Isang napakalaking tagumpay ang naganap na Parish Christmas Party kagabi December 29, 2008 sa parking area ng parokya. Sa nasabing pagtitipon ay muling ipinakita ng halos lahat ng mga samahang pansimbahan ang kani-kanilang mga talento sa larangan ng musika, sayaw at maging sa pag-arte para bigyan kasiyahan ang lahat. Kabilang sa mga naging tampok na palabas ng gabing iyon ay ang pagsasayaw ng mga miyembro ng Lectors & Commentators Ministry (LCM), Mother Butler at LCM mula sa Resurrecion Chapel-Tulay Bato at ang “comedy skit” ng mga kabataang miyembro ng Lingkod ng Dambana. Katulad ng mga nakagawiang pagsasama-sama ay nagkaroon din ng pagsasalo na tinampukan ng mga pagkaing inihanda ng bawat grupo.
Sa espesyal na mensahe mula sa ating Kura Paroko, Rev. Fr. Toochy Ubarco, ay kanyang binigyang diin ang kahalagahan ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya ng parokya upang higit pang magkaroon ng matibay at matiwasay na pagsasamahan tungo sa isang mas epektibong paglilingkod. Ang lahat ay umuwi ng may kanya-kanyang alaala ng ngiti at galak dulot ng kasiyahang naihatid ng nasabing pagtitipon na higit pa sa mga material na premyong ipinamahagi ng gabing iyon.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
“Jesus is still looking for shelter”
Jesus was born in a cave in Bethlehem because, Sacred Scripture tells us, ``there was no room for them in the inn.'' I am not departing from theological truth when I say that Jesus is still looking for shelter in your heart. (The Forge, 274)
I am not at all stretching the truth when I tell you that Jesus is still looking for a resting‑place in our heart. We have to ask him to forgive our personal blindness and ingratitude. We must ask him to give us the grace never to close the door of our soul on him again.
Our Lord does not disguise the fact that his wholehearted obedience to God’s will calls for renunciation and self‑sacrifice. Love does not claim rights, it seeks to serve. Jesus has led the way. How did he obey? “Unto death, death on a cross” [1]. You have to get out of yourself; you have to complicate your life, losing it for love of God and souls. “So you wanted to live a quiet life. But God wanted otherwise. Two wills exist: your will should be corrected to become identified with God’s will: you must not bend God’s will to suit yours” [2].
It has made me very happy to see so many souls spend their lives — like you, Lord, “even unto death” — fulfilling what God was asking of them. They have dedicated all their yearnings and their professional work to the service of the Church, for the good of all men.
Let us learn to obey, let us learn to serve. There is no better leadership than wanting to give yourself freely, to be useful to others. When we feel pride swell up within us, making us think we are supermen, the time has come to say “no”. Our only triumph will be the triumph of humility. In this way we will identify ourselves with Christ on the cross — not unwillingly or restlessly or sullenly, but joyfully. For the joy which comes from forgetting ourselves is the best proof of love. (Christ is passing by, 19)
[1] Phil 2:8 usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis
[2] St Augustine, Enarrationes in psalmos, Ps 31:2, 26 (PL 36,274) [Top]
http://www.opusdei.ph/art.php?p=19281
I am not at all stretching the truth when I tell you that Jesus is still looking for a resting‑place in our heart. We have to ask him to forgive our personal blindness and ingratitude. We must ask him to give us the grace never to close the door of our soul on him again.
Our Lord does not disguise the fact that his wholehearted obedience to God’s will calls for renunciation and self‑sacrifice. Love does not claim rights, it seeks to serve. Jesus has led the way. How did he obey? “Unto death, death on a cross” [1]. You have to get out of yourself; you have to complicate your life, losing it for love of God and souls. “So you wanted to live a quiet life. But God wanted otherwise. Two wills exist: your will should be corrected to become identified with God’s will: you must not bend God’s will to suit yours” [2].
It has made me very happy to see so many souls spend their lives — like you, Lord, “even unto death” — fulfilling what God was asking of them. They have dedicated all their yearnings and their professional work to the service of the Church, for the good of all men.
Let us learn to obey, let us learn to serve. There is no better leadership than wanting to give yourself freely, to be useful to others. When we feel pride swell up within us, making us think we are supermen, the time has come to say “no”. Our only triumph will be the triumph of humility. In this way we will identify ourselves with Christ on the cross — not unwillingly or restlessly or sullenly, but joyfully. For the joy which comes from forgetting ourselves is the best proof of love. (Christ is passing by, 19)
[1] Phil 2:8 usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis
[2] St Augustine, Enarrationes in psalmos, Ps 31:2, 26 (PL 36,274) [Top]
http://www.opusdei.ph/art.php?p=19281
Feature Group of the Week: EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE HOLY COMMUNION
Service to God, our life commitment
Ministering the Holy Eucharist, our very existence
Humility and obedience, our working virtues
Christ-centered, our source of strength…
The Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion (EMHC) was founded on 1986 through the initiatives then of former Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jack Diaz and their basic responsibility is to assist the Clergy in administering Holy Communion to the faithful during masses and in special cases, to the sick, disabled and elderly in their homes.
The first appointed Lay Eucharistic Ministers were Bro. Mario Calatin and the late Bro. Dadoy Dela Rosa and Jojo Mangalile.
Vision:
A community of men where spirituality is a way of life, dedicated to the service of the Holy Eucharist…
Whose every member is mindful and respectful of one’s dignity, build on each other’s strength to achieve shared goals in unity of efforts that satisfies the parishioners with dedicated quality service of helping the clergy to distribute the Holy Communion; and
Whose members are persons of piety, dignity, good moral character, humble, obedient, and humane in his chosen ministry.
Mission:
To create a community of pious members, who are committed to serve as Ministers of the Holy Communion.
Objectives:
To be able to provide a truly responsible, committed and spiritually dedicated service to the Holy Eucharist.
Activities:
• Regular meetings every 2nd Friday of the month
• Regular formation program
• Annual Retreat
• Annual Participation to Diocesan formation programs
• Participation in various parish pastoral activities
Ministering the Holy Eucharist, our very existence
Humility and obedience, our working virtues
Christ-centered, our source of strength…
The Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion (EMHC) was founded on 1986 through the initiatives then of former Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jack Diaz and their basic responsibility is to assist the Clergy in administering Holy Communion to the faithful during masses and in special cases, to the sick, disabled and elderly in their homes.
The first appointed Lay Eucharistic Ministers were Bro. Mario Calatin and the late Bro. Dadoy Dela Rosa and Jojo Mangalile.
Vision:
A community of men where spirituality is a way of life, dedicated to the service of the Holy Eucharist…
Whose every member is mindful and respectful of one’s dignity, build on each other’s strength to achieve shared goals in unity of efforts that satisfies the parishioners with dedicated quality service of helping the clergy to distribute the Holy Communion; and
Whose members are persons of piety, dignity, good moral character, humble, obedient, and humane in his chosen ministry.
Mission:
To create a community of pious members, who are committed to serve as Ministers of the Holy Communion.
Objectives:
To be able to provide a truly responsible, committed and spiritually dedicated service to the Holy Eucharist.
Activities:
• Regular meetings every 2nd Friday of the month
• Regular formation program
• Annual Retreat
• Annual Participation to Diocesan formation programs
• Participation in various parish pastoral activities
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Fourth Week of Advent
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today we light again the candles of hope, love, and joy, and the fourth PURPLE candle, the candle of peace. Christ is the Prince of peace, come to reconcile us with God and others. Christ helps us to see that peace is possible.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today we light again the candles of hope, love, and joy, and the fourth PURPLE candle, the candle of peace. Christ is the Prince of peace, come to reconcile us with God and others. Christ helps us to see that peace is possible.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Feature Group of the Week: Parish Youth Commission
PARISH YOUTH COMMISSION
The commission aims to provide the formation and organization of the youth to realize their potential, elicit their participation in Church activities, and to prepare them as future parish leaders. It also aspires to mobilize the youth as instruments of evangelization among their fellow youth and other people. The Ministry also implements programs that foster enthusiasm and goodwill among the youth that will address their special needs.
National Youth Day-December 16, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Feature Group of the Week: Lingkod Ng Dambana
The Celebration Ministry’s main apostolate is to provide for orderly, animated and meaningful liturgical celebrations, especially, of the Eucharist and the sacraments, and other para-liturgical activities in the parish center and in the different Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) zone and pastoral areas: to promote the growth and deepen the commitment of the different liturgical ministries and organizations meant to enhance worship life; to promote devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, or particularly to the person of the parish.
LINGKOD NG DAMBANA
“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
– John 12: 26
The Lingkod ng Dambana is a group of young male servers assisting in the parish liturgical celebrations. Its main goal is to encourage young boys and men to become worthy guards of honor to the Eucharistic King and enkindle greater piety and devotion to Christ through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
LINGKOD NG DAMBANA
“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
– John 12: 26
The Lingkod ng Dambana is a group of young male servers assisting in the parish liturgical celebrations. Its main goal is to encourage young boys and men to become worthy guards of honor to the Eucharistic King and enkindle greater piety and devotion to Christ through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion
Mary Immaculate
“You are all-beautiful, my beloved,
and there is no blemish in you.”
(Song of Songs 4:7)
Mary was conceived without original sin. This is the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
But did not Paul say that “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)? Yes, but this is precisely what shows how special Mary is. She is the only human being after the fall who was the one exception.
Mary would bear the Son of God, and God is perfectly holy. It could not be that an imperfect vessel would bear a perfect God. So according to God’s eternal plan, God did not allow Mary to be conceived with any stain of sin.
God wants those that He intends to use to be clean and pure instruments. Such purity was to be from the time of their conception.
Manoah’s wife, who would give birth to Samson, was told “to be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean.” (Jgs 13:4). This was because Samson was “to be consecrated to God from the womb” and would “begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines” (Jgs 13:5).
Jeremiah, one of the great prophets of Israel, was told by God: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jer 1:5).
Zechariah was told by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son. John the Baptist became the precursor of Christ. Zechariah was told that John would “be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” (Lk 1:15-16).
Being a deliverer of Israel, a prophet to the nations, a restorer of Israel’s children to the Lordall these were mighty works of God, for which He raised pure instruments.
But Mary was the greatest instrument of all according to God’s plan. She would be the mother of the Savior, the mother of God Himself. As such, she needed to be a perfectly pure instrument.
But others would still insist that what the Bible says is perfectly true, that “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23a). The only exception is Jesus, “who did not know sin” (2 Cor 5:21). As such, then Mary was subject to original sin as well. Let us follow this trend of thought.
All of us indeed have sinned. We are born with original sin, the sin of our first parents. But through the blood shed for us by Jesus on the cross, our sin has been expiated. We “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed” (Rom 3:24-25). We have sinned, but in and through Jesus we are cleansed, if we accept his saving death on the cross by faith.
Now God is not governed by time and space. God transcends time and space. So what God did was to extend to Mary his grace of expiation from sin, won on the cross, but applied backward to the time of Mary’s conception. Thus Mary, like everyone else, was redeemed by the blood of Jesus, but rather than being freed from sin already incurred, she was preserved from original sin.
Can God do that? Of course He can! There is nothing impossible for God! (Lk 1:37).
Indeed notice that with her Magnificat, Mary says her spirit rejoices in God her savior (Lk 1:47). She did not say she will rejoice, but that she already rejoices. But Jesus the Savior was still to be born, and still had to go to the cross to win salvation for all. Thus for Mary, Jesus had already saved her, even before he physically went to the cross. The prophecy of Isaiah rightfully applies to her: “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, ….. like a bride bedecked with her jewels.” (Is 61:10).
So Mary was conceived without sin.
We also need to see the Immaculate Conception in view of salvation history. When our first parents sinned, there was the first promise of a Redeemer. The Lord God told the devil that there would be enmity between him and the woman and between their offsprings, and that the offspring of the woman would strike him a mortal blow (Gen 3:15). It is a fight between the woman and the serpent. Now the woman is Mary, and so it is a fight between Mary and the devil. If the woman had original sin, then she would be subject to the power of the devil and would not be able to defeat him. So she needed to be free from sin.
