Filipino Catholic - New York State Council

Transcription

The Filipino
CATHOLIC
VOL. 20, NO. 8
March 9 - April 13, 2016
KUWARESMA
For God so loved
the world that he
gave his one and
only Son, that
whoever believes
in him shall not
perish but have
eternal life.
--- John 3:16
JUST SHARING
THE CHURCH’S M.V.T. (MOST VALUABLE TREASURE)
I find it remarkable that the Fifty-first International Eucharist Congress was
held in Cebu. Not that I doubt for one moment Cebu’s special place as the cradle
of Catholicism in Asia. I have a more personal reason. It was a Cebuano song I
used to listen to, growing up in Borongan, Eastern Samar, that quite incidentally
and indirectly led me to better appreciate the Eucharist. Remember the Matud Nila
(They Say or, literally, According to Them)? It was a poignant song I would hear over
the radio and from some of our neighborhood toughies who would drink tuba
(coco wine) on a hot summer Sunday, singing their hearts out with a rundown
guitar, about a young man’s lament over being judged unworthy of a lady he loves
because he has no wealth to offer her but his “gugmang putli (pure love)” which
to him is “labaw sa bulawan (more precious than gold)”.
While reading St. John Paul II’s encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church
from the Eucharist), that Cebuano song came back to me. No, it was not any poor
young man that crossed my mind but the Poor Carpenter from Nazareth who
declared, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man
has nowhere to lay his head” (Lk 9:58). In the words of Paul the Apostle to the
Philippian Christians (could be ‘Philippine Christians’ too): “Though he was in
the form of God he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at.
Rather he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness
of men. And it was thus that he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto
death, death on a Cross” (Phil 2:6-8). He was so poor he had nothing to give except
his pure love. In my mind’s eye it was this Poor Carpenter from Nazareth who
really first sang Matud Nila to his bride, the Church.
I really wouldn’t know if the late saintly pope had ever heard of Matud Nila
during the two occasions he visited the country, including Cebu. But I was struck
by the language he used with which to describe the Eucharist for us Christians.
The pure, pure love that Jesus, the Poor Carpenter from Nazareth, offers us on
the Cross is right at the heart of the Eucharist, he declares. It is the reason why the
Eucharist is the source and summit of the Church’s life. Says St. John Paul II: “For
the most Holy Eucharist contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ
himself, our Passover and living bread” (EdeE 1; PO 5).
In a word, it is not really his pure love alone that we encounter in the Eucharist
but Jesus himself by whose passion, death, resurrection and ascension we pass from
darkness to light, from death to life, from sin to grace; hence, he is our Passover.
And Jesus is himself our food in this very
life of grace; hence, he is our Living Bread.
It is said that the Philippines’ favorite
sport is basketball which determines the
winner by the most points scored. On the
other hand, in the story of salvation the real
winner was determined by how much he
lost because he has loved most. His crown
and living presence is a sacrament called
the Eucharist. The winning basketball team
has the MVP (Most Valuable Player); the
Eucharist has the MVT (Most Valuable
Treasure).
As far as the Eucharist is concerned,
Matud Nila has, to me, a Tagalog sequel in
Tanging Yaman (Most Precious Treasure)
by Rev. Eutiquio ‘Euly’
which, I would say, is rightfully addressed
B. Belizar, Jr., SThD
to Jesus in the Eucharist. He is the reason
why we can sing: “Ikaw ang aking tanging
yaman/ na di lubusang masumpungan/. Ang nilikha mong kariktan/, sulyap ng iyong
kagandahan (You are my most precious treasure/ that I can’t quite grasp/. All the beautiful
things you have created/ are but a glimpse of your beauty).” With apologies to its
composer and lyricist, were I to be permitted to do liberties to the song, I’d revise
it and dedicate it to Jesus in the Eucharist. In this sacrament I would propose we
say to Jesus, “Ikaw ang aking tanging yaman (You are my most valuable treasure)”
but rather than refer to created things as giving a glimpse of God’s beauty, I’d
say that Jesus himself is very face of God. (“kapag ikaw ay nasilayan, mukha ng Dios
namamasdan” [anyone who gazes at you sees the face of God]). This is the greatest
motive why we, and anyone else for that matter, must find and nurture a personal
and—we should add—communal relationship with Jesus Christ.
