ranking of optional memorial, occasionally an obligatory memorial, rarely a feast (and even then usually restricted to a church containing relics), but never a solemnity.

Thus, in the examples you pointed out: A priest in the United States can celebrate Blessed Junipero Serra who has been included in the calendar of the United States. But a priest in Rome may not celebrate except, I think, within the North American College, which, like all of Rome's national colleges, is permitted to follow the home calendar.

A priest may not celebrate Blessed Mother Teresa in ordinary churches unless the Holy See has granted permission to include the celebration in the diocesan regional or national calendar. But her feast may be celebrated anywhere in the world within the chapels and oratories of the Missionaries of Charity.

Part 2:

Several readers asked for clarifications regarding the celebration of Masses of blessed and saints (see Dec. 21) not included in the universal calendar.

One asked if a Mass in honor of a blessed who had been a member of a Third Order could be celebrated for members of the order even outside of a church pertaining to the group's First or Second orders.

The principal distinction between the liturgical celebration of saints and blessed is the restriction of the celebration of the blessed either locally to the places connected with their lives or relics, or within the churches of religious orders to which they pertained.

In the latter case the celebration of a blessed would usually be restricted to churches and chapels of the order but not necessarily, as in the case of orders of brothers or women religious, to priests who belong to the order in question.

No. 35 of the 1997 notification regarding particular calendars would not appear to allow for the celebration of blessed outside of these churches for particular groups such as members of Third Orders. Indeed, the document suggests that these celebrations should be occasions for pilgrimages to the churches where the Mass may be celebrated.

However, I think that in the not-too-distant future some modification of these norms will be necessary in order to accommodate, not just the blessed of Third Orders, but also the needs of the members of, say, Catholic Action and the Legion of Mary as well as some of the more recent lay ecclesial movements. These do not, strictly speaking, have churches or oratories of their own, but their members meet in parishes and other centers.

The celebration of the future blessed of these groups, many of which are international in character, will require a less geographically limited permission.

With regard to the texts to be used, if there is no official Mass texts or at least no approved translations for the recently blessed, then the most appropriate common should be used (virgins, pastors, men or woman saints etc.)

This throws some light on another aspect mentioned in my earlier reply which some found a bit confusing.

When speaking about the liturgical calendar, there are several levels. For the whole world there is the Church's General Liturgical Calendar which contains those celebrations of saints considered to be of universal or historical importance.

Also on the level of the whole world is the Roman Martyrology, which contains the entire list of saints and blessed celebrated in the Church although the vast majority of these are venerated only in certain areas.

On this level, any priest may celebrate the feast of a saint found in the martyrology of the day, provided the day is free of other general or local celebrations which would impede its celebration.

He may not, however, celebrate a blessed outside of the areas where this celebration has been specifically permitted by the bishop, or the bishops' conference and ratified by the Holy See.

On the local or particular level there are National, Regional, Diocesan, and Religious Order Calendars.

These may include saints and blessed from the Roman Martyrology, not included in the general calendar, as either obligatory or optional memorials within the confines of the territory for which they have been approved.

They sometimes attribute a higher degree of liturgical solemnity than that of the general calendar, especially in the case of national, diocesan or church patrons and occasionally a different date from that of the rest of the Church.

A traveling priest is usually obliged to follow the calendar of the country he is visiting. If celebrating without a congregation, however, he may follow the general calendar or that of his own nation or religious order.

As mentioned, there may be some exceptions: In Rome the many national colleges (North American, Brazilian, Filipino, English, Irish, etc.) have traditionally followed the calendars of their home countries with respect to major feasts and particular saints and blessed. This privilege may usually be exercised only within the colleges themselves.

Another exception could be when the prayer texts for a local celebration exist only in the language of the place. In such cases a traveling priest, either alone or accompanying a group, would not necessarily have to follow the particular celebration unless it had the category of a feast or solemnity in which case he could take the most appropriate common.

[1] Communique of theCongregation for the Causes of Saints, September 20, 2005.

Pastoral Visitation

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PART VIII

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS IN CONNECTION WITHOFFICIAL ACTS

PERTAINING TO THE GOVERNMENT OF A DIOCESE

CHAPTER 2

PASTORAL VISITATION

1117 The bishop in fulfilling the obligationto visit the parishes or local communities of his diocese should not appear to besatisfying a purely administrative duty. Rather the faithful should see in himthe herald of the Gospel, the teacher, shepherd, and high priest of his flock.

1178 To ensure this happening, the visitationof the bishop should take place, if at all possible, on days that permit largenumbers of the faithful to gather. Sufficient time should also be devoted to anapt, preparatory catechesis of the people by their presbyters. The visitationitself should be sufficiently long to enable the bishop to preside atcelebration of the liturgy and to evaluate, promote, encourage, and put intoeffect the apostolate of the clergy and laity and the works of charity.

1179 The bishop, in the vestments indicated inno. 63, should be received in a manner suited to the circumstances of the placeand the situation. If this seems appropriate, the bishop may be solemnlyreceived and greeted by the clergy at the door of the church. But the bishopmay even be escorted to the church with festive song, when this is feasible andappropriate. A dignified solemnity in receiving the bishop is a sign of loveand devotion of the faithful toward their good shepherd.

1180 At the entrance of the church the parishpriest (pastor), vested in cope, meets the bishop, offers him the crucifix tobe kissed, and presents the sprinkler, with which the bishop sprinkles himselfand those present. After a brief, silent prayer before the blessed sacrament,the bishop goes to the sanctuary (chancel); there the parish priest (pastor),standing before the altar, invites the faithful to join in prayer for thebishop and, after a brief pause for silent prayer, says the pray God, eternal shepherd or God,our Father, our shepherd and guide, provided in The Roman Missal (Sacramentary).[1]

The bishop then greets the people and announces hisagenda for the visitation. He then says the collect for the titular of thechurch or the patron of the place, and, in the usual way, blessed the people.Then the parish priest (pastor) dismisses them.

1181 But when Mass is to follow the receptionof the bishop, immediately after the prayer for the bishop has been said, thebishop, at the chair, puts on the vestments for the Mass. The presbyterscharged with the pastoral care of the parish or presbyters living within theparish confines celebrate the Mass with the bishop, and the faithful take anactive part. Such participation is particularly to be sought in the more remoteparts of the diocese where the people rarely or never have the opportunity totake part in a stational Mass celebrated by the bishop in their own area.

1182 It is recommended that during thepastoral visitation the bishop confer not only the sacrament of confirmationbut other sacraments as well, particularly in his visits to the sick. In thisway he will more clearly appear to the faithful as the chief steward of themysteries of God and as the overseer and guardian of the entire liturgical lifein the Church entrusted to his care.

1183 When there is a lengthy visitation, thereshould be a celebration of the liturgy of the hours in the church or acelebration of the word of God, with the homily of the bishop and withintercessions for the Universal Church and for the local Church.

1184 As circumstances suggest, the bishopshould also go to the cemetery with the people and there offer prayers for thedead and sprinkle the graves with holy water, in the manner described alreadyin nos. 399-402.

[1]See RM, Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, I. For the Church,3 For the Bishop, A.

October 30, 2011 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Pagod na pagod ako. Super pagod from work, from the recent event at Araneta Coliseum for Blessed John Paul II, kakabigay ng mga talks and lectures, etc. etc. etc. Yan din siguro ang mga nasasaloobin ng mga katulong o mga taong naglilingkod para sa iba... Pagod.

Minsan nga nakakapagod din ang magpaalipin. Gusto naman natin, minsan, tayo naman ang sundin at mag-utos. Tayo ang maging boss at ipadama sa iba ang pagod at hirap na ating dinaranas.

Ngunit bakit nga ba kailangan may maglingkod at may paglingkuran?

Ang paglilingkod ay tanda ng pagpapakumbaba.