And so in the fullness of time, God brought Mary into the world, and then revealed to her His plan. The angel Gabriel addressed her with the words “Hail, favored one!” (Lk 1:28). Another way to put the greeting is “Hail, fully graced.” Mary was full of grace! One who is fully graced cannot have the stain of sin.
And of course, God intended for Mary to bear His own Son. She was to become the mother of God. As the mother of the Holy One, she had to be unstained.
Consider also that there were other humans not covered by Paul’s assertion that all had sinned. These were Adam and Eve. They were born unstained, created in the image and likeness of God Himself (Gen 1:27). When God looked at what He had created, He “found it very good” (Gen 1:31). God being Who He is, what He creates is perfect. God cannot create something in His image and likeness that is stained in some way.
So Adam and Eve started out with no sin, because there was no sin as yet in the world. Now Mary is the new Eve. If Eve was created sinless, then how much more Mary who would become the mother of God?
And so Mary was conceived without sin. It was not that she had original sin and was freed from it, but rather that God preserved her from original sin, from the very beginning. She was still redeemed by Jesus, but in God’s mysterious ways, experienced this redemption from sin even before the actual physical event of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross.
For reflection
1. We are all proud of our mothers and think they are the best moms in the world. Think about how your mom has been a blessing to you. Thank God for her.
2. Think about your Mother Mary, who was pure and immaculate and full of grace. How proud of her are you?
(Taken from the forthcoming new book of Frank Padilla entitled “40 More Days with Mary”)
“You are all-beautiful, my beloved,
and there is no blemish in you.”
(Song of Songs 4:7)
Mary was conceived without original sin. This is the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
But did not Paul say that “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)? Yes, but this is precisely what shows how special Mary is. She is the only human being after the fall who was the one exception.
Mary would bear the Son of God, and God is perfectly holy. It could not be that an imperfect vessel would bear a perfect God. So according to God’s eternal plan, God did not allow Mary to be conceived with any stain of sin.
God wants those that He intends to use to be clean and pure instruments. Such purity was to be from the time of their conception.
Manoah’s wife, who would give birth to Samson, was told “to be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean.” (Jgs 13:4). This was because Samson was “to be consecrated to God from the womb” and would “begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines” (Jgs 13:5).
Jeremiah, one of the great prophets of Israel, was told by God: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jer 1:5).
Zechariah was told by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son. John the Baptist became the precursor of Christ. Zechariah was told that John would “be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” (Lk 1:15-16).
Being a deliverer of Israel, a prophet to the nations, a restorer of Israel’s children to the Lordall these were mighty works of God, for which He raised pure instruments.
But Mary was the greatest instrument of all according to God’s plan. She would be the mother of the Savior, the mother of God Himself. As such, she needed to be a perfectly pure instrument.
But others would still insist that what the Bible says is perfectly true, that “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23a). The only exception is Jesus, “who did not know sin” (2 Cor 5:21). As such, then Mary was subject to original sin as well. Let us follow this trend of thought.
All of us indeed have sinned. We are born with original sin, the sin of our first parents. But through the blood shed for us by Jesus on the cross, our sin has been expiated. We “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed” (Rom 3:24-25). We have sinned, but in and through Jesus we are cleansed, if we accept his saving death on the cross by faith.
Now God is not governed by time and space. God transcends time and space. So what God did was to extend to Mary his grace of expiation from sin, won on the cross, but applied backward to the time of Mary’s conception. Thus Mary, like everyone else, was redeemed by the blood of Jesus, but rather than being freed from sin already incurred, she was preserved from original sin.
Can God do that? Of course He can! There is nothing impossible for God! (Lk 1:37).
Indeed notice that with her Magnificat, Mary says her spirit rejoices in God her savior (Lk 1:47). She did not say she will rejoice, but that she already rejoices. But Jesus the Savior was still to be born, and still had to go to the cross to win salvation for all. Thus for Mary, Jesus had already saved her, even before he physically went to the cross. The prophecy of Isaiah rightfully applies to her: “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, ….. like a bride bedecked with her jewels.” (Is 61:10).
So Mary was conceived without sin.
We also need to see the Immaculate Conception in view of salvation history. When our first parents sinned, there was the first promise of a Redeemer. The Lord God told the devil that there would be enmity between him and the woman and between their offsprings, and that the offspring of the woman would strike him a mortal blow (Gen 3:15). It is a fight between the woman and the serpent. Now the woman is Mary, and so it is a fight between Mary and the devil. If the woman had original sin, then she would be subject to the power of the devil and would not be able to defeat him. So she needed to be free from sin.
And so in the fullness of time, God brought Mary into the world, and then revealed to her His plan. The angel Gabriel addressed her with the words “Hail, favored one!” (Lk 1:28). Another way to put the greeting is “Hail, fully graced.” Mary was full of grace! One who is fully graced cannot have the stain of sin.
And of course, God intended for Mary to bear His own Son. She was to become the mother of God. As the mother of the Holy One, she had to be unstained.
Consider also that there were other humans not covered by Paul’s assertion that all had sinned. These were Adam and Eve. They were born unstained, created in the image and likeness of God Himself (Gen 1:27). When God looked at what He had created, He “found it very good” (Gen 1:31). God being Who He is, what He creates is perfect. God cannot create something in His image and likeness that is stained in some way.
So Adam and Eve started out with no sin, because there was no sin as yet in the world. Now Mary is the new Eve. If Eve was created sinless, then how much more Mary who would become the mother of God?
And so Mary was conceived without sin. It was not that she had original sin and was freed from it, but rather that God preserved her from original sin, from the very beginning. She was still redeemed by Jesus, but in God’s mysterious ways, experienced this redemption from sin even before the actual physical event of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross.
For reflection
1. We are all proud of our mothers and think they are the best moms in the world. Think about how your mom has been a blessing to you. Thank God for her.
2. Think about your Mother Mary, who was pure and immaculate and full of grace. How proud of her are you?
(Taken from the forthcoming new book of Frank Padilla entitled “40 More Days with Mary”)
Friday, November 28, 2008
LUMANG LARUAN BAGONG SAYA 2008
The Ushers & Collectors Ministry (UCM) of the Parish thru its social action arm, The Bread of St. Anthony, will be having a gift giving project this Christmas season for the less fortunate children of the Parish entitled “Lumang Laruan Bagong Ngiti”. The said undertaking is one of the annual community outreach projects to be adapted by the group starting this year for our less fortunate parishioners this Christmas Season.
The project is actually in line with the tradition of the Angel Basket Program that was developed by the undersigned along with the pioneer members of Michaelian’s Business Management Society (MBMS) of St. Michael’s College ten (10) years ago. Last November 22, 2008, the group started to solicit old toys and will lasts until December 22, 2008 in time for the actual gift giving on December 24, 2008 to coincide also with the Pamasko Sa Kaparokya 2008 Project of the Parish.
Everyone is welcome to join us for the said project and be one of our official apostolate partner and let us relive once again the spirit of genuine service and love for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. As a group of concerned men and women of the parish, we take it upon ourselves to help our “kaparokya”. However, inasmuch as we would like to help all of them, we cannot do this on our own. Thus, we need as much help as we can get.
The project is also in partnership with Sta. Catalina College who has always been part of the UCM Family from the very start.
KUMPISALANG BAYAN
Sa darating na December 02, 2008 Martes ay magkakaroon ng Kumpisalang Bayan sa ating Parokya bilang bahagi pa rin ng taunang aktibidades sa panahon ng Adbiyento. Ang Kumpisalang Bayan ay magsisimula sa ganap na ika 7 ng gabi pagkatapos ng Banal na Misa. Inaasahang makikibahagi ang lahat ng mga kaparian sa buong Bikarya ng Binan kung kaya't ang lahat ng mga dadalo ay magkakaroon ng lubos na oras at pagkakataon upang makadulog sa Banal na sakramento ng pakikipagsundo.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The gospel for the first Sunday of advent urges us to do two things: to stay awake and to be prepared.
Stay awake! The season of advent invites us to stay awake as we commemorate the birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ who was born over 2000 years ago. Being awake here means celebrating with hope the coming of Jesus in our hearts amidst the experience of loneliness, disappointments, and frustrations of life. It is so easy to sulk in despair. But Jesus who comes to us brings not only consolation to our hearts but also healing so that we can once again experience fullness of life.
We are also called to stay awake for the future coming of Christ because we do not know the day or the hour. Being awake here means anticipating the time when God will judge all of us. When this time comes, we will either receive the gift of eternal life or the punishment of eternal damnation. It can be so convenient to think and feel that we have a lot of time to “sleep” and take it easy in life. In so doing, the many sinful pleasures of the world can lure us and destroy our lives. But when we are always alert and aware of the Lord’s second coming, that the parousia is just around the corner, we know that life has to be lived to the full according to God’s holy will, and we have to help and influence others to live their lives to the full.
Be prepared! Advent is also a season of waiting. Waiting for Christ entails preparation. We can either wait passively or actively. But since it is the Lord who comes to us, we are called to wait actively. How? Like preparing for any important event, we are urged to do our best in everything to lovingly welcome Christ in our hearts.
There are three practical ways to prepare. The first is personal prayer. To be a Christian means to always be connected to the God. Personal prayer is that Christian activity that disposes us to make our lives always in touch with God. When we prayer constantly, we condition our hearts to an experience of communion with the divine, with Jesus Christ himself the source of all life and love. The second is the Eucharist. The Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life challenges us to become bread broken and shared with others. Every celebration of the Eucharist is a blessed opportunity to commune not only with Jesus but also with the Christian community, the Body of Christ. The third is reconciliation. We should make every effort to reconcile with persons whom we have hurt or those who have hurt us. This means asking forgiveness and offering it too. The road to reconciliation is the road to deeper communion with God and others. These three practical ways become avenues to prepare us to achieve fullness of Christian life.
Let us then stay awake and be prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ in our lives. In the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: “Let us pray that we shall be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas not in the cold manger of our heart but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart warm with love for one another.”
Rev. Msgr. Mylo Hubert Vergara
Pastor
Parish of the Holy Sacrifice,
UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City
Stay awake! The season of advent invites us to stay awake as we commemorate the birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ who was born over 2000 years ago. Being awake here means celebrating with hope the coming of Jesus in our hearts amidst the experience of loneliness, disappointments, and frustrations of life. It is so easy to sulk in despair. But Jesus who comes to us brings not only consolation to our hearts but also healing so that we can once again experience fullness of life.
We are also called to stay awake for the future coming of Christ because we do not know the day or the hour. Being awake here means anticipating the time when God will judge all of us. When this time comes, we will either receive the gift of eternal life or the punishment of eternal damnation. It can be so convenient to think and feel that we have a lot of time to “sleep” and take it easy in life. In so doing, the many sinful pleasures of the world can lure us and destroy our lives. But when we are always alert and aware of the Lord’s second coming, that the parousia is just around the corner, we know that life has to be lived to the full according to God’s holy will, and we have to help and influence others to live their lives to the full.
Be prepared! Advent is also a season of waiting. Waiting for Christ entails preparation. We can either wait passively or actively. But since it is the Lord who comes to us, we are called to wait actively. How? Like preparing for any important event, we are urged to do our best in everything to lovingly welcome Christ in our hearts.
There are three practical ways to prepare. The first is personal prayer. To be a Christian means to always be connected to the God. Personal prayer is that Christian activity that disposes us to make our lives always in touch with God. When we prayer constantly, we condition our hearts to an experience of communion with the divine, with Jesus Christ himself the source of all life and love. The second is the Eucharist. The Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life challenges us to become bread broken and shared with others. Every celebration of the Eucharist is a blessed opportunity to commune not only with Jesus but also with the Christian community, the Body of Christ. The third is reconciliation. We should make every effort to reconcile with persons whom we have hurt or those who have hurt us. This means asking forgiveness and offering it too. The road to reconciliation is the road to deeper communion with God and others. These three practical ways become avenues to prepare us to achieve fullness of Christian life.
Let us then stay awake and be prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ in our lives. In the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: “Let us pray that we shall be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas not in the cold manger of our heart but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart warm with love for one another.”