For the letter to the Hebrews reminds us: “This Son is the reflection of the
Father’s glory, the exact representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3).
And to think that this MVT is within our grasp—in the Eucharist.
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Page 2 • March 9 - April 13, 2016 • The Filipino Catholic
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The
Filipino
Catholic
The Filipino Catholic
(BN96001443), an
independent newsmagazine
with editorial offices at
453 Hawthorne Ave.,
Uniondale, NY 11553, is
published monthly and
distributed free
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The Filipino Catholic is
staffed by volunteers. Views
expressed by the contributing
writers do not necessarily
reflect the views of the
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Church.
LETTERS AND
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Contributing Writers
& Columnists:
Jessica Abejar
Rev. Peter James R.
Alindogan
Fr. Frank Pavone
Mayven Cajucom
Fr. Ruben Cammayo
Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan
Erlinda Franco
Fr. Mike Lagrimas
Fr. Joseph Marabe
Araceli Medrano
Mario Nieves
Maria Pascual
Norma Pascual
John Primi
Fr. Ronald Quijano
Sonia S. Salerni
Generoso Salle
Reuben Seguritan, Esq.
Rene Tubilleja
Laura Vogel
Photography
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Rick Santisteban
Circulation & Distribution
Wendel Javier
Spiritual Director
Fr. Joe Cadusale
Editor & Publisher
Manny Pascual
Write us at:
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Email: filcath@optonline.net
If you grew up in the Philippines, like I did, you would probably understand why
“Kuwaresma” wasn’t my favorite season of the year.
From the Editor
For an overactive child like myself, it was a time of numerous restrictions and spiritual
regulations that stifle the activities of a youngster who would rather spend time climbing
trees, catching and imprisoning beetles in empty peanut butter jars. In school, it was a time
for retreats and of personal evaluation of sins committed and contemplated for a turn to
enumerate them at the confessional. I remember having a long list of offenses ... from pulling
Olivia’s pigtails to malingering so I could miss my physical education class ... all written down
on a piece of paper ready to be read to the priest at confession.
At home, it was always “Don’t do this” and “Don’t do that.” Especially during Holy Week
when my grandmother’s favorite retort was, “No running!” or “No shouting!” And with the
absence of meat in our diet, Fridays became days of torture with very limited rations of rice
and fish. Good Friday was particularly all too painful when I would be required to listen for
three long hours to the “Siete Palabras.”
Manny Pascual
That was many “kuwaresmas” ago when I saw things through the eyes of a young hyperactive
child whose spiritual mold was still soft and malleable. The ensuing years, however, slowly gave meaning to our Lenten
practices. It became clear that the significance of our Christian life revolves around love, and forgiveness and sacrifices. That
the purpose of Jesus’ dying on the cross was to fulfill the purpose of our salvation.
Pope John Paul II once said that lent is “a journey of prayer and penitence.” Whether we fast, confess our sins or embrace
virtue, these days of Lent are about our heart, mind and feelings; about our attitudes, hopes and fears. It is a journey of the
soul and spirit. And somewhere along the way, God gives us the grace to make a new beginning.
In this month’s issue we offer you meaningful insights to our spiritual practices and other interesting materials. Don’t fail to
read Rene Tubillera, Fr. Euly, Fr. James Alindogan, Fr. Mike Lagrimas, Scapular John and Mario Nieves. All in the March issue
of The Filipino Catholic.
Of Faith And Practicality
“With God nothing shall be
impossible.“ - Luke 1:37
by Rene Tubilleja
Of Mending Fences
When the Pope says that capital punishment or abortion is un-Christian, few people would
say that he is wrong in saying so. He is expected to say so. Those are acts that obviously go
against Christian teachings. The Christian Faith is based on Love: first and foremost, the love
of God and, second, the love of others, including enemies. Love is not only about not doing
harm to others but is more importantly about seeking to improve the other people’s lot as
detailed by St. Paul in his many letters. On the other side of the issue is the law of the land.
Jesus Christ did not propose to break the law. He just refused to comment on it: “Give to
Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Whether by our own choosing or because
of birth, we live in a land that has laws to abide by. Obey the law but as Christians consider
what else you can do for love within the law.
When Pope Francis said that building a wall to prevent suffering people from getting to a better life is un-Christian, he
was right. Like Christ, he was not afraid of the repercussions of those words. However, he did not say that the law is wrong.