Minsan, kahit ayaw mo, kailangan mo pa rin sumunod, or else gutom ang aabutin mo o kaya'y sama ng loob mula sa amo mo. Ang hirap sumunod ngunit ang pagsunod sa nakakataas ay tanda ng pagpapakumbaba.

Ang paglilingkod ay tanda ng pag-ibig.

Gagawin mo kahit ayaw mo, pero kailangan mong gawin dahil iniisip mo ang kapakanan ng iyong pinaglilingkuran. Puso ang dapat umiral. Ang mga marunong maglingkod ay mga taong marunong magmahal. Ang mga taong nagmamahal ay mga taong dapat naglilingkod.

Tulad ng asno na ginamit ng Panginoon sa pagpasok sa Jerusalem o ang asno na ginamit ni San Jose sa pagdala kay Inang Maria sa kanyang pagdadalang-tao, wala siyang kamalay-malay basta't ginawa niya ang kanyang hanapbuhay na paglilingkod. Sumunod siya at pinaglingkuran ang kanyang pasahero. Pero sa kanyang pagsunod at pagpapakumbaba, pag-ibig at pagtitiis... Kanyang nalaman pagkatapos na ang Panginoon pala ang kanyang pinaglingkuran, ang kanyang Tagapaglikha pala ang kanyang pasan.

Nawa tayo ay mag-asam pa na maglingkod. Dahil ang paglilingkod ay paraan upang maging Kristo sa iba: mapagkumbaba at nagmamahal.

In Memoriam

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The following words are now set permanently at a marker installed at the green-gate of Araneta Coliseum. Composed by Dave Ceasar F. Dela Cruz and Edited by Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, SJ:

IN MEMORIAM

Innomine Patri, et Filii, et Spiritui Sancti. Amen.

On the 18^thof February in the year of the Lord 1981,

during his firstpastoral visit to the Philippines,

Blessed John PaulII met the Filipino people in this place –

the AranetaColiseum.

What he said tothose present on that occasion

still reverberatesin our ears today:

“Jesus Christneeds yοu for the building up of his Kingdom on earth.

And the Church needs your special gifts,

individually and collectively,

to fulfill her mission of communicatingChrist.”

Today, the 29^thof October in the year of the Lord 2011,

on the occasion ofhis first liturgical feastday,

the Filipino peoplegathered once again

to honor theirbeloved Universal Pastor.

In the celebrationof joy and love,

through the Word ofGod and the Holy Eucharist,

we consider this placea hallowed ground that will remind us all

of the mission entrustedto us by Jesus Christ

through the words ofBlessed John Paul II.

This commemorative markeris blessed by

His Excellency the MostRev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.,

Bishop of the Dioceseof Cubao,

in the presence ofpriests, religious and lay faithful of the diocese.

Ut InOmnibus Glorificetur Deus!

Relics during the Canonization and Beatification Ceremony

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From the Relics of the Saints in the Liturgy, p. 8-9:

Therelic of a holy person is first exposed during the beatification ceremony inhis or her local church. The ceremony is done within a Eucharistic Celebrationafter the homily. During the pontificate of John Paul II, beatification wasalmost always carried out in Rome to indicate that it was a universalcelebration. In the present norm released by the Congregation for the Causes ofSaints, approved by Benedict XVI, beatification must be celebrated in the localchurch of the Servant of God.[1] The local Ordinary, representing the local church, presents thelife and the miracle attributed to the Servant of God. After the proclamationof decree for beatification which comes from the Congregation for the Causes ofSaints and approved by the pope, the recipient of the miracle through theintercession of the new Blessed or a member of his or her community, brings therelic forward, a first class, for veneration, to the Cardinal-Prefect of theCongregation or to the legate of the pope and is enthroned in a proper place,preferably in the sanctuary. This is an indication that the new Blessed is nowworth of veneration in the local church. After the ceremony, an ApostolicLetter is given announcing to the world that there is a new Blessed who may bevenerated by the local church or an individual, and a feast day in the localchurch is also assigned.

Uponcanonization, the Blessed is elevated to the ranks of saints of the universalChurch. The pope presides at this moving ceremony. The canonization rite isdone after the greeting. The prefect of the Congregation for the Causes ofSaints, who speaks in behalf of the Church, presents the life and miracleattributed to the candidate. After which, the Litany of the Saints is prayed(or sung), with the Litany completed, the pope reads the formula ofcanonization: “For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of theCatholic faith and the fostering of Christian life, by the authority of ourLord Jesus Christ, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after duedeliberation and frequent prayers for divine assistance, and having sought thecounsel of many of our brethren in the Episcopate, we declare and define thatBlessed (Name of the Servant of God) is a Saint and we enroll him (her) amongthe Saints, decreeing that he is to be venerated in the whole Church as one ofthe Saints.”[2] Then all answer by singing: “Amen” accompanied with applause. Thisis followed by a procession of the relic of the new saint, carried by thebeneficiaries of the miracle attributed to the saint, or by one from his or hercommunity. The relic is presented to the pope and enthroned in a proper place,preferably in the sanctuary. This act means the saint may now be venerated andcelebrated by the universal church, and serve as an inspiration for thefaithful. An Apostolic Letter is then issued indicating the said canonizationceremony and the date of the feast.

[1] Communique of theCongregation for the Causes of Saints, September 20, 2005.

[2]Cf. Libbreti of the Canonization of Saint Teresa Benedicta of theCross (Edith Stein), 122-125; Douillet,81.

New Saints!

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Today, October 23, 2011, World Mission Sunday,

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will canonize at Saint Peter's Basilica three faithful:

GUIDO MARIA CONFORTI,
archbishop of Parma and founder of the Pious Society of Saint Francis Xavier
for Foreign Missions (Xaverian Missionaries);

LUIGI GUANELLA,
priest and founder of the Congregation of the Servants of Charity (Guanellians)
and of the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence; and,

BONIFACIA RODRÍGUEZ DE CASTRO,

founder of the Congregation of the Servants of Saint Joseph.

Because of these three gifts for our Church and our Faith,
we shall hear again the sweet formula of Canonization
from the very mouth of the Vicar of Christ:

October 22, 2011 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Love, love, love! We need to love! We need to love God first. Our heart is made to love God because it was him who made it. It beats naturally without the control of a human person, because God is the controller. But he controls it not to love him but we to live, and have a freedom of loving him and other people too.

Saint Josemaria said: "We have to love God because our heart is made for love. That is why, if we don’t give our heart to God with a pure affection, it will seek revenge… and will breed worms instead." (The Forge, 204)

Some people say that it is easy to love God, you just need to pray! But action speaks louder than words!

To love God, yes, we need to pray. But to do an act of love we need to serve and love our neighbors.

If we give our utmost love for God, the same we must do in loving and serving our brothers and sisters, especially those most unloved and unwanted.

Sometimes, it is not easy to love others. It is more easy God, because he is spirit. That is a wrong notion of love! It is a wrong spiritual understanding!

Loving one's neighbor is a love that is rooted from the love of God and who loves us first! God loves us so much, therefore, we need to return that love to him through serving our brothers and sisters, our neighbors.

May the Lord of love help us open our hearts to real and true love, a love that has no measure! Amen.

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS - November 1

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SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

Dave Ceasar Francisco Dela Cruz

November is marked by the secular as“Halloween.” Yes it is hallowed; it is holy, because we celebrate the Holy Godwho work in holy people of different age, status, and time. We honor the holypeople, specifically known and general, whom we love and venerate. We honor allthe Saints, a manifestation that ourChurch is truly a "Mother of the Saints, an image of the EternalCity"

Introduction

Since time and beginning, God callseach of his beloved to follow him. We marked them as patriarchs, priests,prophets, kings, and those who followed the will of God in the Old Testament.They are features of the consecrated and chosen people[1]– the Israelites - during that time.

In the New Testament, Jesus calledtwelve men to be his disciples, an invitation to be holy by serving with him toproclaim God’s kingdom and conversion. It was the disciples who heard, andfirst challenge to live and believe the beatitudes, the teachings of Our Lord,and, most especially, witness and follow the way of love of Jesus – hispassion, death, and resurrection.