Rev. Msgr. Mylo Hubert Vergara
Pastor
Parish of the Holy Sacrifice,
UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Isang Bukas na Liham para sa ating Kura Paroko: Rev. Fr. Buenaventura C. Ubarco
Noong isang taon, sa ganito ding petsa ay aming inalala sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang anibersaryo ng iyong pagiging pari sa pamamagitan ng isang panalangin kung saan aming hiniling na nawa ay iyong ibigay sa amin si Kristo at tanging si Kristo lamang sa inspirasyon ng mga pananalita ng Banal na si Mother Teresa ng Calcutta.
Sa ating pag-alala sa katangi-tanging araw na ito, ay bayaan mong ihalaw namin ang aming mensahe sa iyo sa inspirasyon ng paglalahad ng Santo Papa sa kanyang unang ensiklikal “Deus est Caritas” na nagtuturo sa atin sa pamamayani ng pag-ibig bilang pagkakakilanlan sa mga alagad ni Kristo.
Pag-ibig ang simula at hantungan ng lahat. Marahil ikaw po ay sasang-ayon sa aming pananaw na Pag-ibig ang buod ng iyong pagiging pari. Kung wala tayong pag-ibig ay mawawalan ng ugat at kinabukasan ang anumang ating ginagawa.
Ang mga pari ay tila mayroong paniniwala na buhay at masigla ang parokya kapag maraming programa at gawain. Kung maraming ginagawa sa simbahan at mahigpit ang iskedyul sa maghapon. Programa at proyekto, mga pulong at gawain ang sa wari natin ay tanda ng buhay na simbahan.
Kung walang pag-ibig sa programa at proyekto, kung walang pagmamahalan at bayanihan sa mga pulong, paano natin masasabing buhay ang simbahan. Ang buhay ng simbahan ay hindi sa sunud-sunod na programa kundi sa tanikala ng pag-ibig na bumibigkis sa atin sa Panginoon at sa isa’t isa.
Maraming Salamat Po Father at kami ay ginapos mo sa tanikalang ito!
Sa iyong mga homiliya sa halos dalawang (2) taon ay walang pag-iimbot mong ipinadama ang pag-ibig ng pagiging isa. Hindi lamang pagkakaisa kundi pag-ibig na nagbubuklod sa diwa at puso. Katulad ng paglalarawan ng Diyos ng kanyang pagmamahal sa tao sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig ng mag-asawa—iisang puso at katawan, iisang isip at kaluluwa.
Naks Father ang lalim na ng aming mga kaisipan ngayon! Galing naman ang mga ito sa iyong Homiliya may patunay ka nang hindi ka namin tinutulugan!
Ang pag-ibig ay presensiya. Hindi tayo maaaring magmahal ng “absentia”. Kaya nga ipinakita ng Diyos ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa atin sa pamamagitan ng pagkakatawang-tao at pakikipamayan sa atin. Hindi maaaring malayo tayo sa ating mahal.
Sa halos dalawang taon na ikaw’y nasa aming piling tunay na aming naramdaman na ikaw’y ang aming paring kababayan at aming paring kapitbahay lamang. Patunay dito ang pagsahog namin sa iyo paminsan-minsan sa aming pananghalian at salo-salo kung minsan.
Isa rin sa mga unang pangaral na aming nadinig mula sa iyo at aaminin namin na isa din ito sa mga nakasaling sa aming damdamin dahil totoo ang iyong mga tinuran!
“Sa ating libangan at kuwentuhan, tanungin natin ang sarili kung ang ating pinag-uusapan ay totoo, mabuti at makatutulong. Kung isa man sa tatlong katangian ay wala, higit na marangal ang katahimikan.” Sabagay hindi nga naman tayo mga artista o showbiz personalities.
Ang tunay na pag-ibig ay mapagbigay. Ang alagad na hindi marunong maghandog ay hindi yumayaman. Ang alagad na hindi naghahandog ay alagad na buhay subalit patay na. Ang tunay na kahulugan ng buhay ay nasa pagbibigay. Kapag ikaw ay nanawagan overwhelming ang suporta mula sa pinansyal, pagkain at hanggang sa mga toothbrush at toothpaste!
Si Jesukristo na araw-araw mong hinahawakan sa altar at inihahandog sa amin ay patuloy nawa naming masilayan at maramdaman sa pamamagitan ng iyong Banal na Bokasyon.
Father Toochy Mahal namin kayo at kung sa wari ninyo ay kulang pa ang aming pagmamahal sa inyo, sabihan ninyo at pagsisikapan pa naming ito ay dagdagan.
Sa ating pag-alala sa katangi-tanging araw na ito, ay bayaan mong ihalaw namin ang aming mensahe sa iyo sa inspirasyon ng paglalahad ng Santo Papa sa kanyang unang ensiklikal “Deus est Caritas” na nagtuturo sa atin sa pamamayani ng pag-ibig bilang pagkakakilanlan sa mga alagad ni Kristo.
Pag-ibig ang simula at hantungan ng lahat. Marahil ikaw po ay sasang-ayon sa aming pananaw na Pag-ibig ang buod ng iyong pagiging pari. Kung wala tayong pag-ibig ay mawawalan ng ugat at kinabukasan ang anumang ating ginagawa.
Ang mga pari ay tila mayroong paniniwala na buhay at masigla ang parokya kapag maraming programa at gawain. Kung maraming ginagawa sa simbahan at mahigpit ang iskedyul sa maghapon. Programa at proyekto, mga pulong at gawain ang sa wari natin ay tanda ng buhay na simbahan.
Kung walang pag-ibig sa programa at proyekto, kung walang pagmamahalan at bayanihan sa mga pulong, paano natin masasabing buhay ang simbahan. Ang buhay ng simbahan ay hindi sa sunud-sunod na programa kundi sa tanikala ng pag-ibig na bumibigkis sa atin sa Panginoon at sa isa’t isa.
Maraming Salamat Po Father at kami ay ginapos mo sa tanikalang ito!
Sa iyong mga homiliya sa halos dalawang (2) taon ay walang pag-iimbot mong ipinadama ang pag-ibig ng pagiging isa. Hindi lamang pagkakaisa kundi pag-ibig na nagbubuklod sa diwa at puso. Katulad ng paglalarawan ng Diyos ng kanyang pagmamahal sa tao sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig ng mag-asawa—iisang puso at katawan, iisang isip at kaluluwa.
Naks Father ang lalim na ng aming mga kaisipan ngayon! Galing naman ang mga ito sa iyong Homiliya may patunay ka nang hindi ka namin tinutulugan!
Ang pag-ibig ay presensiya. Hindi tayo maaaring magmahal ng “absentia”. Kaya nga ipinakita ng Diyos ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa atin sa pamamagitan ng pagkakatawang-tao at pakikipamayan sa atin. Hindi maaaring malayo tayo sa ating mahal.
Sa halos dalawang taon na ikaw’y nasa aming piling tunay na aming naramdaman na ikaw’y ang aming paring kababayan at aming paring kapitbahay lamang. Patunay dito ang pagsahog namin sa iyo paminsan-minsan sa aming pananghalian at salo-salo kung minsan.
Isa rin sa mga unang pangaral na aming nadinig mula sa iyo at aaminin namin na isa din ito sa mga nakasaling sa aming damdamin dahil totoo ang iyong mga tinuran!
“Sa ating libangan at kuwentuhan, tanungin natin ang sarili kung ang ating pinag-uusapan ay totoo, mabuti at makatutulong. Kung isa man sa tatlong katangian ay wala, higit na marangal ang katahimikan.” Sabagay hindi nga naman tayo mga artista o showbiz personalities.
Ang tunay na pag-ibig ay mapagbigay. Ang alagad na hindi marunong maghandog ay hindi yumayaman. Ang alagad na hindi naghahandog ay alagad na buhay subalit patay na. Ang tunay na kahulugan ng buhay ay nasa pagbibigay. Kapag ikaw ay nanawagan overwhelming ang suporta mula sa pinansyal, pagkain at hanggang sa mga toothbrush at toothpaste!
Si Jesukristo na araw-araw mong hinahawakan sa altar at inihahandog sa amin ay patuloy nawa naming masilayan at maramdaman sa pamamagitan ng iyong Banal na Bokasyon.
Father Toochy Mahal namin kayo at kung sa wari ninyo ay kulang pa ang aming pagmamahal sa inyo, sabihan ninyo at pagsisikapan pa naming ito ay dagdagan.
Ika 22 Taon ng Pagkapari ni Rev. Fr. Buenaventura C. Ubarco Inalala
Noong nakaraang Sabado, November 08, 2008 ay binigyan ng isang sorpresang pag-alala ang ika 22 taon anibersaryo ng pagka-pari ni Fr. Toochy sa pangunguna ng Parish Pastoral Council at mga myembro ng ibat-ibang samahang pansimbahan. Isang bukas na liham ang binasa na naging tradisyon na pagsasapit ang nasabing okasyon. Sa kanyang mensahe ng pasasalamat sa pagpapahalaga at pag-alala sa kanyang "sacerdotal anniversary" ay binigyan diin niya ang kahalagahan ng panalangin sa buhay ng isang pari.
Ayon sa kanya, ang pagtalikod ng mga kaparian sa kanilang bokasyon ay hindi sanhi ng kanilang pagnanais na mag-asawa kundi ang pagkawala o paghina ng buhay panalangin ng isang pari kung kaya't kanyang pinakiusapan ang lahat na patuloy na mag-alay ng panalangin para sa mga kaparian nang sa gayon ay patuloy nilang mapaglabanan ang mga hamon at tukso sa kanilang bokasyon.
Ayon sa kanya, ang pagtalikod ng mga kaparian sa kanilang bokasyon ay hindi sanhi ng kanilang pagnanais na mag-asawa kundi ang pagkawala o paghina ng buhay panalangin ng isang pari kung kaya't kanyang pinakiusapan ang lahat na patuloy na mag-alay ng panalangin para sa mga kaparian nang sa gayon ay patuloy nilang mapaglabanan ang mga hamon at tukso sa kanilang bokasyon.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Feature Group of the Week: Lectors & Commentators Ministry (LCM)
LECTORS & COMMENTATORS MINISTRY
The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. — Hebrews 4:12
The Lectors and Commentators Ministry (LCM) serves a unique role in the liturgy. While it is Jesus Himself who speaks in the Scriptures, the lector in proclaiming the Scriptures uses voice, presence, and personality so that the Word of God may be heard by the faithful. These individuals serve the community by proclaiming the first and second readings, and by offering the prayers of general intercession.
Currently there are 60 Lectors serving at the daily and weekend Masses, alternating between commentators and readers. The objective of the ministry is to extends its appreciation of this most vital of ministries from a mechanical process of reading God's word to one of deep reflection, careful preparation and powerful, expressive proclamation of Gods' word. Periodic opportunities are therefore provided to Lectors to meet and discuss ways to improve the quality of their preparation and reading of God's Word through their regular monthly meetings held every third Sunday of every month. This includes practical tips on the use of the microphone, speed, strength of reading and use of the Lectionary.
The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. — Hebrews 4:12
The Lectors and Commentators Ministry (LCM) serves a unique role in the liturgy. While it is Jesus Himself who speaks in the Scriptures, the lector in proclaiming the Scriptures uses voice, presence, and personality so that the Word of God may be heard by the faithful. These individuals serve the community by proclaiming the first and second readings, and by offering the prayers of general intercession.
Currently there are 60 Lectors serving at the daily and weekend Masses, alternating between commentators and readers. The objective of the ministry is to extends its appreciation of this most vital of ministries from a mechanical process of reading God's word to one of deep reflection, careful preparation and powerful, expressive proclamation of Gods' word. Periodic opportunities are therefore provided to Lectors to meet and discuss ways to improve the quality of their preparation and reading of God's Word through their regular monthly meetings held every third Sunday of every month. This includes practical tips on the use of the microphone, speed, strength of reading and use of the Lectionary.
KASALANG BAYAN 2008
Isang malaking tagumpay ang naganap na Kasalang Bayan sa Parokya noong nakaraang Sabado October 25, 2008 kung saan 13 pares ang tumanggap ng Sakramento ng Kasal sa pangunguna ni Rev. Fr.Toochy Ubarco. Ang nasabing gawain ay taunang proyekto ng parokya sa pamamagitan ng Family & Life Ministry (FLM) at pakikiisa ng lahat ng mga samahang pansimbahan katulad ng Mother Butler Guild (MBG), Catholic Women’s League (CWL), San Antonio Youth Choir (SAYC) at Ushers and Collectors Ministry (UCM).