He did not even name any one particular person, although the media made it to look like he was accusing Trump of being
un-Christian. The Pope’s exact words were: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not
building bridges, is not Christian.” Pope Francis, in an admirable exercise of his own Christianity, pointed only to the act of
“thinking only of building walls” as what is wrong and un-Christian. Without indicating my political preference, I do believe
that Pope Francis had not specifically targeted Trump as un-Christian, because in fairness to the latter, he has also built
“bridges” of some sort and helped thousands of people to have a better life. I rather believe that Pope Francis refers to all of
us who never even think of the plight of those people affected by this particular law. He was there and saw their sufferings. If
we cannot help them in any way short of tearing down the wall, let’s at least pray for them. Let’s pray for a miracle like Christ
did when He fed the multitude with some loaves and fish. Let’s pray that some good would come out of their suffering. This is
being Christian. If ever there is anybody that should be regarded as the un-Christian in this controversy, it would be the media
who sensationalizes the issue and manipulates the Pope’s words according to their selfish agenda.
We are in the middle of Lent and soon the Holy Week will be upon us. Let our sacrifices be the meaningful kind and not
just a matter of going through the motions. Our sacrifices during Lent are not in atonement for our sins. Jesus Christ has
already done that for us on the Cross. Our sacrifices should be done with love and thanksgiving for this wonderful gift of
salvation. Our sacrifices are supposed to enrich our soul by denying our body some superfluous satisfactions. Abstinence is to
forego the pleasure of eating meat. However, if we instead indulge in some lobster or seafood galore, then abstinence becomes
meaningless. Fasting is about feeling the momentary pang of hunger, but if we just make it part of our regular diet regimen
then it also becomes meaningless. Better if we choose to forego or reduce the servings of a usual full meal. The underlying
intent is the most important thing in all of our Lenten acts of love. Let’s pray the Rosary more often these days. Let’s be
exceptionally kind and considerate to fellow commuters, drivers, colleagues, and everyone we have contact with. Let us pray
for all who are suffering because of war, economic ills, diseases, and all sorts of catastrophe. Let us ask Mama Mary, Our Lady
of Sorrows and Mediatrix of All Grace, to help us present all our sacrifices and gifts of love in a worthy way at the foot of the
Cross on Good Friday.
The Filipino Catholic • March 9 - April 13, 2016 • Page 3
FROM THE PULPIT
The Merciful Father
There was a priest who once parked his car
in a no-parking zone in Philadelphia because
he was short of time and could not find a
space with a meter. So he put a note under the
windshield wiper that read: “I have circled
the block 10 times. If I do not park here, I will
miss my appointment. FORGIVE US OUR
TRESPASSES.” When he returned, he found a
ticket from a police officer along with this note.
“I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I do not
give you a ticket, I will lose my job. LEAD US
NOT INTO TEMPTATION.” Most of us, if not all of us, can relate with
the prodigal son. We are all human beings and
human doings. We commit mistakes. All of us
are sinners. We have weaknesses in our hearts,
perhaps skeletons in our closets or maybe
indiscretions in our past. by Fr. Peter James R. Alindogan
So, whenever we hear about this parable,
we feel relieved because we are reminded of a
merciful and forgiving God, in the person of the prodigal Father. What did the younger son do? By demanding his inheritance, he insulted his Father. He was actually telling him that he could not wait for his Daddy to die. Not only was
he self-absorbed by what he wanted, he was also very irresponsible to what he needed.
What his Father earned the hard way, he lost quite easily. And because the son
did not really work for his money, he easily lost it all. Easy come, easy go. The
pigs, which his faith and his heritage found intolerable, became part of his struggle to
survive. And so, he came back to his senses. The Father’s Way is much better than his. To make the long story short, his Father forgave him. He threw a feast for
his return. They became reconnected once again.
This leaves us with the older son. In Rembrandt’s famous painting of this parable,
The Best Homecoming
Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
During their school’s alumni homecoming,
four old friends met after many years without
communication. They were having fun sharing
the memorable events of their long friendship.
Then their conversation shifted to their
personal lives. “You know,” said one, “since
we are good friends, why don’t we share about
our personal problems that keep bothering
us through these years?” Everybody agreed.