After the glorious ascension ofJesus into heaven, now, the apostles were gifted by the power of the HolySpirit on Pentecost day. They were strong and confident, with love andhumility, proclaiming the Gospel to different races. They chose helpers –disciples, who were inspired by the life of Jesus, and who wish to continue toMessianic mission of Our Lord continued by the apostles. The Word of God and inthe Breaking of the Bread, many were fed with the spirit of Jesus and to liveaccording to the will of God – a blessed life. This was manifested when Stephen, one of the first deacons, offered hislife out of love for God and faith in Jesus Christ.[2]

The Book of Revelation is one of thebest sources where we can see how these holy people are rewarded by the Lord,faithful to his promise in the beatitudes. In the book also we can read how thepeople of God, the holy people, celebrate the victory of Christ’s paschal mystery.[3]

Veneration ofMartyrs

During the fourth century, early Christiansvenerate the martyrs of our faith. They celebrate it on their Dies Natalis (day of birth in heaven).Due to numerous martyrs that offered their life on one day, they celebrate themas a group. The Church as a mother, doesn’t want one of her children beabandoned or set aside. In Antioch, the Sunday after Pentecost was the firstdocumented testimony that Christians venerate the martyrs in one day. Thehomilies of our Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom and St. Ephrem of Syriatestify to the said celebration.

Due to holy men and women who arenot martyrs, the Church also needs to accommodate them in the liturgicalcalendar. In the year 411, the Chaldean Christians have a day in the liturgicalcalendar called “Commemoration of Confessors” which is on Friday after Easter.

First AllSaints’ Day

May 13, 609 or 610, Pope Boniface IVconsecrated a Church, the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a famous place because thisis where the Romans worship all their gods. When Christianity hover over Rome,some of the palaces and mansion wereturned into places of worship. The Pantheon was dedicated under the titular Sancta Maria adMartyres(Holy Mary and all Martyrs). The day of the dedicatio Sanctae Mariae adMartyres became the first date of celebrating all Holy Men and Women in theRoman Church.

During the pontificate of PopeGregory III (731-741) he consecrated a chapel in Saint Peter’s Basilicadedicated to all the Saints on November 1. This is a chapel reserve for therelics holy apostles and of all saints, martyrs and confessors. From then on,November 1 became the feast of All Saints setting aside May 13.

At the Frankish empire there was acelebration for the Festival of All Saints. On 835AD, it was made a holy day of obligation in the whole Frankishempire, and then made universal by Pope Gregory IV. Pope Sixtus IV add anOctave, where the feast of Holy Relics falls for celebration.

The Solemnity ofAll Saints

Since the liturgical era of theCouncil of Trent until Vatican II, November 1 was untouchable and has the levelof a Solemnity (with Gloria, Second Reading, and Credo). The celebration todayechoes the preface of All Saints: “Today, we keep the festival of your holycity, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother.”

November 1 is a holy day ofobligation in some countries, though it is not a holy day of obligation in ourcountry it is still a holiday.

For Filipinos, we must set a notionthat November 1 is a celebration of All Saints, the living holy men and womenof every time and place who are in heaven. It is a day of great reminder forall of us that we are all called to be saints.

Pastors must have a heart to leadtheir flock in understanding this wonderful celebration of our Church and ourfaith. Catechism on the role of the saints in our lives must be given. Muchmore, ways and exercises of holiness is timing for this season like: SolemnEucharistic Celebration, Confession, Retreat and Recollection, Work of Charity,etc.

During this day, the community musthave a local festival of All Saints like the exposition and veneration of therelics of the saints, presentation of the lives and works of the saints, andmany more.

PastoralSuggestion

During the Liturgy of the Hoursand/or Eucharistic Celebration on the solemnity of All Saints on November 1, orif the local community wishes to honor them through a votive mass for AllSaints, the relics of the saints or blessed can be exposed publicly forveneration of the faithful so that through this celebration they may invoketheir help that we, who honor them, be holy and with their prayers bring us theforgiveness and love of God.[4]

Reflection

Pope Benedict XVI gave a wonderfulhomily on All Saints day: “This, then, is the meaning of today's Solemnity:looking at the shining example of the Saints to reawaken within us the greatlonging to be like them; happy to live near God, in his light, in the greatfamily of God's friends. Being a Saint means living close to God, to live inhis family. And this is the vocation of us all, vigorously reaffirmed by theSecond Vatican Council and solemnly proposed today for our attention.

[1]Cf. Dt. 7: 6

[2]Ac. 7: 60

[3]Cf. Rev. 19: 1-5

[4]Opening Prayer on the Solemnity of All Saints

A FEAST FOR HOLY RELICS - November 5

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A FEAST FOR HOLY RELICS

Dave CeasarFrancisco Dela Cruz

In the calendar of the ExtraordinaryForm and in Tradition of the Holy Roman Church the 5^th day ofNovember is a feast not of a person or people but of their remains, the feastof the Holy Relics. Let us not be confused because other dioceses or religiouscommunities celebrate it in other days. But usually, it is celebrated withinthe Octave of the Solemnity of All Saints.

TheologicalFoundation

In the liturgical calendar theChurch commemorates the events and titles of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary,the life and holiness of the Angels, Apostles, Martyrs, Pastors, Doctors of theChurch, Virgins, Holy Men and Women. Likewise, the Church celebrates thedignity of dedicated houses of worship. But why have a celebration for holyrelics?

The cult of the saints which startedin the early times of the Church is a way for those who are living to rememberthe heroic act of a martyr, until the Church accepted non-martyrs forveneration. The honor (dulia) due tothe Saints is celebrated on the day of their Dies Natalis (birth in heaven). Early Christians celebrate these bycelebrating the Eucharist and visiting their tombs.

Sacred Scriptures remind us that ourbody is created by God, sanctified with the breath of life, and nourished byhis words. Our body, because it is the reflection of God’s goodness – made inhis image and likeness - and temple of the Holy Spirit- is sacred (Cf. Gen.1:26; 1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Furthermore, our baptism sanctifiesthe body and soul, freeing us from original sin and opens it to sanctifyinggraces. Amidst of sin and weaknesses of our body, the sacrament ofreconciliation rejuvenates our body and soul and is strengthened by the Word ofGod and the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

Death is the consequence of sin (Cf.Rom. 6:23). But because of Christ death on the cross, his rising restored ourlife and death became a reward for Christians. As what Saint Teresa of Avilasaid: “To see God we must die,” and her spiritual daughter, Saint Therese ofthe Child Jesus, enriched the beauty of death as entry “to eternal life.” TheChristian is rewarded by seeing and being with God and to be in company withChrist forever.

The soul, in God’s mercy we trust,is at peace. The body is given honor with Christian burial: the body, evenwithout life, is owned by God and is still sacred. This is why we give wakes, FuneralMasses, blessings, and celebrating the death anniversary at the tomb. The body,decomposed or incorrupt, is still God’s creation, and will always remind us ofthe person who was made one with Christ on earth.

Theologyof the Body

The Gospel narrates to us that afterthe death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of the Lordto be laid in peace in a tomb. Romans and Jews are people who have a deep respectfor the dead. Joseph, moved with faith and trust in the resurrection, gave aworthy burial for the dead body of the Lord on the cross and, with others around,gave what is due: pure linen, perfume, etc. Christians, both during the time ofthe apostles and the early Church, did the same giving respect for the body aswhat they did with Stephen the first martyr, the apostles, and early martyrs.

One wonderful account during theearly Church was on the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp wherein Christians gatheredhis remains, which is the translation of relics,“And so we afterwards took up his boneswhich are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, andlaid them in a suitable place.”

The said accountwas a proof on how we must respect our body, living and dead. Respect for theremains is a Christian act because it is a way of respecting and treasuringGod’s gift, the gift of the body.