Pagkatapos ng Banal na Misa ay nagkaroon ng isang salo-salo sa Parish Hall para sa lahat ng mga ikinasal kasama ang kanilang mga Ninong at Ninang kung saan bukod sa mga masasarap na pagkain mula sa iba’t-ibang organisasyon sa parokya ang lahat ay hinarana at inaliw din ng mga myembro ng San Antonio Youth Choir (SAYC). Katulad noong nakaraang taon, muling nagbigay ng tulong at pakikiisa ang St. Michael’s College sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaloob ng libreng serbisyo mula sa mga HRM Students ng kolehiyo. Mula sa pamunuan ng Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at ng Family and Life Ministry (FLM) ang kanilang lubos na pasasalamat ay ipinahahatid sa lahat ng mga tumulong at nagkaloob ng kanilang mga oras, talino at yaman.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Grand Living Rosary 2008
To culminate the celebration of the Holy Rosary Month in the Parish, the Parish Youth Commission will lead the annual Living Rosary this coming October 26, 2008 Sunday at 7:00 in the evening after the 6:00 p.m. Sunday Mass. The traditional Living Rosary is now on its 26th year which was started by the pioneer members of the Parish Youth Council (PYC) and their parents. This year's theme is "Ang Santo Rosaryo ni Maria kaagapay ng bawat pamilya tungo sa paglago sa kaganapan ng buhay."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Feature Group of the Week: Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)
PARICH PASTORAL COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE VOTING (PPC-RV)
“PPCRV uses the infrastructure of the parish in advocating for responsible citizenship through responsible voting and calling for solidarity among all citizens—voters, as well as those aspiring for public office—towards this aim”
Formed in October 1991 as a program of the Diocese of San Pablo in preparation for the 1992 elections, PPCRV of San Antonio De Padua has grown to become one of the most active and dependable group in the Diocese. Early members then came from the concerned citizens of the Parish who are actively joining the causes and campaign for all the National issues including those young people from the Parish Youth Council (PYC) and remained with the group through the years.
“PPCRV responds to the signs of the times. The political situation in our country is such that no way can responsible voting be abstracted from the life of our democracy or from our Christian life. PPCRV looks into strategies that harness people participation in ensuring good governance – election is a powerful means. If unscrupulous politicians have been using elections for their own good, it’s time we turn the tables around. Get the fools out and let the angels in.” says PPCRV national chairperson, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa.
Over the years, PPCRV has played a major role during and in-between election time by mobilizing its volunteers to man polling precincts in the Parish, helping safeguard the integrity of the ballot, ensuring a meaningful electoral process, and campaigning non-stop for voters’ education and information on key issues.
During the May 2007 elections, almost 60 PPCRV members and volunteers of the Parish participated in poll watching and canvassing of ballots.
This year, PPCRV will roll out various voters’ education drive in the next few months by conducting Public Forums on various national and local issues as a way to “concretized its continuing advocacy to help the Parishioners develop an informed and principled stand” on these issues.
“PPCRV uses the infrastructure of the parish in advocating for responsible citizenship through responsible voting and calling for solidarity among all citizens—voters, as well as those aspiring for public office—towards this aim”
Formed in October 1991 as a program of the Diocese of San Pablo in preparation for the 1992 elections, PPCRV of San Antonio De Padua has grown to become one of the most active and dependable group in the Diocese. Early members then came from the concerned citizens of the Parish who are actively joining the causes and campaign for all the National issues including those young people from the Parish Youth Council (PYC) and remained with the group through the years.
“PPCRV responds to the signs of the times. The political situation in our country is such that no way can responsible voting be abstracted from the life of our democracy or from our Christian life. PPCRV looks into strategies that harness people participation in ensuring good governance – election is a powerful means. If unscrupulous politicians have been using elections for their own good, it’s time we turn the tables around. Get the fools out and let the angels in.” says PPCRV national chairperson, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa.
Over the years, PPCRV has played a major role during and in-between election time by mobilizing its volunteers to man polling precincts in the Parish, helping safeguard the integrity of the ballot, ensuring a meaningful electoral process, and campaigning non-stop for voters’ education and information on key issues.
During the May 2007 elections, almost 60 PPCRV members and volunteers of the Parish participated in poll watching and canvassing of ballots.
This year, PPCRV will roll out various voters’ education drive in the next few months by conducting Public Forums on various national and local issues as a way to “concretized its continuing advocacy to help the Parishioners develop an informed and principled stand” on these issues.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS: THE MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER
CELEBRATION OF THE THIRD HOUR
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI AT THE OPENING OF THE 12th ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Synod HallMonday, 6 October 2008
Dear Brothers in the Episcopacy, Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At the beginning of our Synod the Liturgy of the Hours presents a passage from Psalm 118 on the Word of God: a praise of his Word, an expression of the joy of Israel in learning it and, in it, to recognize his will and his Face. I would like to meditate on some verses of this Psalm with you.
It begins like this: "In aeternum, Domine, verbum tuum constitutum est in caelo... firmasti terram, et permanet". This refers to the solidity of the Word. It is solid, it is the true reality on which one must base one's life. Let us remember the words of Jesus who continues the words of this Psalm: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away". Humanly speaking, the word, my human word, is almost nothing in reality, a breath. As soon as it is pronounced it disappears. It seems to be nothing. But already the human word has incredible power. Words create history, words form thoughts, the thoughts that create the word. It is the word that forms history, reality.
Furthermore, the Word of God is the foundation of everything, it is the true reality. And to be realistic, we must rely upon this reality. We must change our idea that matter, solid things, things we can touch, are the more solid, the more certain reality. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount the Lord speaks to us about the two possible foundations for building the house of one's life: sand and rock. The one who builds on sand builds only on visible and tangible things, on success, on career, on money. Apparently these are the true realities. But all this one day will pass away. We can see this now with the fall of large banks: this money disappears, it is nothing. And thus all things, which seem to be the true realities we can count on, are only realities of a secondary order. The one who builds his life on these realities, on matter, on success, on appearances, builds upon sand. Only the Word of God is the foundation of all reality, it is as stable as the heavens and more than the heavens, it is reality. Therefore, we must change our concept of realism. The realist is the one who recognizes the Word of God, in this apparently weak reality, as the foundation of all things. Realist is the one who builds his life on this foundation, which is permanent. Thus the first verses of the Psalm invite us to discover what reality is and how to find the foundation of our life, how to build life.
The following verse says: "Omnia serviunt tibi". All things come from the Word, they are products of the Word. "In the beginning was the Word". In the beginning the heavens spoke. And thus reality was born of the Word, it is "creatura Verbi". All is created from the Word and all is called to serve the Word. This means that all of creation, in the end, is conceived of to create the place of encounter between God and his creature, a place where the history of love between God and his creature can develop. "Omnia serviunt tibi". The history of salvation is not a small event, on a poor planet, in the immensity of the universe. It is not a minimal thing which happens by chance on a lost planet. It is the motive for everything, the motive for creation. Everything is created so that this story can exist, the encounter between God and his creature. In this sense, salvation history, the Covenant, precedes creation. During the Hellenistic period, Judaism developed the idea that the Torah would have preceded the creation of the material world. This material world seems to have been created solely to make room for the Torah, for this Word of God that creates the answer and becomes the history of love. The mystery of Christ already is mysteriously revealed here. This is what we are told in the Letter to the Ephesians and to the Colossians: Christ is the protòtypos, the first-born of creation, the idea for which the universe was conceived. He welcomes all. We enter in the movement of the universe by uniting with Christ. One can say that, while material creation is the condition for the history of salvation, the history of the Covenant is the true cause of the cosmos. We reach the roots of being by reaching the mystery of Christ, his living word that is the aim of all creation.
"Omnia serviunt tibi". In serving the Lord we achieve the purpose of being, the purpose of our own existence. Let us take a leap forward: "Mandata tua exquisivi". We are always searching for the Word of God. It is not merely present in us. Just reading it does not mean necessarily that we have truly understood the Word of God. The danger is that we only see the human words and do not find the true actor within, the Holy Spirit. We do not find the Word in the words.
In this context St Augustine recalls the scribes and pharisees who were consulted by Herod when the Magi arrived. Herod wants to know where the Saviour of the world would be born. They know it, they give the correct answer: in Bethlehem. They are great specialists who know everything. However they do not see reality, they do not know the Saviour. St Augustine says: they are signs on the road for others, but they themselves do not move. This is a great danger as well in our reading of Scripture: we stop at the human words, words form the past, history of the past, and we do not discover the present in the past, the Holy Spirit who speaks to us today in the words from the past. In this way we do not enter the interior movement of the Word, which in human words conceals and which opens the divine words. Therefore, there is always a need for "exquisivi". We must always look for the Word within the words.
Therefore, exegesis, the true reading of Holy Scripture, is not only a literary phenomenon, not only reading a text. It is the movement of my existence. It is moving towards the Word of God in the human words. Only by conforming ourselves to the Mystery of God, to the Lord who is the Word, can we enter within the Word, can we truly find the Word of God in human words. Let us pray to the Lord that he may help us search the word, not only with our intellect but also with our entire existence.
At the end: "Omni consummationi vidi finem, latum praeceptum tuum nimis". All human things, all the things we can invent, create, are finite. Even all human religious experiences are finite, showing an aspect of reality, because our being is finite and can only understand a part, some elements: "latum praeceptum tuum nimis". Only God is infinite. And therefore His Word too is universal and knows no boundaries. Therefore by entering into the Word of God we really enter into the divine universe. We escape the limits of our experience and we enter into the reality that is truly universal. Entering into communion with the Word of God, we enter a communion of the Church that lives the Word of God. We do not enter into a small group, with the rules of a small group, but we go beyond our limitations. We go towards the depths, in the true grandeur of the only truth, the great truth of God. We are truly a part of what is universal. And thus we go out into the communion of all our brothers and sisters, of all humanity, because the desire for the Word of God, which is one, is hidden in our heart. Therefore even evangelization, the proclamation of the Gospel, the mission are not a type of ecclesial colonialism, where we wish to insert others into our group. It means going beyond the individual culture into the universality that connects all, unites all, makes us all brothers. Let us pray once again that the Lord may help us to truly enter the "breadth" of His Word and thus to open ourselves to the universal horizon that unites us with all our differences.
At the end, we return to a preceding verse: "Tuus sum ego: salvum me fac". The text translates as: "I am yours". The Word of God is like a stairway that we can climb and, with Christ, even descend into the depths of his love. It is a stairway to reach the Word in the words. "I am yours". The word has a Face, it is a person, Christ. Before we can say "I am yours", he has already told us "I am yours". The Letter to the Hebrews, quoting Psalm 39, says: "You gave me a body.... Then I said, "Here I am, I am coming'". The Lord prepared a body to come. With his Incarnation he said: I am yours. And in Baptism he said to me: I am yours. In the Holy Eucharist, he say ever anew: I am yours, so that we may respond: Lord, I am yours. In the way of the Word, entering the mystery of his Incarnation, of his being among us, we want to appropriate his being, we want expropriate our existence, giving ourselves to him who gave Himself to us.
"I am yours". Let us pray the Lord that we may learn to say this word with our whole being. Thus we will be in the heart of the Word. Thus we will be saved.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI AT THE OPENING OF THE 12th ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Synod HallMonday, 6 October 2008
Dear Brothers in the Episcopacy, Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At the beginning of our Synod the Liturgy of the Hours presents a passage from Psalm 118 on the Word of God: a praise of his Word, an expression of the joy of Israel in learning it and, in it, to recognize his will and his Face. I would like to meditate on some verses of this Psalm with you.
It begins like this: "In aeternum, Domine, verbum tuum constitutum est in caelo... firmasti terram, et permanet". This refers to the solidity of the Word. It is solid, it is the true reality on which one must base one's life. Let us remember the words of Jesus who continues the words of this Psalm: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away". Humanly speaking, the word, my human word, is almost nothing in reality, a breath. As soon as it is pronounced it disappears. It seems to be nothing. But already the human word has incredible power. Words create history, words form thoughts, the thoughts that create the word. It is the word that forms history, reality.