The first said, “Well, you see, I still have this
problem with alcohol. I have not yet gone over
my excessive drinking.” There was a gasp from
the other three. The second said, “You may not
be aware of this, but gambling is ruining my
life and my family. I just cannot quit.” After
another loud gasp, the third spoke, “I’m really
by Fr. Mike Lagrimas
afraid that my wife will find out about this. I
am involved with another woman. And it looks
like I might end up in divorce.” More gasps. But the fourth guy remained very quiet
and seemed unwilling to share. The others persuaded him to speak up, “C’mon!
We are friends here. Your secret will remain a secret.” After much hesitation, he
said, “You know, I am afraid to share because you might get angry with me. But
since you insist, this is what I have to say: I have been seeing a psychiatrist for
some time now because I have problems with keeping my mouth shut. I am an
incurable gossip!”
The fact is, we are all sinners. St. Paul said that in his Letter to the Romans:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). We differ only in degree.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates this sad reality about our wounded
human nature. The younger son was visibly bad – he insulted his father by
demanding his inheritance; he abandoned his family in search of worldly pleasure
and selfish ambitions; he squandered his money in a life of debauchery – he was
a total disaster! In contrast, the elder son was apparently the good son – he never
left the house and his father; he rendered constant service to the family; and he
did not waste a single penny.
But as the story unfolded, we begin to see a different picture. The younger
son, despite his ill behavior, has some goodness in him: he was humble enough
to admit his mistakes and was truly sorry. Then he decided to return to his father,
even willing to be just one of the hired hands. The elder son, on the other hand,
showed the other side of his character – he was proud, arrogant and insensitive.
His nasty behavior towards his younger brother and his refusal to join in the
celebration not only caused much distress to his father but also brought disunity to
the entire household. In short, this parable clearly illustrates the truth that all of us
are sinners in one way or another. As Henri Nouwen said, “We are all handicapped;
some are more visibly handicapped than others.”
But the parable also shows us another picture – it is the beautiful image of a
the older son was looking intently at his younger brother. If only his thoughts were
turned into words, he would have said, “How could you?” Partly he blamed his father
because he welcomed this sinful brother of his. And who knows? Perhaps he might be
blaming himself because he could have done the same thing that his younger brother
did and still be forgiven.
How many of us are like this elder brother? There are some among us who
feel cheated when these sinners, our brothers and sisters, seemed to have won
the best of both worlds and had now returned. There are among us who easily
judge them so harshly, thinking we are better than the drug addicts, murderers,
hypocrites, sexual abusers, muggers and thieves.
If we are like the older brother, our sin is more grievous and deadly than
that committed by the prodigal son. Because if we are like the older brother,
we are like the Pharisees that Jesus once condemned and for whom this parable
is actually intended. Forgive the sin, save the sinner. That is what the Prodigal Father did. Forgive the
sin, save the sinner, that is what the elder son should have done the soonest. Forgive the
sin, save the sinner. That is what is being asked of us.
It is really not so far-fetched. We do it all the time. We overlook our own failures
and we go on with life. We ask forgiveness for our sins and we do it again. We seek
God’s mercy and love and we know that if we really look deep into our hearts, the
prodigal God the Father through the prodigal loving Jesus is urging us to forgive and
beckoning us to be forgiven.
A heart that does not forgive is not a heart blessed and happy for life. A heart full
of grudges and misgivings is a heart empty of God. And a heart empty of God is a heart
filled with despair, sarcasm and sadness. If like the younger brother we still have not asked for forgiveness, please know that
our Father is waiting. He loves you and you can always go home to him. However,
if like the older brother we still have not forgiven those who have wronged us,
please also know that our Father is right for us. He wants you to know that all
he has is yours. And so, when somebody was
dead and has come back to life, when somebody
was lost and is now found, we have to celebrate.
For us to do that, we have to forgive.
loving and forgiving father. Actually, many bible
scholars pointed out that the title “Prodigal Son”
is not really accurate. The story is focused, not on
either of the two sons, but on the father. He was
very understanding and generous that he gave
away the inheritance to his prodigal son. His
love for him did not diminish, but grew more as
the days went by. Each day his eyes scanned the
horizon, anxiously looking for any sign of his son.
And when finally he saw him from a distance, he
ran to meet and embrace him. That is why the title
“Parable of the Running Father” is more precise.
In the Jewish patriarchal society, the head of the
family does not run to meet anybody – that would
be highly disgraceful. Moreover, not only did he
welcome back his lost son; he also restored his
place of dignity in the family, as symbolized by
the sandals, robe and ring. Then he offered a grand
party, for his son “was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.”