At the start of this paper, Imentioned, and will always remind the readers, that our body is sacred becauseit is God’s gift and creation, and is sanctified by the Sacraments. These arealso the reasons why we place the mortal remains of our departed ones insidebeautiful and dignified coffins, letting him/her wear the best clothes, andputting flowers and candles around. The same with the relics of the saints, weplace them in an adorned theca (the round metal container) and in a reliquary,placing them in a dignified place for veneration.

Bones, ashes, and even personalobjects owned by the person whom we loved are taken care well to show ourrespect and love for our beloved. Much more, we care of these because God worksin the person and the material objects became instruments to help him/her be holy.This is the reason why we venerate the relics of the saints: to render theSaints what is due to them and, through this practice, to render more praiseand adoration to their creator God.

AFeast for Holy Men and Women

“TheSaints have been traditionally honored in the Church,” (SC11) almost everyday: from optional and obligatory memorials to feasts and the solemnities,especially on November 1.

Before the Second Vatican Council,in the Calendar of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and in the MissaleRomanum of 1962, there was a feast dedicated for the Relics of the Saintsnamely: “SacrarumReliquiarum quæ in ecclesiis diœcesis asservantur.”It wasplaced on November 5, within the octave of All Saints’ Day, and is attributedto Saint Pope Pius X, because before there were other dates, depending on thelocal Church to celebrate this wonderful feast but he united these observancesinto one day.

Due to the renewal of liturgy bothin texts and rites, most especially on the liturgical calendar, the feast ofHoly Relics was set aside but never abrogated.

Some dioceses, especially in Europe,and monasteries and canonries still celebrate the Feast of Holy Relics. SaintNorbert once said: “Youmust have a great veneration for the relics of the Saints, for they are moreprecious than all the treasures of the world. Should you possess any inyour house, consider them as the guardians of your home and your heart.”

We could consider the Saints’presence in homes as intercessors, friends, and also guardians. The Church isthe home of the Family of God, and when a Church possesses relics of Saints, itis a visible sign of the unity of the Church: Triumphant, Militant, andSuffering. Furthermore, as we honor the relics of the Saints, we are reminded ofGod as our creator, that the human body is sacred, and we are called to besaints.

Pastoral Suggestion

“The Saints have been traditionally honored in the Church,and their authentic relics and images held in veneration,” (SC11) itis nice to ask pastors of souls to continue the tradition of the Church by celebratingthe Feast of Holy Relics - ususantiquior.

In Rome, especially in the SaintPeter’s Basilica, and in other Churches they place the relics in a reliquarynear or within the sanctuary (for Ordinary Form)[1].It is not a veneration of the dead for no one dies in Christian faith: all ofus are living because God is our life. We venerate the saints who live in God’skingdom and blessing God in his saints.

For us here in the orient, it willbe a pastoral and spiritually enriching moment for our faithful to let them beaware with the treasures of our Church – the relics of the saints – and to helpthem see our future glory: sainthood. A catechesim on the cult and the relicsof the saints is to be given as a preparation for this wonderful feastday.

In the Ordinary Form, becausethere’s no proper for the feast SacrarumReliquiarum, we could use the votive Mass for All Saints, following thereadings on November 1. And for the Extraordinary Form, the proper is used.

Reflection

Auge in nobis, Dómine, resurrectiónis fidem,

qui in Sanctórum tuórum relíquiis mirabília operáris:

et fac nos immortális glóriæ partícipes,

cujus in eórum cinéribus pígnora venerámur.

Per Dóminum.

(MissaleRomanum, 1962)

Lord, increase our faith in theresurrection;

who in the relics of your saints workwonders:

make us partakers of your eternal glory,

the reward of the ashes which wevenerate.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(PersonalTranslation)

Venerating the relics of the saintsis not a cult of the dead but of the living. There is resurrection, and webelieve in it. The resurrection of the body is a truth of our faith which weneed to believe everyday so that we may be inspired to avoid sin and do holyworks.

Holiness is attained in two ways:care for the body so that the soul may be secured, and nourishment of the soul inorder that the body may be strengthened. We need to be inspired. We need holymen and women to inspire us to holiness.

Caring for the relics is a way ofstrengthening the dignity and sanctity of the body that God has given us.Desecration of the relics is a sacrilege not only towards the saints, but alsoto the Body of Christ – where we are all part.

Let us rejoice in the holy men andwomen of every time and place. May their prayers bring us God’s forgiveness andlove, and help us to be worthy to enter eternal glory (Preface for All Saints),the reward of the holy people. Amen.

Bibliography

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church

2. Compendium on the Catechism of the CatholicChurch

3. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,Vatican II

4. 1962 Missale Romanum

5. Roman Martyrology

[1] A reliquary must not be placed upon the altar or set into the tableof the altar; it must be placed beneath the table of the altar, as the designof the altar permits (Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar, 5).

Porta Fidei

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PORTA FIDEI (Door of Faith) is the latest Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI formally announcing the Year of Faith from October 11, 2012-November 24, 2013.

"In the light of all this, I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and it will end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, on 24 November 2013. The starting date of 11 October 2012 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church"

We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope. It will also be a good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, which is “the summit towards which the activity of the Church is directed; ... and also the source from which all its power flows. (No. 9)

Profession of faith is an act both personal and communitarian. It is the Church that is the primary subject of faith. In the faith of the Christian community, each individual receives baptism, an effective sign of entry into the people of believers in order to obtain salvation. (No. 10)

Faith without charity bears no fruit, while charity without faith would be a sentiment constantly at the mercy of doubt. Faith and charity each require the other, in such a way that each allows the other to set out along its respective path. (No. 14)

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on 11 October in the year 2011, the seventh of his pontificate.

Year of Faith

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His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI declared that

October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013

will be

A YEAR OF FAITH

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

“It will be a moment of grace and commitment to a more complete conversion to God,

to strengthen our faith in Him and proclaim Him with joy to the people of our time.”

October 16, 2011 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

It can also be "Give to the state what belongs to the state, and to God what belongs to God," much better, isn't?

We all know that the State and Church in the Philippines are separated institutions. Some statesmen said: "We are concerned with the body, let the Church focus on the soul."

Hmmm... God created Man, body and soul. The Church is the sacrament of God's presence in the world. Therefore, the Church has a great concern with our body and with our soul.

But God is a generous and kind God. He also wants us to serve the State. Saint Paul, in the second reading, gave us a wonderful way to serve God through the State, and serve the State with God as our end: work of faith and labor of love.

Work and Labor are two words that we need to render for the State. Work and Labor help our country in terms of economy. But working with faith and laboring with love serve not only the State in terms of economy but also the Souls.

Saint Josemaria Escriva always remind us that to work with love is a way of praising God and sanctifying others and ourself.

Yes, we need to give what is due to the State - our services, but, at the same time, we must also give what is due to God - our faith and love.

Message of the Prelate: PRAY!

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"Let us persevere in the “battle of prayer,” without neglecting or letting up in our effort, for any reason, in those conversations with our Father God; let us dialogue with Jesus, our elder Brother, who teaches us to draw close to his heavenly Father; let us give entrance in our soul to the Paraclete, who wants to enkindle our hearts with God’s love. And let us take as our intercessor the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God and our Mother, who is the teacher of prayer; and also go to St. Joseph, the angels and the saints, especially to St. Josemaria, who by his teaching and example has shown us how to be contemplatives in the middle of the world."

Bishop Javier Echevarria

Prelate of Opus Dei

Message for October 2011

Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

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49 years ago, on this same date - October 11, the Holy Spirit move and hover - always - the Roman Catholic Church and inspired Pope John XXIII to open the Second Vatican Council.

The purpose of this council, according to the Supreme Pontiff, is this: "that the sacred deposit of Christian doctrine should be guarded and taught more efficaciously. That doctrine embraces the whole of man, composed as he is of body and soul. And, since he is a pilgrim on this earth, it commands him totend always toward heaven."