Furthermore, the Word of God is the foundation of everything, it is the true reality. And to be realistic, we must rely upon this reality. We must change our idea that matter, solid things, things we can touch, are the more solid, the more certain reality. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount the Lord speaks to us about the two possible foundations for building the house of one's life: sand and rock. The one who builds on sand builds only on visible and tangible things, on success, on career, on money. Apparently these are the true realities. But all this one day will pass away. We can see this now with the fall of large banks: this money disappears, it is nothing. And thus all things, which seem to be the true realities we can count on, are only realities of a secondary order. The one who builds his life on these realities, on matter, on success, on appearances, builds upon sand. Only the Word of God is the foundation of all reality, it is as stable as the heavens and more than the heavens, it is reality. Therefore, we must change our concept of realism. The realist is the one who recognizes the Word of God, in this apparently weak reality, as the foundation of all things. Realist is the one who builds his life on this foundation, which is permanent. Thus the first verses of the Psalm invite us to discover what reality is and how to find the foundation of our life, how to build life.
The following verse says: "Omnia serviunt tibi". All things come from the Word, they are products of the Word. "In the beginning was the Word". In the beginning the heavens spoke. And thus reality was born of the Word, it is "creatura Verbi". All is created from the Word and all is called to serve the Word. This means that all of creation, in the end, is conceived of to create the place of encounter between God and his creature, a place where the history of love between God and his creature can develop. "Omnia serviunt tibi". The history of salvation is not a small event, on a poor planet, in the immensity of the universe. It is not a minimal thing which happens by chance on a lost planet. It is the motive for everything, the motive for creation. Everything is created so that this story can exist, the encounter between God and his creature. In this sense, salvation history, the Covenant, precedes creation. During the Hellenistic period, Judaism developed the idea that the Torah would have preceded the creation of the material world. This material world seems to have been created solely to make room for the Torah, for this Word of God that creates the answer and becomes the history of love. The mystery of Christ already is mysteriously revealed here. This is what we are told in the Letter to the Ephesians and to the Colossians: Christ is the protòtypos, the first-born of creation, the idea for which the universe was conceived. He welcomes all. We enter in the movement of the universe by uniting with Christ. One can say that, while material creation is the condition for the history of salvation, the history of the Covenant is the true cause of the cosmos. We reach the roots of being by reaching the mystery of Christ, his living word that is the aim of all creation.
"Omnia serviunt tibi". In serving the Lord we achieve the purpose of being, the purpose of our own existence. Let us take a leap forward: "Mandata tua exquisivi". We are always searching for the Word of God. It is not merely present in us. Just reading it does not mean necessarily that we have truly understood the Word of God. The danger is that we only see the human words and do not find the true actor within, the Holy Spirit. We do not find the Word in the words.
In this context St Augustine recalls the scribes and pharisees who were consulted by Herod when the Magi arrived. Herod wants to know where the Saviour of the world would be born. They know it, they give the correct answer: in Bethlehem. They are great specialists who know everything. However they do not see reality, they do not know the Saviour. St Augustine says: they are signs on the road for others, but they themselves do not move. This is a great danger as well in our reading of Scripture: we stop at the human words, words form the past, history of the past, and we do not discover the present in the past, the Holy Spirit who speaks to us today in the words from the past. In this way we do not enter the interior movement of the Word, which in human words conceals and which opens the divine words. Therefore, there is always a need for "exquisivi". We must always look for the Word within the words.
Therefore, exegesis, the true reading of Holy Scripture, is not only a literary phenomenon, not only reading a text. It is the movement of my existence. It is moving towards the Word of God in the human words. Only by conforming ourselves to the Mystery of God, to the Lord who is the Word, can we enter within the Word, can we truly find the Word of God in human words. Let us pray to the Lord that he may help us search the word, not only with our intellect but also with our entire existence.
At the end: "Omni consummationi vidi finem, latum praeceptum tuum nimis". All human things, all the things we can invent, create, are finite. Even all human religious experiences are finite, showing an aspect of reality, because our being is finite and can only understand a part, some elements: "latum praeceptum tuum nimis". Only God is infinite. And therefore His Word too is universal and knows no boundaries. Therefore by entering into the Word of God we really enter into the divine universe. We escape the limits of our experience and we enter into the reality that is truly universal. Entering into communion with the Word of God, we enter a communion of the Church that lives the Word of God. We do not enter into a small group, with the rules of a small group, but we go beyond our limitations. We go towards the depths, in the true grandeur of the only truth, the great truth of God. We are truly a part of what is universal. And thus we go out into the communion of all our brothers and sisters, of all humanity, because the desire for the Word of God, which is one, is hidden in our heart. Therefore even evangelization, the proclamation of the Gospel, the mission are not a type of ecclesial colonialism, where we wish to insert others into our group. It means going beyond the individual culture into the universality that connects all, unites all, makes us all brothers. Let us pray once again that the Lord may help us to truly enter the "breadth" of His Word and thus to open ourselves to the universal horizon that unites us with all our differences.
At the end, we return to a preceding verse: "Tuus sum ego: salvum me fac". The text translates as: "I am yours". The Word of God is like a stairway that we can climb and, with Christ, even descend into the depths of his love. It is a stairway to reach the Word in the words. "I am yours". The word has a Face, it is a person, Christ. Before we can say "I am yours", he has already told us "I am yours". The Letter to the Hebrews, quoting Psalm 39, says: "You gave me a body.... Then I said, "Here I am, I am coming'". The Lord prepared a body to come. With his Incarnation he said: I am yours. And in Baptism he said to me: I am yours. In the Holy Eucharist, he say ever anew: I am yours, so that we may respond: Lord, I am yours. In the way of the Word, entering the mystery of his Incarnation, of his being among us, we want to appropriate his being, we want expropriate our existence, giving ourselves to him who gave Himself to us.
"I am yours". Let us pray the Lord that we may learn to say this word with our whole being. Thus we will be in the heart of the Word. Thus we will be saved.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Dapat mo bang suportahan ang Reproductive Health Bill No. 5043? Sagutin ang simpleng mga katanungang ito upang mabatid.
Bilang may-pagawaan, sumasangayon ka ba na sapilitan kang magbigay ng libreng serbisyo sa pangkalusugang pangangalaga sa pag-aanak, mga gamit nito, mga kasangkapan at pagtistis (kasama na ang vasectomy at ligation) sa iyong mga manggagawa, at ipakulong ka at/o pagmultahin sa bawa’t pagkakataon na hindi mo ito natupad?
Ang Seksyon 17 ay nagpapahayag na ang mga may-pagawaan ay magbibigay ng libreng serbisyo sa pangkalusugang pangangalaga sa pag-aanak, mga gamit nito at mga kasangkapan para sa mga manggagawa lalung-lalo na sa mga kababaihang manggagawa. (Basahin ang Kahulugan ng Reproductive Health and Rights Section 4, paragraph g, Section 21, Paragraph c at Section 22 ukol sa mga Kaparusahan.)
Bilang health care service provider, sumasangayon ka ba na ikaw ay ipakulong at/o pagmultahin, kung ikaw ay hindi makatupad na makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa pangkalusugang pangangalaga sa pag-aanak katulad ng mga pamamaraan sa pagpaplano ng pamilya at pagbibigay ng serbisyong katulad ng ligation at vasectomy, may-asawa man o wala ang pasyente, anuman ang kasarian, relihiyon o edad?
(Basahin ang Section 21 ng Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 1 hanggang 5 at Section 22 ukol sa mga Kaparusahan)
Bilang kabiyak, sumasangayon ka ba na ang asawa mo ay dumaan sa ligation o vasectomy ng wala kang pahintulot o kaalaman man lamang?
Basahin ang Section 21 ng Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 2)
Bilang mga magulang, sumasangayon ka ba na ang inyong mga anak na may edad simula 10 hanggang 17 ay dapat turuan na ng kanilang sekswal na karapatan at mga paraan kung paano makatamo ng kasiyahan at “ligtas” na buhay-sekswal bilang bahagi ng curriculum sa kanilang paaralan?
Ang Reproductive Health Education ay sapilitang itatadhana mula sa Grade 5 hanggang makatapos ng High School (Tingnan ang Seksyon 12 sa Reproductive Health Education and Section 4 Definition of Family Planning and Reproductive Health, Paragraph b, c and d).
Sumasangayon ka ba na ipakulong ka at/o pagmultahin, dahil sa pagpapahayag ng palagay laban sa alinman sa itinatadhana ng batas na ito, kung ang pagpapahayag na iyon ng iyung palagay ay bigyan-pakahulugan na naglalaman ng “malisyosong maling impormasyon”.
(Tingnan ang Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Paragraph f and Section 22 on Penalties)
Ang Seksyon 17 ay nagpapahayag na ang mga may-pagawaan ay magbibigay ng libreng serbisyo sa pangkalusugang pangangalaga sa pag-aanak, mga gamit nito at mga kasangkapan para sa mga manggagawa lalung-lalo na sa mga kababaihang manggagawa. (Basahin ang Kahulugan ng Reproductive Health and Rights Section 4, paragraph g, Section 21, Paragraph c at Section 22 ukol sa mga Kaparusahan.)
Bilang health care service provider, sumasangayon ka ba na ikaw ay ipakulong at/o pagmultahin, kung ikaw ay hindi makatupad na makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa pangkalusugang pangangalaga sa pag-aanak katulad ng mga pamamaraan sa pagpaplano ng pamilya at pagbibigay ng serbisyong katulad ng ligation at vasectomy, may-asawa man o wala ang pasyente, anuman ang kasarian, relihiyon o edad?
(Basahin ang Section 21 ng Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 1 hanggang 5 at Section 22 ukol sa mga Kaparusahan)
Bilang kabiyak, sumasangayon ka ba na ang asawa mo ay dumaan sa ligation o vasectomy ng wala kang pahintulot o kaalaman man lamang?
Basahin ang Section 21 ng Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 2)
Bilang mga magulang, sumasangayon ka ba na ang inyong mga anak na may edad simula 10 hanggang 17 ay dapat turuan na ng kanilang sekswal na karapatan at mga paraan kung paano makatamo ng kasiyahan at “ligtas” na buhay-sekswal bilang bahagi ng curriculum sa kanilang paaralan?
Ang Reproductive Health Education ay sapilitang itatadhana mula sa Grade 5 hanggang makatapos ng High School (Tingnan ang Seksyon 12 sa Reproductive Health Education and Section 4 Definition of Family Planning and Reproductive Health, Paragraph b, c and d).
Sumasangayon ka ba na ipakulong ka at/o pagmultahin, dahil sa pagpapahayag ng palagay laban sa alinman sa itinatadhana ng batas na ito, kung ang pagpapahayag na iyon ng iyung palagay ay bigyan-pakahulugan na naglalaman ng “malisyosong maling impormasyon”.
(Tingnan ang Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Paragraph f and Section 22 on Penalties)
BABALA LABAN SA REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL 5043
Nais po naming paalalahanan ang lahat sa panganib na idudulot ng ipinapanukalang Reproductive Health Bill 5043. Layunin daw ng panukala na mas maging ligtas ang kalusugan ng mga manganganak. Masyado raw tayong marami kaya di sapat ang pagkain at trabaho. Kulang daw ang pera ng gobyerno upang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng mga tao. Pero ang totoo, ang nais ay sugpuin ang ating populasyon, sa pamamaraan na sisira sa moralidad, sa pamilya at karapatan.
Pag naisa batas ang RHB 5043, pwersadong tuturuan ang ating mga anak/ apo mula Grade 5 hanggang 4th year high school kung paano makakapagtalik ng ligtas sa sakit at hindi mabubuntis o makabubuntis. Gagamitin ang pera ng gobyerno sa pagpapalaganap ng libreng condom, pills, IUD, vasectomy atbp. Alam po natin na hindi 100% effective ang mga naturang contraceptives at ang susunod na ipapanukala ay abortion naman – ganito ang landas na tinahak ng lahat ng bansang nag-umpisa sa panukalang gaya ng RHB 5043.
Pag naipasa ang bill na ito ay lalong magkaka ideya ang mga bata tungkol sa pagtatalik, kaya batang bata pa ay mawawala na ang kamusmusan. Nagkakaproblema na tayo ngayon. Lalo na pong lalala. Ang mga pribadong kumpanya naman ay pwersadong magbigay ng birth control measures sa kanilang mga empleyado.