This same unconditional love the father expressed to the other son. The elder
son was angry and resentful, and refused to come inside the house to join in the
celebration. Again the father went out of his way to look for him and patiently
pleaded with him. It was not mentioned if the elder son relented, but the message
is clear: the father’s love for his sons is constant and unconditional. Despite their
sins and distasteful behavior, he is willing to go out of his way, and even to sacrifice
his honor and stature in society just so he can bring his sons back to his arms. Such
is the love of God for us sinners.
This parable should give us consolation and encouragement. No matter how
sinful we are, God’s love for us never diminishes, and he longs to see us come to
our senses and return to his house. St. Paul urges us in the second reading today:
“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Stubbornly persisting in a
sinful life and being away from our heavenly Father poses grave and countless
dangers to our souls.
Nowadays, we live in danger at any given moment. Sudden deaths and
accidents can happen everywhere – in all the various means of transportation, on
the streets and at home. Even unborn babies are not anymore safe in the wombs
of their mothers. Nowhere can we be safe. But this parable tells us that there is
one safest place to go – and that is in the loving arms of our heavenly Father. The
prodigal son made the biggest mistake: he left the security and comfort of his
father’s arms, and this resulted in his untold misery and sufferings. Only then
did he realize and appreciate the comfort and security in his father’s home. So he
decided to rise up and return home.
As we come closer to Holy Week, we are all invited to go back home to our
Father. We all are His beloved children. Our true home is in His loving embrace
– the only place where we will enjoy true and lasting happiness and peace. God’s
invitation is eloquently expressed in the Psalm: “Taste and see the goodness of the
Lord.” Indeed, there is no place like home.
FAMILY and CULTURE
Throw-away Culture
The term “throw-away culture” can be traced from Pope Francis himself through
his encyclical, messages and sermons. It is an offshoot of materialism or secularism
which penetrated almost all the strata of society. With consumerist outlook, we simply
throw-away our clothes, furniture, food, or other things for we consider them as useless.
We also throw away persons such as the unborn, children, spouse or parents for we
sometimes think that they are more of a burden to our family. Those who advocate throw-away culture are the same people who are addicted to
culture of accumulation. When we simply tend to have, rather than to be with; always
receiving rather than giving; then it is easy for us to throw away persons and things like
leftovers. We have not realized that these persons and things can also become gifts! In
gift giving, what matters most is not just the gift but the giver of that gift. Every gift
carries with it a built-in memory of the giver’s love, and that makes it more valuable.
One of the speakers for the recently concluded International Eucharistic Congress
held in Cebu last Jan. 24-31, 2016 was Cardinal Chito Tagle of Manila. It was
participated by around 15,000 delegates coming from 71 countries. The concluding
mass with procession of the Blessed Sacrament was attended by 200,000 devotees.
Such a great crowd was indeed an inspiration for all Catholics to become a Eucharistic
people. Cardinal Tagle gave a talk on the Holy Eucharist and Culture, focusing his reflection
on the impact of throw-away culture and at the same time highlighting its antidote
which is the culture of tenderness or compassion. What is seemingly thrown away may
be considered useless but in reality they are valuable, because they are gifts.
The good cardinal explains that the bible is full of experiences of people who were
thrown away: Joseph the Dreamer in Genesis, was thrown away into the well and sold
by his brothers; David was threatened to be thrown away by King Saul; Jonah the
prophet was swallowed by the whale and thrown away in the land of Nineveh; Daniel
was thrown away in the dungeon but was not harmed by the lion; the Holy Family was
thrown away in the land of Egypt due to persecution of Herod; and the Lord Jesus was
thrown away by the jealousy and fear of power-hungry politicians, and was also thrown
away by the self-righteous religious leaders, and thrown away by the betrayal and denial
of friends. Yes, all of them were thrown away by an unfriendly world but God took
them in his gentle hands and gives them to us as his gifts.