Pope John XXIII envisions the Church to "become greater in spiritual riches and gaining the strength of newenergies therefrom, she will look to the future without fear," and he continues the ways of achieving it "by bringing herself up to date where required, and by the wise organization ofmutual co-operation, the Church will make men, families, and peoples really turn their minds to heavenly things."

On this 49th anniversary of Vatican II, let us pray more for the Church that the Lord may deliver her from her enemies and humble down her critiques. The Church will remain One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church if people, especially those who minister them, be faithful and obedient to our Holy Mother's teachings and precepts.

Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus Imperat!

The New Roman Missal at the Campus

2011-10-11T12:14:00.000+08:00

“You are indeedHoly, O Lord, the fountof all holiness.

Make holy,therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like thedewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Bloodof our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

These words of the Eucharistic Prayer II from the 3rdEdition of the Roman Missal were heard for the first time at Claret School ofQuezon City last October 7, 2011. Some were silent, others prayed, and teacherswere happy.

One Grade 7 teacher discussed one time with me regardingthe New Roman Missal. She said that she will teach her pupils ASAP. Wow! Thankyou, Madam! And take note, she got her Master’s at Ateneo de Manila University.

How can we welcome with joy the New Roman Missal?

What I’m doing right now at the Campus is to graduallyintroduce the parts of the priest. Gradual presentation is a way not to putinto shock the people.Then, little by little, when the students and pupils are ready (waiting for the go signal of the teachers) we will use little by little their people's responses. Patience is a virtue...

Second, I am coordinating with my Head and the CLESubject Coordinators. I already gave them a copy of the new Roman Missal. Ihope they’ll do their teaching right. Well, our spiritual director and Head of the CMO arewilling to conduct a seminar for CLE Teachers on the new Roman Missal. Courage is a key for change.

Lastly, teach our pupils and students fidelity and loveto the Church. The Church will never lead us to bad things… It will always giveus goodness because she is our Mother who loves us. I’m telling some of ourstudents and pupils, “read, pray, then make a reflection and ask God tomemorize and understand the answers.” Some of them already memorized theanswers, even the Latin! Love bears goodness and good children.

The Priest is important

Other than the teachers and students, priests are one of themain ingredients in welcoming the new Roman Missal.

The Priest who presided the Mass last Friday was sowelcoming! He welcomes the EPII of the 3rd Edition with joy and happiness andtold me that he will share it to others. Thank you, Father!

I am sure that some of our priests have the same attitudetoward the new Roman Missal. An attitude of “Hospitality.”

Filipino Hospitality and the New Roman Missal

Hospitality… The Filipino Way… is the best attitude wecan give in preparing, welcoming, and celebrating the New Roman Missal.

Filipinos give their best to welcome someone, even a stranger.But the new Roman Missal is not a stranger at all! So, we welcome the new RomanMissal giving the best we have, with joy – in a fiesta spirit, because he isnot only a visitor but a part of our family, the family of God!

The face of Mary

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Gaze on the face of the Woman who lived simply in Nazareth.

Gaze on the face of the Woman who look at her son.

Gaze on the face of the Woman who gave her son so that you may live.

Gaze on the face of the Woman that you may be inspired to live like her.

Gaze on the face of the Woman and let her embrace you tight with her Son.

O Woman, blessed are you! Blessed because you are the most beautiful,

the most humble, and the more dearest Lady I ever met in my life.

Amen.

A must-watch movie!

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Invitations

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October 2 History

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Today, October 2, is a day of two festive events for me and those who are involved in The Work:

First, today we remember our Guardian Angels. Saint Josemaria wrote: " Get into the habit of praying to the Guardian Angel of each person you are following up, to help them to be good and faithful and cheerful, so that when the time comes they will be able to receive the eternal embrace of Love from God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit and from the Blessed Virgin." (The Forge, 1012)

Memorize the "Angel of God?" I do! I love this prayer so much.. I know the Latin and English version! I pray it very often! Everytime I pray this, I am always reminded of Saint Josemaria's words: "Have confidence in your guardian Angel. Treat him as a lifelong friend — that is what he is — and he will render you a thousand services in the ordinary affairs of each day." (The Way, 562).

Then, at this same date, God called Saint Josemaria to found (in Spain, AD1928) Opus Dei, a way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment of the ordinary duties of a Christian.

From "Conversations" No. 24:

"Opus Dei aims to encourage people of every sector of society to desire holiness in the midst of the world. In other words, Opus Dei proposes to help ordinary citizens like yourself to lead a fully Christian life, without modifying their normal way of life, their daily work, their aspirations and ambitions."

"It intends to remind Christians of the wonderful words of Genesis: God created man to work. We try to imitate the example of Christ, who spent almost all his life on earth working as a carpenter in a small town. Work is one of the highest human values and the way in which men contribute to the progress of society. But even more, it is a way to holiness."

"Opus Dei is an international lay organisation to which a certain number of secular priests belong, although they are a small minority. Its members are people who live in the world and hold normal jobs. They do not join Opus Dei to give up their job. On the contrary, what they look for in the Work is the spiritual help they need to sanctify their ordinary work. Thus their work becomes a means to sanctify themselves and help others to do the same thing. They do not change their status. They continue being single, married, widowed or priests. What they try to do is serve God and their fellow men in their own state in life. Opus Dei is not interested in vows or promises. It asks its members to make an effort to practise human and Christian virtues, as children of God, despite the limitations and errors that are inevitable in human life."

CCS 8th Foundation Anniversary

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000+08:00

HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY, DEAR CONFRATERNITY OF CATHOLIC SAINTS!

We just had a solemn lauds and Eucharistic Celebration at the Oratory. Thank you to the people who attended and always support the mission of CCS!

"We thank the Confraternity of Catholic Saints of the Diocese of Cubao for its noble mission of making the saints known, promoting devotion to them, and even making relics of saints available for the faithful’s veneration. May your programs and activities inspire our people to live holy lives in imitation of the saints so that one day we, too, may enjoy with them the vision of seeing God face to face."

-Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop of Manila

October 2, 2011 - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Our life is like a puppet, God is the puppeteer. Every time the string is detached, God will tie it up again. The often it is detached, the more God will tie it up again and again and again until the puppet is held by the puppeteer.

Life is like that. The more we reject God in our life through sin the more we get more close to him.

How many times we rejected God? Was he angry? Was he disappointed? If yes, why are you still living, breathing, and existing?

Yes, we need to avoid sin most especially the sin of rejecting God. But as a Father, it is him who runs to us, catching us, and embracing us so that we will never get lost, far, and reject him. It is him who makes a way to let us feel how much he loves us.

God loves us so much! He sent Jesus, and he saved us. God loves us so much! Jesus gave us the sacraments as a sign of his love. God loves us so much! Everyday, he gives us another chance to return and be with him. God loves us so much! That is why we need to accept him, embrace him, and never let go of him. Without him our life is nothing like a puppet that cannot move with his puppeteer.

Pray to the Archangels!

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As a liturgist and a catechist, I am so deeply-devoted to these three Archangels. Each of them has a role for me.

Saint Michael, defender of God's people: I pray to him that I may also defend what is right and true about the liturgy and teachings of the Church. Though some people always had a mistake of who am I and what I am for liturgy, I always answer them: "I am liturgist of the Roman Catholic Church." I may not be a "Son of Vatican II" as what my mentors refer to some of my friends, I respect that. I am a Son of God, of Holy Mother Church, and of the Roman Rite. I pray to this Holy Archangel to help me defend the liturgy and Church teachings.

Saint Raphael, healer of God's people: When I first attended formation with The Work, I always heard them pray before and after a session, "Saint Raphael, pray for us." I wander, why Saint Raphael? said: "Commend yourself to the Archangel Raphael that he may keep you pure, as he did with Tobias, until the end."

I pray for holistic purity. He's the best intercessor for that, and I can prove it! Though he might be not that known well with young people, I always tell those who go to me for directions and advise to pray to Saint Raphael. Life is a journey towards God, and he will be interceding for us that our body and soul will remain pure in this wonderful journey.