Ang mas nakakatakot pa bukod sa paglaganap ng immoralidad ay pag nagpahayag ka ng kontra sa batas ay kulong o multa ka.
Mag-ingat po tayo, magmatyag at kumilos. Taon-taon ay may nagtutulak ng panukalang ito. Medyo matindi po ngayon at mukhang hindi sila titigil. Pero kung magkakaisa ang mga Katoliko, hindi po ito makakalusot. Sa ating pagkilos at pagkakaisa nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng pamilyang Pilipino, na gusto nating panatilihing banal.
Pag-aralan po natin ang isyu at makilahok sa mga gawaing tumututol sa RHB 5043. Kaugnay po nito, ang Couples For Christ Foundation for Family and Life ay namimigay po ng mga leaflets sa harap ng simbahan. Nag-aanyaya po sila sa inyong lahat na lumagda sa isang petisyon laban sa masamang idudulot ng RHB 5043.
Higit sa lahat, ating ipagdasal ang mga namumuno ng ating gobyerno.
Maraming salamat po at nawa’y mapasa atin ang pagpapala ng Banal na Pamilya sa Nazareth. Nawa’y sa darating na Pasko, at sa lahat ng Pasko, ay manatiling ligtas sa mapanirang impluwensya ang pamilyang Pilipino.
Pagpalain po tayong lahat ng Diyos!
Pag naisa batas ang RHB 5043, pwersadong tuturuan ang ating mga anak/ apo mula Grade 5 hanggang 4th year high school kung paano makakapagtalik ng ligtas sa sakit at hindi mabubuntis o makabubuntis. Gagamitin ang pera ng gobyerno sa pagpapalaganap ng libreng condom, pills, IUD, vasectomy atbp. Alam po natin na hindi 100% effective ang mga naturang contraceptives at ang susunod na ipapanukala ay abortion naman – ganito ang landas na tinahak ng lahat ng bansang nag-umpisa sa panukalang gaya ng RHB 5043.
Pag naipasa ang bill na ito ay lalong magkaka ideya ang mga bata tungkol sa pagtatalik, kaya batang bata pa ay mawawala na ang kamusmusan. Nagkakaproblema na tayo ngayon. Lalo na pong lalala. Ang mga pribadong kumpanya naman ay pwersadong magbigay ng birth control measures sa kanilang mga empleyado.
Ang mas nakakatakot pa bukod sa paglaganap ng immoralidad ay pag nagpahayag ka ng kontra sa batas ay kulong o multa ka.
Mag-ingat po tayo, magmatyag at kumilos. Taon-taon ay may nagtutulak ng panukalang ito. Medyo matindi po ngayon at mukhang hindi sila titigil. Pero kung magkakaisa ang mga Katoliko, hindi po ito makakalusot. Sa ating pagkilos at pagkakaisa nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng pamilyang Pilipino, na gusto nating panatilihing banal.
Pag-aralan po natin ang isyu at makilahok sa mga gawaing tumututol sa RHB 5043. Kaugnay po nito, ang Couples For Christ Foundation for Family and Life ay namimigay po ng mga leaflets sa harap ng simbahan. Nag-aanyaya po sila sa inyong lahat na lumagda sa isang petisyon laban sa masamang idudulot ng RHB 5043.
Higit sa lahat, ating ipagdasal ang mga namumuno ng ating gobyerno.
Maraming salamat po at nawa’y mapasa atin ang pagpapala ng Banal na Pamilya sa Nazareth. Nawa’y sa darating na Pasko, at sa lahat ng Pasko, ay manatiling ligtas sa mapanirang impluwensya ang pamilyang Pilipino.
Pagpalain po tayong lahat ng Diyos!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Maraming Salamat Po Bishop Deogracias Iniguez!
Naging isang malaking tagumpay ang nakaraang Bihilya sa Kabanal-banalang Sakramento Kasama ang Mahal na Birhen Maria noong nakaraang Sabado October 11, 2008 bilang bahagi pa rin ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Rosaryo sa parokya. Ang nasabing gawain ay pinangunahan ng Obispo ng Diyosesis ng Kalookan, Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, bilang Punong Tagapagdiwang sa Banal na Misa. Sa kanyang homiliya binigyan diin ng Mahal na Obispo na ang ating debosyon sa Banal na Rosaryo ay isang tunay na paglalakbay patungo kay Kristo na masasalamin sa bawat misteryo nito:
Sa mga Misteryo ng Tuwa na tumatalakay sa mga tagpo ng pagkakatawang Tao ng Salita, ang Verbo si Kristo.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Liwanag na nagpapakita ng mga gawain o tagpo ng ministeryo ng Panginoon at pagpapalaganap ng Kaharian ng Diyos.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Hapis na nagpapaalala ng mga pinagdaanang sakit at hirap ng Panginoon upang tubisin ang ating mga kasalanan.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Luwalhati na nagpapakita ng tagumpay at Kaluwalhatian ng Diyos kasama ang Mahal na Birhen Maria.
Ang lahat ng mga samahang pansimbahan ng Parokya ay nakiisa at dumalo sa Banal na Misa at Bihilya kabilang na ang pamunuan at mga guro ng Sta. Catalina College na walang sawa at pagod na nakikiisa at sumusuporta sa mga gawain ng Parokya. Ang ginanap na Bihilya sa Kabanal-banalang Sakramento Kasama ang Mahal na Birhen Maria para sa taong ito ay buong pagkakaisang pinangunahan ng Adoracion Nocturna Filipina Turno 1193, Ushers & Collectors Ministry (UCM) at Catholic Women's League (CWL)
Sa mga Misteryo ng Tuwa na tumatalakay sa mga tagpo ng pagkakatawang Tao ng Salita, ang Verbo si Kristo.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Liwanag na nagpapakita ng mga gawain o tagpo ng ministeryo ng Panginoon at pagpapalaganap ng Kaharian ng Diyos.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Hapis na nagpapaalala ng mga pinagdaanang sakit at hirap ng Panginoon upang tubisin ang ating mga kasalanan.
Sa mga Misteryo ng Luwalhati na nagpapakita ng tagumpay at Kaluwalhatian ng Diyos kasama ang Mahal na Birhen Maria.
Ang lahat ng mga samahang pansimbahan ng Parokya ay nakiisa at dumalo sa Banal na Misa at Bihilya kabilang na ang pamunuan at mga guro ng Sta. Catalina College na walang sawa at pagod na nakikiisa at sumusuporta sa mga gawain ng Parokya. Ang ginanap na Bihilya sa Kabanal-banalang Sakramento Kasama ang Mahal na Birhen Maria para sa taong ito ay buong pagkakaisang pinangunahan ng Adoracion Nocturna Filipina Turno 1193, Ushers & Collectors Ministry (UCM) at Catholic Women's League (CWL)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Feature Group of the Week: Parish Catechetical Ministry (PCM)
It is an organization in which the main task is teaching Religion class in intermediate and secondary levels, both in public schools. As catechists, they devote their time and voluntarily render service in schools and in the parish. They also assist in the preparation of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
It was started by Rev. Fr. Jacinto S. Diaz in 1986. Catechesis was started by the students from Sta. Catalina College and the Lay parishioners, led by Sis. Rowena Ambas and Joji Alesna who volunteered to teach in the two (2) Public Schools in the parish, which includes Pagkakaisa Elementary School and Platero Elementary School. At present there are 9 Parish catechists and 46 student catechists from Sta. Catalina College reachingout to 4,631 students for the SY 2007-2008.
It was started by Rev. Fr. Jacinto S. Diaz in 1986. Catechesis was started by the students from Sta. Catalina College and the Lay parishioners, led by Sis. Rowena Ambas and Joji Alesna who volunteered to teach in the two (2) Public Schools in the parish, which includes Pagkakaisa Elementary School and Platero Elementary School. At present there are 9 Parish catechists and 46 student catechists from Sta. Catalina College reachingout to 4,631 students for the SY 2007-2008.
Friday, October 3, 2008
INCOMING ACTIVITIES OF THE PARISH FOR OCTOBER
OCTOBER 25, 2008 / KASALANG BAYAN 2008
This coming October 25, 2008 Saturday at 9:00 a.m. onwards, the Parish thru the Family & Life Ministry (FLM) will hold the annual Kasalang Bayan for the parishioners who have yet to receive the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony.
OCTOBER 30, 2008 / ROSARY CRUSADE
The activity is the annual tradition of San Roque Chapel in comemmorating the Month of the Holy Rosary ad propagating the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary thru the Holy Rosary.
OCTOBER 31, 2008 / LIVING ROSARY 2008
The activity aims to comemmorate the Month of the Holy Rosary and to promote the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary thru the Holy Rosary. The Living Rosary thru the efforts of the Parish Youth Commission has been a regular activity of the Parish every year that started almost 15 years ago.
This coming October 25, 2008 Saturday at 9:00 a.m. onwards, the Parish thru the Family & Life Ministry (FLM) will hold the annual Kasalang Bayan for the parishioners who have yet to receive the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony.
OCTOBER 30, 2008 / ROSARY CRUSADE
The activity is the annual tradition of San Roque Chapel in comemmorating the Month of the Holy Rosary ad propagating the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary thru the Holy Rosary.
OCTOBER 31, 2008 / LIVING ROSARY 2008
The activity aims to comemmorate the Month of the Holy Rosary and to promote the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary thru the Holy Rosary. The Living Rosary thru the efforts of the Parish Youth Commission has been a regular activity of the Parish every year that started almost 15 years ago.
Eucharistic & Marian Vigil
In celebration of the Month of the Most Holy Rosary this October 2008, our Parish will be having a Eucharistic & Marian Vigil to be organized by the Adoracion Nocturna Filipina (ANF) Turno 1193 and Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist (EMHC) in cooperation with the Ushers & Collectors Ministry (UCM) and Catholic Women’s League (CWL) to be held on the
11th of October, Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
at the parish church.
For this year’s celebration, our parish invited His Excellency, Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan as the Mass Celebrant.
11th of October, Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
at the parish church.
For this year’s celebration, our parish invited His Excellency, Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan as the Mass Celebrant.
No to Reproductive Health Bill (HB5043)
To: Congress of the Philippines
We strongly oppose the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill (HB5043) for the following reasons:
1. AS EMPLOYERS, we do not want to be compelled to provide free reproductive health care services, supplies, devices and surgical procedures (including vasectomy and ligation) to our employees, and be subjected to both imprisonment and/or a fine, for every time that we fail to comply. (Section 17 states that employers shall provide for free delivery of reproductive health care services, supplies and devices to all workers more particularly women workers. (Definition of Reproductive Health and Rights Section 4, paragraph g, Section 21, Paragraph c and Section 22 on Penalties)
2. AS HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or a fine, if we fail to provide reproductive health care services such as giving information on family planning methods and providing services like ligation and vasectomy, regardless of the patient's civil status, gender, religion or age ( Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraphs 1 to 5 and Section 22 on Penalties)
3. AS SPOUSES, we do not agree that our husband or wife can undergo a ligation or vasectomy without our consent or knowledge. (Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 2)
4. AS PARENTS, we do not agree that children from age 10 to 17 should be taught their sexual rights and the means to have a satisfying and "safe" sex life as part of their school curriculum. (Section 12 on Reproductive Health Education and Section 4 Definition of Family Planning and Productive Health, Paragraph b, c and d)
5. AS CITIZENS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or pay a fine, for expressing an opinion against any provision of this law, if such expression of opinion is interpreted as constituting "malicious disinformation" ( Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Paragraph f and Section 22 on Penalties)
6. We also oppose other provisions such as losing our parental authority over a minor child who was raped and found pregnant (Section 21, a, no.3)
7. We also do not agree to the provision which reclassifies contraceptives as essential medicines (Section 10) and appropriating limited government funds to reproductive services instead of basic services (Section 23) Thus, we urge you to immediately stop deliberations on the bill and stop wasting taxpayers money.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
We strongly oppose the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill (HB5043) for the following reasons:
1. AS EMPLOYERS, we do not want to be compelled to provide free reproductive health care services, supplies, devices and surgical procedures (including vasectomy and ligation) to our employees, and be subjected to both imprisonment and/or a fine, for every time that we fail to comply. (Section 17 states that employers shall provide for free delivery of reproductive health care services, supplies and devices to all workers more particularly women workers. (Definition of Reproductive Health and Rights Section 4, paragraph g, Section 21, Paragraph c and Section 22 on Penalties)
2. AS HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or a fine, if we fail to provide reproductive health care services such as giving information on family planning methods and providing services like ligation and vasectomy, regardless of the patient's civil status, gender, religion or age ( Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraphs 1 to 5 and Section 22 on Penalties)
3. AS SPOUSES, we do not agree that our husband or wife can undergo a ligation or vasectomy without our consent or knowledge. (Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 2)
4. AS PARENTS, we do not agree that children from age 10 to 17 should be taught their sexual rights and the means to have a satisfying and "safe" sex life as part of their school curriculum. (Section 12 on Reproductive Health Education and Section 4 Definition of Family Planning and Productive Health, Paragraph b, c and d)
5. AS CITIZENS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or pay a fine, for expressing an opinion against any provision of this law, if such expression of opinion is interpreted as constituting "malicious disinformation" ( Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Paragraph f and Section 22 on Penalties)
6. We also oppose other provisions such as losing our parental authority over a minor child who was raped and found pregnant (Section 21, a, no.3)
7. We also do not agree to the provision which reclassifies contraceptives as essential medicines (Section 10) and appropriating limited government funds to reproductive services instead of basic services (Section 23) Thus, we urge you to immediately stop deliberations on the bill and stop wasting taxpayers money.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
CBCP asks Pope to visit Manila in 2009
by ARIES RUFO, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak 09/29/2008 6:05 PM
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has formally invited Pope Benedict XVI to attend next year’s celebration of Asian Youth Day to be held in Manila, abs-cbnNews.com/Newsbreak has learned.