He exhorted the assembly by saying: Husbands, are you tempted to throw away your
wife like a home appliance? She is a gift, don’t throw her away. Wives, are you about
to throw away your husbands like junk? Think twice your husband is a gift. Parents,
do you see in your child who gives you some difficulties, a thing to be thrown away, or
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Zoaila Mendoza 516 695 0784 • Nina Borja 917 443 2239
Carmen Matinez 917 201 9061
Spiritual Director
Father Robert M. Powers
Pastor
by: Fr. Ronald S. Quijano, SThD
Dean, John Paul II National Institute for
Studies on Marriage and Family;
Chaplain, USLS; Chairman, Diocesan
Commission on Family and Life.
do you see in him or her a gift of God? Mothers,
do you consider the baby in your womb a burden
or a problem to be thrown away or a gift of life?
Teachers, will you throw away slow learners among
your students, or will you treasure them as gifts
especially if you are teaching in a Catholic school?
The crowd were all laughing when he included
in his litany the politicians and not sparing his
brother bishops and priests: Politicians, will you
throw away people’s taxes for your parties and
shopping, or guard them as gifts for social service?
Bishops, are you throwing away your priests who
causing so much headache on you? Mind you, priests are gifts of God to you. And
priests, please don’t throw away us your bishops, who know we can also be gifts to you.
Deeper theological truths become clearer when we accompany them with a sense
of humor. That’s what the good cardinal did and the rest of speakers. We need to bring
the Church closer to the hearts of those in the periphery, preaching the Gospel with joy,
making it relevant to the lives of people. The Eucharist is a perfect venue to realize this
call for renewal and evangelization.
The Eucharist is a gift that we should thank for. We are being nourished by the Word
of Life that we proclaim and the Bread of Life that we share. We become a Eucharistic
Community. It is through this memorial established on Holy Thursday that the real
presence of “Christ in us becomes the Hope of Glory.” All the messages delivered by
different speakers like the Dominican Fr. Radcliff, Bishop Robert Barron, Cardinal
Timothy Dolan, Cardinal Joseph Zen, etc. enlivened indeed the hearts and minds of
people to immerse themselves in the Eucharistic Jesus, beholding him as the face of
God’s Mercy, and recommitting themselves in evangelizing with joy.
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S
aints
by Erlinda Franco, OFS
St. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
Bishop, Confessor and
Doctor of the Church
Feast Day - March 18
S
t. Cyril was born in the vicinity of Jerusalem about the year 515. Having
made great progress in the knowledge of the pagan philosophers and the
Fathers of the Church, but above all the Sacred Scriptures.
He was a distinguished theologian of the early church. He is venerated in
Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental orthodoxy, Roman Catholic Church and the
Anglican Communion. He was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo Xlll
in 1883. He is highly respected by the Palestinian Christian Community. He was
knowledgeable of the pagan philosophers and Fathers of the Church but most
of all in the Sacred Scriptures, that he was ordained priest in 345 by Maximus,
Bishop of Jerusalem. About the end of the year 350 he succeeded Maximus in
the See of Jerusalem but was exiled more than one occasion due to the enmity
of Acasius of Caesaria and the policies of various emperors. He left important
writings documenting the instruction of catechumens and order of the Liturgy
in his day.
St. Cyril entered his
episcopal office at a time
when the church was
distracted by the Arian
heresy. A difference between
him and Acasius, the Arian
bishop of Caesarea, who
claimed jurisdiction over
the Church of Jerusalem,
a claim to which Cyril did
not submit. The tension
may have been increased
by Acacius’ jealousy of the
importance assigned to
Cyril’s See by the Council
of Nicaea and also by the
rising influence of the See
of Jerusalem as it developed
into the prime Christian holy
place and became the center
of pilgrimage.
St Cyril witnessed the
vain attempt of Julius the
Apostate to rebuild the
temple of Jerusalem with the concomitant miraculous circumstances that
accompanied it. It is said that Julian had determined to put an end to the life of
the holy man after his Persian expedition, but death prevented the execution of
his design.
Acacius charged Cyril of selling church property. At that time the city of
Jerusalem suffered food shortage at which point church historians Sozomen
and Theodoret report “Cyril secretly sold sacramental ornaments of the church
and other valuable holy robe fashioned with gold thread that the emperor
Constantine had once donated to the bishop when he performed the baptismal
rite. It was believed that Cyril sold some plate ornaments and other imperial
gifts to keep his people from starving. He was forced to retire in an atmosphere
hostile to him. Cyril once again banished from Jerusalem by the Arian emperor
Valens in 367. He returned again at the accession of Emperor Gratian in 378
after which he remained undisturbed until his death in 386. In 381 he assisted
at the General Council of Constantinople and formally accepted the full Nicene
Creed, he died in 386.