Saint Gabriel, strength of God's people: Well, I admit, I am very weak! I am a sinner who loves Jesus.

Saint Gabriel's way of helping me is when I am weak because of sin, I pray to him that I may always tell and share what is right and true.

As a teacher, it is a must that you tell the truth. I always pray for that. Much more, I pray to him that I may remain Orthodox in my teachings to my students.

As a liturgist, the Word of God is so important and the liturgy is the venue of proclaiming it. I always pray that I may not only listen well but to live and practice what I preach.

May these three Archangels, serving God and his people, be our inspiration to be with the Master and Creator of all that is good.

*****
This afternoon, I had a chance to be with my club at school, Societas. I taught them about Angels and Demons (not the book of Dan Brown). To believe and trust in angels and to the reality of the devil are part of our Christian faith.

Some were afraid, others were so inspired to be holy and will pray to them.

I pray that all of us will always have that love and confidence with God's servants and messengers, the angels. They are our friend.

I cannot wait to celebrate October 2, the feast of our Guardian Angels, though it falls on a Sunday. But still, it is not wrong to remember them on that special day assigned by the Church.

Prayer Cards for Servers

2011-09-26T22:34:00.001+08:00

(click to enlarge)

Yes, there are prayer cards for Priests which consist of Vesting Prayers and Prayers Before and After Mass. Its purpose is to prepare the priest spiritually and to put him in disposition to perform his ministry well.

I prepared these prayer cards for the altar servers with the same intention of preparing our young lay ministers spiritually and to put them in disposition to perform their ministry well. The prayers, especially the before and after serving Mass, will speak of what I wish to point out.

For the record: These prayers can be used by other lay liturgical ministers.

Note: For those who would like to use the prayer cards, please give acknowledgment. Thanks!

September 25, 2011 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-24T11:34:00.000+08:00

Have you heard in the second reading? “Have in you the same attitude that is also inChrist Jesus!”

Be like Jesus, a brave man who is true to his words . If ‘yes’,yes! If ‘no’, no!

Answer these:

Do you love God?
Are you ready to follow Jesus?
Are you ready to change your life?
Will you accept Jesus as your God and our savior?
Do you love God?

Answer those questions with straight ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

Testimony: Saint Josemaria and my life

2011-09-23T22:03:00.002+08:00

I met Saint Josemaria when I was still in college.

I enjoyed living before in sin and worldly pleasures. For me, life is worth to be spent on earth... But there was something lacking in me. Something I want to discover. Someone who could help me be more joyful and happy in this world!

It happened that while praying at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, I found a table with a prayer card of a saint I do not know. “Saint Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei,” that was the first words I saw. I got one and just read and to my surprised there was a short biography. With those texts, I also found the website of the Opus Dei.

When I arrived home, I searched for the website, informations, and videos regarding this Saint Josemaria. The first time I watched, I was in tears... I don’t know why. Much more, people acclaim that he is a miraculous saint, so I dared to found it out by myself.

I prayed using the prayer card I got. I just told Saint Josemaria, “if you want to change me, send someone who could help me.”

A friend of mine, who shared to me his experiences with confession and spiritual direction, called me up one afternoon while I work in the office, where I served as a reliever of one staff who was on leave. He told me, “I want you to meet Fr. N.” Before I went to his office, I just told Saint Josemaria, “if you are serious with me, make sure that he lives with our city, he has a mobile number the same of my mobile line, and will say yes without any hesitations.”

Arriving at the office, my friend introduced me to that Opus Dei priest. I said my intentions, and to my surprise, all conditions I gave to Saint Josemaria met! “Is this a time for my change?”

It was November, I went to my first session of spiritual direction and confession to that Opus Dei priest, I shared my past, and told everything my secret of who I am.

His presence and smile, advice and spiritual care, and his concern with my spiritual life let me felt the love of God and the love of Saint Josemaria! As I listened to him, I feel I am listening to Saint Josemaria himself!

Much more, I now serve as a Theology Teacher. Saint Josemaria’s intercession made my crooked doctrinal mind straight because he taught us that our love for God must be seen in our love for the Church, fidelity to the Pope, and care for the souls.

I owe my spiritual life to Saint Josemaria! I owe my change to him! I thank God for giving us Saint Josemaria! Without him and the Opus Dei, I cannot imagine where I will be.

Saint Josemaria, thank you for your love! I pray to please always guide and teach me more to love others. Amen.

Am I happy and joyful? Yes, I am! Thanks to Saint Josemaria! Thanks to him that I found the cause of my joy, God! Thank you Saint Josemaria for loving me! Teach and help me to love others always!

(Complete text.)

26th National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy

2011-09-21T10:00:00.002+08:00

S t a t e m e n t

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

We, the delegates to the 26th National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy held in Boracay Island in Aklan from September 12-15, 2011 on the topic “The Sacrament of Holy Orders”, raise our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Chief Shepherd, for the gift of priesthood.

In the course of our meeting the following conclusions emerged, which we now share with our local Churches.

Priesthood defines the personal identity of a man who is ordained to the rank of presbyters. In the person of Christ and under the authority of the bishop, the priest exercises the functions of preaching, sanctifying especially through the Eucharist, and governing the portion of God’s flock entrusted to his pastoral care.
The stational liturgies or solemn liturgical celebrations presided by the local Ordinary preeminently manifest the nature of the Church and express the communion of the diocese. Great care should be taken to make them exemplars of the reformed liturgy of Vatican II, especially as regard active participation, noble simplicity and dignity, and reverence due to the sacred mysteries.
The Rite of Ordination of Priests expresses the identity and ministry of the priests. The ordination should be celebrated with joy, simplicity, and reverence and become occasions for priests to renew their fervor and commitment.
As proclaimers of the Word, presbyters are continually challenged by the words of the bishop: “Believe what you read, preach what you believe, practice what you preach.” As celebrants of the Eucharist they are so enjoined: “Know what you are doing and imitate the mystery you celebrate.”
As ministers of the sacrament of reconciliation, priests should exercise prudence and discretion and dialogue gently with the penitents so that they will be edified by the priests’ human and Christian qualities.

As we thank God for providing the Church with worthy ordained ministers, we commit ourselves to support them with our devoted service to liturgical renewal in our respective dioceses and parishes and to pray unceasingly that the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers into his vineyard.

For the manifold blessings we have received during these days of our meeting we thank His Excellency Jose Corazon Tala-oc, D.D., Bishop of Kalibo, for hosting it with generous heart.

That in all things God may be glorified.

Bibliotheca Sapientia

2011-09-17T23:18:00.000+08:00

After some years of buying and receiving books, within my shelves are about 500+ collections from doctrinal, moral, and more on the liturgical and spiritual genre.

I decided to fix things out and will dedicate my bibliotheca (library) to Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom.

September 18, 2011- 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-16T20:51:00.003+08:00

Saint Ignatius of Loyola made a beautiful prayer, "Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as I should. To give and not to count the cost."

The gospel for this Sunday shows how God is generous to us, because he loves us so much. The question now is: How generous are we to him?

God gives what we need for everyday. Do we thank him? Do we remember to say, "Thank you!"

Well, action speaks louder than words. To live faithfully and following God's will for our life is a way of gratitude and being generous in return to him. We do not need to give a priceless diamond or material gift, he wants to hear our sweet words, "Lord, thank you, allow me to return your generosity by loving you through serving and loving others."

Yes, God does not need our praise and thanksgiving, because it does not add on to his greatness. Rather, it is us who will benefit on our act of generosity and gratitude. God gives, but the more we acknowledge him the more he will be generous to us.

Thanks be to God!

September 11, 2011 - 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-09T19:56:00.006+08:00

I, for one, am an addict of the game 'Angry Birds.' I enjoy playing this virtual game to lessen stress and for fun.

But today's gospel, the Lord teaches us that a person who is in anger cannot grow in holiness.