It will be the second invitation extended by the Catholic Church to the Holy Father, who declined an offer this year to make a side trip to the Philippines from his visit to Australia for the World Youth Day last July.
Two bishops confirmed that an invitation has been forwarded to the Vatican, following consultations with other CBCP members.
The invitation was prompted by a separate request of the Catholic Church in Taiwan for the Pope to attend its 150th anniversary of its evangelization. Taipei’s local bishops have asked the CBCP to also invite the Pope, noting that Manila would host the Asian Youth Day next year.
The Asian Youth Day (AYD), a regional version of the World Youth Day, was last observed in Hongkong in 2006.
But one of the sources said the Pope is likely to refuse the offer, considering the diplomatic implication of the Pope’s visit to Taiwan, which is still considered a “renegade” province by China.
Asian Youth Day
According to a July 30, 2008 story on Asian Youth Day on the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) website, organizers plan to hold the AYD in the Philippines last week of November or first week of December 2009.
The UCAN report said, “AYD organizers have not decided on the theme for the celebration, but activities will center on the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) thrust toward Eucharist in the context of the young.”
The report said “AYD celebrations, held in years when no international WYD celebration takes place, aim to inspire Asian Catholics to continue and live their faith “passionately, in a more dedicated way,” according to Jessica Joy Candelario, the head of the desk of the FABC’s Office of Laity and Family.
Asian bishops vowed in a previous World Youth Day celebration to “give more priority to the needs of young people.” They agreed to establish a “youth office that will give a more concrete voice for young Asians,” the UCAN report said.
“Three years later, the FABC established its laity office’s Youth Desk. The desk organized the first AYD celebration in Thailand in 1999,” the UCAN report said.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has formally invited Pope Benedict XVI to attend next year’s celebration of Asian Youth Day to be held in Manila, abs-cbnNews.com/Newsbreak has learned.
It will be the second invitation extended by the Catholic Church to the Holy Father, who declined an offer this year to make a side trip to the Philippines from his visit to Australia for the World Youth Day last July.
Two bishops confirmed that an invitation has been forwarded to the Vatican, following consultations with other CBCP members.
The invitation was prompted by a separate request of the Catholic Church in Taiwan for the Pope to attend its 150th anniversary of its evangelization. Taipei’s local bishops have asked the CBCP to also invite the Pope, noting that Manila would host the Asian Youth Day next year.
The Asian Youth Day (AYD), a regional version of the World Youth Day, was last observed in Hongkong in 2006.
But one of the sources said the Pope is likely to refuse the offer, considering the diplomatic implication of the Pope’s visit to Taiwan, which is still considered a “renegade” province by China.
Asian Youth Day
According to a July 30, 2008 story on Asian Youth Day on the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) website, organizers plan to hold the AYD in the Philippines last week of November or first week of December 2009.
The UCAN report said, “AYD organizers have not decided on the theme for the celebration, but activities will center on the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) thrust toward Eucharist in the context of the young.”
The report said “AYD celebrations, held in years when no international WYD celebration takes place, aim to inspire Asian Catholics to continue and live their faith “passionately, in a more dedicated way,” according to Jessica Joy Candelario, the head of the desk of the FABC’s Office of Laity and Family.
Asian bishops vowed in a previous World Youth Day celebration to “give more priority to the needs of young people.” They agreed to establish a “youth office that will give a more concrete voice for young Asians,” the UCAN report said.
“Three years later, the FABC established its laity office’s Youth Desk. The desk organized the first AYD celebration in Thailand in 1999,” the UCAN report said.
Eucharistic & Marian Vigil
In celebration of the Month of the Most Holy Rosary this October 2008, our Parish will be having a Eucharistic & Marian Vigil to be organized by the Adoracion Nocturna Filipina (ANF) Turno 1193 and Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist (EMHC) in cooperation with the Ushers & Collectors Ministry (UCM) and Catholic Women’s League (CWL) to be held on the 11th of October, Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the parish church.
For this year’s celebration, our parish invited His Excellency, Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan as the Mass Celebrant.
For this year’s celebration, our parish invited His Excellency, Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan as the Mass Celebrant.
PANALANGIN NG LAYKO
Mapagmahal naming Ama,
Ikaw ang may akda ng buhaySalamat, ang dangal nami’y binigyang halaga.Ikaw ang bukal ng karununganSalamat, kalooban nami’y pinukaw mong ganap.Ikaw ang pinagmulan ng pag-ibigSalamat, puso nami’y tinuruang magmahal.
Mapagkalingang Hesus
Ikaw ang Pastol ng mga layko.Hayaan mo kaming makatugonSa iyong makapangyarihang tinig,upang kami’y makapaglingkod sa iyong kawannang may pag-ibig at pagmamalasakit.
Espiritung Banal,
Halina’t likhain kaming muliupang maging isang simbahanghandang maging mukha ni Kristosa bawa’t pamilya’t tahanan,handang maging tinig ng Diyos, nagpapalaganapat nagsasabuhay ng Mabuting Balita,handang maging puso ni Hesus,naglilingkod at nagbabahagi sa lahat ng panahon.
O Kabanal-banalang Santatlo,
Salamat sa halimbawang ipinakitani San Lorenzo Ruiz,Ibinahagi niya ang kanyang pag-ibig sa Diyosat katapatan sa misyon.Pagindapatin mo pong kami’y maging tulad niya,Isang lingkod na tapat, isang laykong may dangal,nananalangi’t nagmamahal ngayon at kailanman.
Amen.
Ikaw ang may akda ng buhaySalamat, ang dangal nami’y binigyang halaga.Ikaw ang bukal ng karununganSalamat, kalooban nami’y pinukaw mong ganap.Ikaw ang pinagmulan ng pag-ibigSalamat, puso nami’y tinuruang magmahal.
Mapagkalingang Hesus
Ikaw ang Pastol ng mga layko.Hayaan mo kaming makatugonSa iyong makapangyarihang tinig,upang kami’y makapaglingkod sa iyong kawannang may pag-ibig at pagmamalasakit.
Espiritung Banal,
Halina’t likhain kaming muliupang maging isang simbahanghandang maging mukha ni Kristosa bawa’t pamilya’t tahanan,handang maging tinig ng Diyos, nagpapalaganapat nagsasabuhay ng Mabuting Balita,handang maging puso ni Hesus,naglilingkod at nagbabahagi sa lahat ng panahon.
O Kabanal-banalang Santatlo,
Salamat sa halimbawang ipinakitani San Lorenzo Ruiz,Ibinahagi niya ang kanyang pag-ibig sa Diyosat katapatan sa misyon.Pagindapatin mo pong kami’y maging tulad niya,Isang lingkod na tapat, isang laykong may dangal,nananalangi’t nagmamahal ngayon at kailanman.
Amen.
The National Laity Week 2008 Celebration
Last September 26, 2008 Friday, the parish celebrated the National Laity Week which started last September 21 and will end yesterday October 1, 2008. The activity aims to promote lay apostolate and to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the Patron Saints of the Catholic Laity in the Philippines. The activity was held at Bulwagang Sta. Catalina thru the kindness of the Dominican Sisters.
The Organizing Committee of this year’s Laity Week Celebration has adopted the theme: “PISTA NG MGA LAIKO”. The recognition of the efforts contributed by different church mandated organizations, ministries and communities of renewal were presented thru a “festive fair variety program” ala Barrio Fiesta” set-up.
Most of the organizations, presented various colorful native dances which really moved the audience to move their feet and ”harana” song medley that helped the audience reminisced some of their memorable moments as young ones then.
On top of the variety program, ,the church workers of the parish enjoyed the food that were brought by the different organizations which include, dinuguan, puto, suman, sago at gulaman and even sorbetes!
The activity is actually an annual affair in the parish that started last year wherein an Exhibit was held showcasing the various organizations thru the use of native and indigenous materials.
One of the highlights of the activity is the Special Message given by Rev. Fr. Toochy Ubarco wherein he stressed that the joy brought about by the Fiesta atmosphere should also be illuminated in the life of a lay person no matter what circumstances they have. The very same joy that each lay perosn should posses to be able to spread the Good News.
The Organizing Committee of this year’s Laity Week Celebration has adopted the theme: “PISTA NG MGA LAIKO”. The recognition of the efforts contributed by different church mandated organizations, ministries and communities of renewal were presented thru a “festive fair variety program” ala Barrio Fiesta” set-up.
Most of the organizations, presented various colorful native dances which really moved the audience to move their feet and ”harana” song medley that helped the audience reminisced some of their memorable moments as young ones then.
On top of the variety program, ,the church workers of the parish enjoyed the food that were brought by the different organizations which include, dinuguan, puto, suman, sago at gulaman and even sorbetes!
The activity is actually an annual affair in the parish that started last year wherein an Exhibit was held showcasing the various organizations thru the use of native and indigenous materials.
One of the highlights of the activity is the Special Message given by Rev. Fr. Toochy Ubarco wherein he stressed that the joy brought about by the Fiesta atmosphere should also be illuminated in the life of a lay person no matter what circumstances they have. The very same joy that each lay perosn should posses to be able to spread the Good News.
The Year That Was-The 2007 Parish Year End Report
2007 was a milestone year at San Antonio De Padua Parish, with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Buenaventura C. Ubarco as the new Pastor and various tangible innovations—implemented both by the Parish Pastoral Council and the parochial ministries and organizations themselves—to deepen the parishioners’ spiritual life.
Revival of the Novena in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help every Wednesday; (February 2007)
Revival of one of the most pleasant traditions that Catholics observe during the Lenten season, The Visita Iglesia (Visit of the Churches). For 2007, the Parish visited the churches in the Province of Zambales; (March 24, 2007)
New approach on the Salubong Rite was also introduced wherein balloons were attached to the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary which was released along with the balloons during the actual encuentro. The parish contact numbers were attached on the veil in order for the people who will be lucky enough to get it shall be able to call the Parish for such blessing. The parish prepared some grocery items and other gift packs for the lucky recipient. On its first year, the veil landed in the hand of a Farm caretaker in Antipolo City. On top of the gifts that were presented to the recipient, a Holy Mass was also held in the said area that was led by Fr. Toochy and attended by selected church workers; (March & August 2007)
The parish also adapted the 31-day Novena for the Flores De Mayo created by Msgr. Sabino Vengco, Jr.; (May 2007)
The Parish was also visited by one of the well known Healing Priest, Rev. Fr. Joey Faller. The said visit of Fr. Faller was noted as one of the most well attended gathering in the Parish as substantial number of faithful attended the activity which lasted for almost 5 hours. (July 10, 2007)
Through the efforts of the new Pastor, the Parishioners actively participated in the observance of the Prison Awareness Month as reflected in the substantial donations that were gathered for the prisoners of the Binan Municipal Jail. (September 2007)
In celebration of the National Laity Week, the Parish conducted another pioneering efforts when it held the first-ever Pista ng Layko. Various booths were set up showcasing ingenuity and creativity of the church workers. The celebration was made even memorable with the Merienda ala Barrio Fiesta set up. (September 22-23, 2007)
Through the efforts of the Family Life Ministry, the Parish organized a Kasalang Bayan wherein 10 couples who are either civilly married or living together for at least five years were finally blessed by the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony last October 27, 2007. These couples came from the Brgy. Platero and San Antonio. Fr. Toochy officiated the mass wedding while the reception followed at the Parish Multi-Purpose Hall with the HRM students of St. Michael’s College providing the reception accommodations;
In celebration of the Month of the Holy Rosary, the Parish was able to invite the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Novaliches, His Excellency Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., D.D. The good Bishop graced the Parish for a Holy Mass and talk on the topic “Maria, ang Talang Gabay sa ating Paglalakbay sa Dagat ng Buhay”;
Lastly, the parish revived the yearly tradition of distributing Christmas bags to our less fortunate parishioners dubbed as Pamaskong Handog 2007. More than 300 families were given bags of grocery items collected from the offertory in the nine day Misa De Gallo.
The Former Pastors
Since the installation of the Parish in 1979, the Parish of San Antonio De Padua has been under the Pastoral Care of seven (7) Parish Priests.
PARISH PRIEST
PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT
PASTORAL THRUST
Rev. Fr. Emilio C. Palma
January 1979-1983
To establish the Parish and organize church mandated organizations including youth groups.
Rev. Fr. Jacinto S. Diaz
1983-August 1988
Formation and establishment of Basic Ecclesial Communities and Bible Studies.
Rev. Fr. Felipe A. Almosa
August 1988-July 1991
A Living church that cares for its people.
Rev. Fr. Tomas D. Cuenca
July 1991-November 1995
Revival of Parish and other church mandated organizations thru active lay participation in parish activities
Rev. Fr. Ricardo R. De Luna
November 1995-January 2003
Renewed evangelization thru Parish Renewal Experience
Rev. Fr. Rex MP. Delos Angeles
January 10, 2003-January 14, 2007
To be rather than to do
Rev. Fr. Buenaventura C. Ubarco
January 14, 2007-Present
PARISH PRIEST
PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT
PASTORAL THRUST
Rev. Fr. Emilio C. Palma
January 1979-1983
To establish the Parish and organize church mandated organizations including youth groups.
Rev. Fr. Jacinto S. Diaz
1983-August 1988
Formation and establishment of Basic Ecclesial Communities and Bible Studies.
Rev. Fr. Felipe A. Almosa
August 1988-July 1991
A Living church that cares for its people.
Rev. Fr. Tomas D. Cuenca
July 1991-November 1995
Revival of Parish and other church mandated organizations thru active lay participation in parish activities
Rev. Fr. Ricardo R. De Luna
November 1995-January 2003
Renewed evangelization thru Parish Renewal Experience
Rev. Fr. Rex MP. Delos Angeles
January 10, 2003-January 14, 2007
To be rather than to do
Rev. Fr. Buenaventura C. Ubarco
January 14, 2007-Present
Monday, September 29, 2008
Parish Profile
ECONOMIC STATUS
The parishioners are mostly professionals, employees: bank executives, lawyers, physicians, school administrators, accountants, teachers, office workers. Some have their own businesses like rice milling & trading, fast food stalls, grocery stores, fruit and meat stalls, passenger jeeps and tricycles, shoe making and shuttle buses for students and employees, and ready-to-wear clothes as well as handicrafts. Their monthly income approximately range from a low P8,000 to a high of P50,000 or more.
However, there are thousands of families living below poverty line. There were few slum areas, residents of which are either underprivileged or unemployed. The men work as jeep or tricycle drivers. The women seek employment as laundry women. There are some who work in factories situated in special economic and industrial zones in Binan and nearby towns.
SPIRITUAL PROFILE
About 85% of the populations are Roman Catholic and 15% belong to different religious affiliations such as, Protestants, Baptist, Born Again-Christians, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Aglipay, Adventist Church of Christ, and others. While 85% of the population are Roman Catholics, not even 10% are practicing although there were substantial number of them that are actively involved in the El Shaddai Prayer Partner Groups especially those in Brgy. Platero
At present the Parish serves two (2) Chapels who are represented in the meetings and activities of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). These chapels are as follows:
1. Resureccion Chapel-Tulay Bato
2. San Roque Chapel-Brgy. Platero
Masses are celebrated in these chapels every Saturday and Sunday by the Parish Priest and other visiting priests through arrangements made with the Parochial Office.
Presence of Religious congregation in any parish provide significant pastoral support for its catechetical ministry and religious education programs. San Antonio De Padua Parish is very fortunate with the presence of the lone religious house within its jurisdiction, Sta. Catalina College of the Dominican congregation or from the Order of Preachers (OP). This gives hope that in following the charism of their congregation in the Parish will continue to develop greater collaboration with parish groups and the parish priest, as well as among themselves and their institution, and thus enhance the catechetical work throughout the Parish.
Regarding other Religious Sects, there are twelve (12) Christian Assemblies which have fellowships done mostly on Sundays. There is also one (1) Aglipay Chapel (Sta. Filomena) at Municipal Cemetery, one (1) Hindi/Moslem Mosque at G&F Subdivision in Brgy. Platero and a Jehovah Assembly at Golden Meadows Subdivision.
SOCIO-CULTURAL PROFILE
The town of Binan attracts and offers business opportunities, as the town is considered the center of trade to nearby towns and provinces. Nearly 30% of the Parish’ population are migrants. Majority of these migrants come from Quezon Province and the Bicol Region. Some are here due to intermarriage in the course of business pursuits. Filipino language is the main dialect interspersed by one’s own region or province accent. Generally, the people are warm and friendly that can be attributed to their being in the trade business.
The parishioners are mostly professionals, employees: bank executives, lawyers, physicians, school administrators, accountants, teachers, office workers. Some have their own businesses like rice milling & trading, fast food stalls, grocery stores, fruit and meat stalls, passenger jeeps and tricycles, shoe making and shuttle buses for students and employees, and ready-to-wear clothes as well as handicrafts. Their monthly income approximately range from a low P8,000 to a high of P50,000 or more.
However, there are thousands of families living below poverty line. There were few slum areas, residents of which are either underprivileged or unemployed. The men work as jeep or tricycle drivers. The women seek employment as laundry women. There are some who work in factories situated in special economic and industrial zones in Binan and nearby towns.
SPIRITUAL PROFILE
About 85% of the populations are Roman Catholic and 15% belong to different religious affiliations such as, Protestants, Baptist, Born Again-Christians, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Aglipay, Adventist Church of Christ, and others. While 85% of the population are Roman Catholics, not even 10% are practicing although there were substantial number of them that are actively involved in the El Shaddai Prayer Partner Groups especially those in Brgy. Platero
At present the Parish serves two (2) Chapels who are represented in the meetings and activities of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). These chapels are as follows:
1. Resureccion Chapel-Tulay Bato
2. San Roque Chapel-Brgy. Platero
Masses are celebrated in these chapels every Saturday and Sunday by the Parish Priest and other visiting priests through arrangements made with the Parochial Office.
Presence of Religious congregation in any parish provide significant pastoral support for its catechetical ministry and religious education programs. San Antonio De Padua Parish is very fortunate with the presence of the lone religious house within its jurisdiction, Sta. Catalina College of the Dominican congregation or from the Order of Preachers (OP). This gives hope that in following the charism of their congregation in the Parish will continue to develop greater collaboration with parish groups and the parish priest, as well as among themselves and their institution, and thus enhance the catechetical work throughout the Parish.
Regarding other Religious Sects, there are twelve (12) Christian Assemblies which have fellowships done mostly on Sundays. There is also one (1) Aglipay Chapel (Sta. Filomena) at Municipal Cemetery, one (1) Hindi/Moslem Mosque at G&F Subdivision in Brgy. Platero and a Jehovah Assembly at Golden Meadows Subdivision.
SOCIO-CULTURAL PROFILE
The town of Binan attracts and offers business opportunities, as the town is considered the center of trade to nearby towns and provinces. Nearly 30% of the Parish’ population are migrants. Majority of these migrants come from Quezon Province and the Bicol Region. Some are here due to intermarriage in the course of business pursuits. Filipino language is the main dialect interspersed by one’s own region or province accent. Generally, the people are warm and friendly that can be attributed to their being in the trade business.
Our Parish History
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Digging out facts regarding the parish history is quite arduous due to the inadequacy, if not at all the absence of authoritative records. Compounding the problem even more was the unfortunate fire that raged the Chancery Office at Calauan, Laguna in 1992. Interviews of the barrio’s old folks on the basis of oral accounts were made and collated.
The collated account pointed out the Parish had its humble beginnings. The first edifice church was built of nipa and bamboo and was dedicated to San Antonio De Padua because the early churchgoers and workers then were devotees of San Antonio. As the faithful began to grow and to set out on its journey as a community of Christian towards the fullness of the Kingdom of God, the chapel could no longer fully accommodate the growing number of people so it became necessary to build a larger church. Started in 1940s up to 1970s a new church built of concrete stone was erected to where it is located now.
It was 1979 that the Chapel of San Antonio De Padua was formally established as a Parish and carved out of San Isidro Labrador Parish thru the initiatives of the late Rev. Fr. Emilio C. Palma who also became the first Pastor. There it expanded to a wide territory embracing today’s Barrio San Antonio and Platero.
Today, this church dedicated to San Antonio de Padua, stands as a symbol of the peoples faith in God. The people also consider it as their living spiritual legacy to their children and their children's children.
The collated account pointed out the Parish had its humble beginnings. The first edifice church was built of nipa and bamboo and was dedicated to San Antonio De Padua because the early churchgoers and workers then were devotees of San Antonio. As the faithful began to grow and to set out on its journey as a community of Christian towards the fullness of the Kingdom of God, the chapel could no longer fully accommodate the growing number of people so it became necessary to build a larger church. Started in 1940s up to 1970s a new church built of concrete stone was erected to where it is located now.
It was 1979 that the Chapel of San Antonio De Padua was formally established as a Parish and carved out of San Isidro Labrador Parish thru the initiatives of the late Rev. Fr. Emilio C. Palma who also became the first Pastor. There it expanded to a wide territory embracing today’s Barrio San Antonio and Platero.
Today, this church dedicated to San Antonio de Padua, stands as a symbol of the peoples faith in God. The people also consider it as their living spiritual legacy to their children and their children's children.
Ang Pasimhay-The Blog Version
Last 1997, during the time of Rev. Fr. Ricardo R. De Luna, San Antonio De Padua Parish Binan, Laguna created a Parish Journal entitled "Ang Pasimhay" or Ang Patunay ng Simbahang Buhay. The journal served as the newsletter of the parish for almost two (2) years and became the bridge that closes the gap between the parishioners and the Parish Church.
It even uses the tag line, "The only paper that informs and inspires" since aside from bringing updates and news on the latest and incoming activities in the Parish, it also features inspiring articles that aims to somehow inspires the parishioners to reflect on the message of the Gospel thru heart warming stories.
The newsletter only lasted for two (2) years due to financial concerns particularly on the printing expenses as there are no major advertisements and subsidies from the parish that could somehow support the paper then.
In the advent of new technology and channel like the internet more particularly the Blog mania, the passion for the apostolate on new means of communication or new media has remained strong, thus, this blog site.
The people that will maintain this site is almost the same creative minds behind the dream of Ang Pasimhay 11 years ago. The site will also carry the same tagline before of Ang Pasimhay but this time with a twist, "the site that informs and inspires"
Unlike the newsletter then, the site can be a source of stories everyday and even information and latest updates of the Parish affairs and even from the persona behind it. Welcome and may we hear from you soon!
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