It will be better for us to receive and be happy in the Holy Spirit, the one who descends like a dove - a 'bird - than angry birds, who's agenda is to get revenge from those who took their eggs.

Sin takes away holiness and goodness of a person. We must hate sin, be angry with it, and try to avoid the near occasions of committing it. It is through the real 'Bird', the Holy Spirit, that we will triumph over sin, especially the sin of anger.

Anger will not help us lessen stress... It will worsen a person into sin.

What can anger do to us? It does not reflect who God is - all good, kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness. Let us remember that we are made in his own image and likeness, therefore we must imitate God!

Embrace the Holy Spirit. Pray to the Holy Spirit. Love the 'Bird', the Holy Spirit, so that we will remain always as a reflection of God.

Pope Benedict, Teacher of Faith, speaks...

2011-09-09T19:42:00.004+08:00

Excerpt from Pope Benedict's message to the Indian Bishops of Latin rite during their Ad Limina Apostolorum at Castel Gandolfo.

In helping the spiritual, intellectual and moral faculties of their students to mature, Catholic schools should continue to develop a capacity for sound judgment and introduce them to the heritage bequeathed to them by former generations, thus fostering a sense of values and preparing their pupils for a happy and productive life (cf. Gravissimum Educationis, 5). I encourage you to continue to pay close attention to the quality of instruction in the schools present in your Dioceses, to ensure that they be genuinely Catholic and therefore capable of passing on those truths and values necessary for the salvation of souls and the up-building of society.

Of course, Catholic schools are not the only means by which the Church seeks to instruct and to edify her people in intellectual and moral truth. As you know, all of the Church’s activities are meant to glorify God and fill his people with the truth that sets us free (cf. Jn 8:32). This saving truth, at the heart of the deposit of faith, must remain the foundation of all the Church’s endeavours, proposed to others always with respect but also without compromise. The capacity to present the truth gently but firmly is a gift to be nurtured especially among those who teach in Catholic institutes of higher education and those who are charged with the ecclesial task of educating seminarians, religious or the lay faithful, whether in theology, catechetical studies or Christian spirituality. Those who teach in the name of the Church have a particular obligation faithfully to hand on the riches of the tradition, in accordance with the Magisterium and in a way that responds to the needs of today, while students have the right to receive the fullness of the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Church.

Encourage those involved in education, whether priests, religious or laity, to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead. Enable them to reach out to their neighbours that, by their word and example, they may more effectively proclaim Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf. Jn 14:6).

In this regard, my Brother Bishops, I know that you are aware of the many factors which inhibit spiritual and vocational growth, particularly among young people. Yet we know that it is Jesus Christ alone who responds to our deepest longings, and who gives true meaning to our lives. Only in him can our hearts truly find rest. Continue, therefore, to speak to young people and to encourage them to consider seriously the consecrated or priestly life; speak with parents about their indispensible role in encouraging and supporting such vocations; and lead your people in prayer to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send many more labourers into this harvest (cf. Mt 9:38).

Though these words was addressed to India, the universality of the teaching office of the pope applies to all, especially in the Philippines were there are numbers of Catholic Schools, Colleges, Universities and Institutions of Formation.

On a personal note: The pope has an extreme concern with the education in faith, morals, and worship of the faithful. All teachers are called to be extreme orthodox in teaching Christian Living or Theology, a way for security of the deposit of faith which we pour out to our students.

Here in the Philippines, there are already reports of teachers who are progressive and liberal, in the sense that their personal reflection and understanding precede the teachings of the Church.

I am a promoter of a move by CBCP or the local Ordinary that all teachers, professors, and catechists who teach the faith in behalf of the Church must go on a competent school of further studies in Theology or any Ecclesiastical courses. Much more, a profession of faith and oath of fidelity must be made (which I did) to ensure that these people, including me, only teach what is Catholic.

Moreover, movements that promote Church's orthodoxy must be organized so that students, of any level of education, may have a continuous means of formation in faith, worship, and morals (a holistic approach).

September 8, 2011 - Nativity of Our Lady

2011-09-07T20:05:00.003+08:00

Pope Benedict loves Teachers!

2011-09-04T06:40:00.003+08:00

September is the Catechetical Month, a month dedicated to catechesis and catechist. It is our month!

With Pope Benedict's intention for this month, it is a double blessing for all who co-teaches the faith to the children, I always use "co-teachers" because the first teachers of faith are the Bishops.

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for September is: “That all teachers may know how to communicate love of the truth and instill authentic moral and spiritual values.”

AUTHENTIC. What a word! It could also be interpreted as Orthodox or Faithful to what the Church teaches.

As Religion/CLE/Theology teachers/professors/catechists, we must only echo what the Church teaches about faith, morals, and worship NOT INTERPRET it. This is a tough fight for the few orthodox teachers especially that today unorthodox co-teachers of faith are in Catholic Schools and Universities here in the Philippines and abroad!

Let's pray harder!

September 4, 2011 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

2011-09-03T09:59:00.003+08:00

"Amen, I say to you,
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

These past two days I gave a recollection to Grade 6 pupils in the school where I am working. The first activity of the day is the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 20mins. before, I will prepare them and will help examine their conscience.

One kid raised his hands and asked me, "Will God forgive all the sins I committed?" With confidence I answered: "Yes!" Giving the question back to the pupils, "Why do God forgive our sins in this sacrament?" They answered, "Because he loves us so much!" They got it right.

The love and mercy of God cannot be measured by human love and reason. His love and mercy is continuously flowing in the Church's sacrament - the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Want to feel God's mercy and love? Go to Confession, now!

Everytime we confess our sins, how come we feel that we are not alone? Because the Church, the people of God, is with us always! Because everytime we celebrate the Sacrament, Christ is with us! Embracing us! Loving us! He said: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Want to feel God's mercy and love? Go to Confession, now! Christ is waiting for you!

On Saint Joseph

2011-09-02T22:54:00.005+08:00

Saint Joseph, father of our Lord Jesus and lord of the household, is sometimes forsaken by Catholics.

This morning, I had an issue with a priest because he saw the term "father and lord" in one of the Traditional prayers of the Roman Catholic Church. Though he has a point that "only God is our Father, and Jesus is our Lord," Tradition was sacrificed with his belief.

Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Josemaria Escriva always refer our beloved Saint Joseph as "father and lord" (take note of the small "f" and "l"). Saint Josemaria made a prayer:

Saint Joseph, our Father and Lord: most chaste, most pure. You were found worthy to carry the Child Jesus in your arms, to wash him, to hug him. Teach us to get to know God, and to be pure, worthy of being other Christs.
And help us to do and to teach, as Christ did. Help us to open up the divine paths of the earth, which are both hidden and bright; and help us to show them to mankind, telling our fellow men that their lives on earth can have an extraordinary and constant supernatural effectiveness.(The Forge, 553)

An ancient prayer, the Formula before and after Mental prayer, referred to the earthly father of Jesus: "Saint Joseph my father and lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me."

The priest who apprehended me for using such prayer for the kids told me: "You will confuse them." Ok, so if confusion persists, catechize them in to the true and orthodox teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

We defend and believe that God is Our Father and Jesus is the Lord! But Joseph, we call him father - because Jesus, his son, is our brother, and lord - because he is the "lord", "head" of the household of the Holy Family. Gets?

What more with so many titles that Blessed John Henry Newmann gave to Saint Joseph? I am sure that the priest will be more confused than the kids. Kids are easily to be taught. As what the old saying says: "It's hard to teach old dogs new tricks."

How I wish that Saint Joseph be honored right and just. He is not an ordinary saint. He is extraordinary because of what he did for Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. He deserves proper honor in our faith, prayer, and spirituality.

With respect to that priest, I deleted at once the statement. But the next time, I will be more obedient to the Church, and to her Traditions.

Art and Faith

2011-09-01T19:26:00.003+08:00

The "lover of true Art", Pope Benedict XVI, gave a wonderful message during his weekly audience at Castel Gandolfo.

What is real art for the pope?

"A work of art is the fruit of the creative capacity of the human person who stands in wonder before the visible reality, who seeks to discover the depths of its meaning and to communicate it through the language of forms, colors and sounds. Art is capable of expressing, and of making visible, man's need to go beyond what he sees; it reveals his thirst and his search for the infinite. Indeed, it is like a door opened to the infinite, [opened] to a beauty and a truth beyond the every day. And a work of art can open the eyes of the mind and heart, urging us upward."

How does art helps in enriching prayer and our spirituality?

"But how many times, paintings or frescos also, which are the fruit of the artist's faith -- in their forms, in their colors, and in their light -- move us to turn our thoughts to God, and increase our desire to draw from the Fount of all beauty."

"They are a help [to us] in growing in our relationship with Him in prayer. We are referring to works of art that are born of faith, and that express the faith.

A call from the Holy Father, especially for artists and art lovers like him:

"Let us hope that the Lord will help us to contemplate His beauty, both in nature as well as in works of art, so that we might be touched by the light of His face, and so also be light for our neighbor."

Positive Feedback for the New Roman Missal!

2011-08-31T17:58:00.006+08:00

Mons. Andrew Wadsworth, executive director of the Secretariat of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, gave a wonderful report on the new English translation of the Roman Missal.

The new translation of the Order of Mass is already in use in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Full implementation of the translation has generally been set for the first Sunday of Advent - except for the Philippines that will implement the new Roman Missal on Advent 2012.

According to Mons. Wadsworth, "Generally the feedback has been very positive. People find the elegance of the language, its dignity, the sort of cadence of the language -- which particularly lends itself to the sung parts of the liturgy -- they find all of that to be a great improvement."

For us in the Philippines, the Vacatio Legis starts after Rome gave us the acknowledgment of implementation last February 22, 2011.

What to do now?
"It's right that we prepare for this by catechesis," Mons. Wadsworth said, "and it's right that we revisit things that are perhaps very familiar to us to try to deepen our knowledge and understanding of them."

I am very happy that my copy of the new Roman Missal in English (I already have the Latin) will arrive this coming October 2011! Yeheyyy!!! But don't worry, a local print will be provided by the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Liturgy - and it's cheap! ;)

Lecture on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

2011-08-30T14:06:00.002+08:00

(please click to enlarge the invitation)

A must attendance for Basic and Advance LIFE Module Students, with a fee of P100.00
For Diocesan Servers of Cubao and others, a donation is encouraged to support the LIFE Program.
For more information and reservation for non-LIFE students, please e-mail LIFE at basilthegreat08@gmail.com or join our group at Facebook.

"Thank you, dear priests." (Homily of Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, August 29, 2011)

2011-08-30T09:50:00.000+08:00

Homily of His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., during the thanksgiving Mass for the 8th Anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the Diocese of Cubao, Installation of the first local Ordinary, and public announcement of new assignments of the clergy of Cubao.

When we first decided on this day, August 29, 2011, as the day for the public announcement of the new assignment, we were all amused when one of the priests said that this day is the memorial of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The amusement seemed to be over the fact that a new assignment was sort of like an execution: “parang pupugutan ng ulo.” Despite the jokes, I think that this feast is a very appropriate time to talk about new assignments.

A few months ago, we had Bishop Ambo David, auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, as our guest in our monthly clergy formation. He gave a commentary on the story of the execution of St. John the Baptist. He said that this was not just the story of the Baptist’s martyrdom. It was not just about John the Baptist being decapitated. It was also about the Johannine community losing John the Baptist as the head of their community. “When (John’s) disciples heard about (the execution of John), they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.” Afterwards, they went to Jesus. Here the words of the Baptist came to be fulfilled: “He must increase; I must decrease.” By his martyrdom, St. John the Baptist delivers his community to Jesus. From this day forth, Jesus will be the head of the community. “He is the head of his body, the Church,” St. Paul would later on teach in his rich theology on the Mystical Body.

In this light we look at the new assignment of our parish priests in the diocese. For many of you, the past six years have been the occasion to forge friendships with your respective parish priests. You benefited from their preaching and guidance. You were blessed by the sacraments they celebrated. But now, your parish priests have to move on to new assignments. You yourselves will have to welcome new pastors. The attachment to the persons of our parish priests might hinder us from recognizing the fact that the Lord Jesus is the head of the Church. The parish is not the parish priest’s flock. Rather, it is part of the flock of Christ. We priests care for our respective parishes without owning them. “God’s flock is in your midst. Give it a shepherd’s care. Watch over it as God would have you do,” said St. Peter.

John the Baptist did not lose his head. He willingly gave it up for the Lord. I find it significant that this is what the promise of obedience really is. When you, my dear priests, were ordained, you made a promise of obedience to your ordinary. You willingly surrendered your individual plans, your dreams, your independence. You are submitting everything that should transform you into self-made men to the will of your bishop. You have so opted to find your self-fulfillment not in your own will but in the will of Christ as expressed in your bishop’s will. Like John the Baptist, you are not losing your head. You, in a sense, gave it up so that you might have the mind of Christ. The promise of obedience might sound good in theology but it is in moments like a transfer of assignments that the promise is put to the test. Understanding our human inclination to hold on to what we have been accustomed to, the exercise of obedience to your bishop is a real experience of self-denial. It is a true martyrdom, an authentic witness to Christ whose food is to do the will of the One who sent him.

And on this second transfer, I am humbled as your bishop by your heroic obedience, my dear priests. I was truly edified by the assurance of your obedience: “I want to glorify God,” so you said. A bishop could not ask for more. Thank you, dear priests. Thank you for your availability. Thank you so much. I am honored by the fact that I am bishop to priests who truly have the mind of Christ.

John the Baptist glorified Christ with his martyrdom. Let us glorify him with the witness of our obedience. In this way, we live out the true identity of the priest as alter Christus – the Christ who glorified the Father by saying: “Not my will but your will be done!”

(courtesy of Rev. Fr. Michell Joe B. Zerrudo)

Female Altar Servers for the Pope

2011-08-27T17:40:00.009+08:00

That's a nice news . The Vatican approved that some female altar servers will serve Our Holy Father on his visit to Germany on September 24-25.[1] The Vatican’s act is an expression of the Pope's fidelity to Vatican II's agenda for liturgical renewal.

On a personal note: This is a onetime event only. This is a special permission. It is customary that no female serves are used at papal liturgies in the Vatican. I still prefer male altar servers to keep Tradition, though female altar servers..., for a grave pastoral consideration, fine for me.

We all know that since the Tridentine Era, even earlier, the ministry of serving at the altar is reserved for boys. This is a way to plant and develop vocation to the priesthood.

With Vatican II's liturgical renewal, supported by Ministeria Quaedam and other liturgical documents for the lay liturgical ministries, some liturgical ministries can be shared to female. The very reason for permission of both genders to liturgical ministry is the baptismal priesthood.

“Baptism is the primary foundation which allows and requires any Christian to participate in the Church. By Baptism, every Christian shares in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. They are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light."All Christians are able to participate in liturgical celebrations because they are members of the Mystical Body of Christ, who is the eternal High Priest. It is also because they have received the Spirit in Baptism and perfected in Confirmation that they possess gifts which they use to serve the Christian community.”[2]

The Vatican's 'go signal' that female altar servers to serve for the Pope's Mass, hopefully, will serve as motivation for lay people to offer their service to the Christian community as their right and duty by undertaking certain ministerial roles in the liturgy according to their gifts and abilities.[3]

[1] http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/08/26/female-servers-for-the-pope/

[2] J. Velasco, Manifestations of Lay Liturgical Ministry in the Parish, http://sacredliturgy.blogspot.com/2007/07/manifestations-of-lay-liturgical.html. May 10, 2011

[3] D. Dela Cruz, Thesis Statement for Lay Liturgical Ministry, San Beda College Manila 2011.