PRAYER: God, through St. Cyril You miraculously unified Your Church that
she might more fully grasp the mysteries of salvation. Through his intercession
help us to acknowledge Your Son and to obtain more abundant life. Amen.
Source: Lives of the Saints; Wikipedia; Catholic Encyclopedia, etc.
Sacramentals
The Mystical
City of God
Revelations to Venerable
Sr. Mary of Agreda, Spain.
No one should die without having read this
written work. Not to read it is to regret it. It is
that important!
The body of Sr. Mary of Agreda has been
incorrupt for over 500 years. Her written
revelations from God are four volumes called
The Mystical City of God. It is in detail the life
of The Holy Family. Each chapter ends with
valuable lessons from that chapter given by
by Scapular John
the Blessed Mother to us. This work contains
the greatest Theology, Mariology, Christology,
and Ecclesiology This work without a doubt
would be the greatest written way, except for the Bible, to grow in: spirituality, to have
a profound appreciation of what God, Jesus, and the Blessed Mother has done for us
and to love God and our neighbor in a way that we could never have achieved before. A
blessed book is a sacramental. How much have we invested in our spiritual life? This
four-volume set is priceless. Again, not to read it is to regret it!
Popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and lay people confess that no praise
can equal its merits and is considered the most wonderful, useful and reliable book
in the world. Again, it could be considered second to the bible. It is that valuable. It
answers over 1000 questions about the life of the Holy Family, God, heaven, hell, devils,
apocalypse, scripture meanings, etc. It is replete with details surrounding scripture stories
to give a bigger base of understanding, such as the Three Kings, the miracles Jesus did in
Egypt during the seven years that the Holy Family were in exile there, the institution of
the sacraments, and the passion of Jesus. It includes key conversations of Jesus, Mary,
scribes, devils, etc. This work, like no other, has several hundred scripture quotes and its
ultimate meaning, such as when Jesus said on the cross, “I thirst.” … and much more,
In 1929 Pope Pius XI granted apostolic blessing to all its readers and promoters.
Pope Benedict XIII asked that good Mother Mary inspire the clergy to read it. The
Blessed Mother said, “If priests read all that they had at their disposal from Jesus they
would collapse with sheer joy.” This and for other reasons have endorsements been made
for it by order of: Innocent XI, Alexander VIII, Clement IX, Clement XI, Clement XIV,
Benedict XIII, and Benedict XIV. The writings of Sr. Mary of Agreda hold the greatest
number of Episcopal approbations imprimaturs and blessings of the church than any other
book of private revelation ever written by a saint or lay person. All these endorsements
from popes, cardinals, bishops and priests on this written masterpiece of The Mystical
City of God would be more than a volume of itself.
The great Pope Benedict XIII when he was Archbishop of the Benevent used these
revelations for a series of sermons on the Blessed Virgin. The learned and pious Cardinal
D’Aguirre says that he considers his studies of 50 years to be a small consequence in
comparison with the doctrines he found in this book. The venerable superior general of
St. Sulpice, Abbe Emery, said “Only since I read the revelations of Mary of Agreda do
I properly know Jesus and His Holy Mother.”
When one reads this ethereal work one can experience a soaring up one’s soul into a
sublime love. Each page can cause you to grow with a spiritual joy as we imitate Jesus
and Mary here.
This work was by the order of God and by the dictation of Jesus and Mary. It was
rewritten a second time after she burnt up this work the first time. The first 12 years she
resisted writing this work against the powers that be, saying such things as, “I am not
worthy to write this.”
Finally, under the commands of her superiors she wrote this work. It took her eight
years to write it. Then she temporarily had a new spiritual director and under a misjudgment
on his part she burnt up the entire work. Then another 10 years of her protesting, writing
the book occurred. Finally, Jesus said to her “Do not again irritate my justice…” And
again, “... it is my will that thou write. Obey, soul.” This time it took 10 years. In
total, 40 years to produce this work. Then add another 10 years to translate this work into
English. Therefore, 50 years in the making.
Sister Mary of Agreda was the daughter of Francis Coronel and Catherine de Arana.
She was born on April 2, 1602 in the small town of Agreda near Taranrena, Spain. In 1617
she entered the convent of discalced Franciscan nuns in the convent of the Immaculate
Conception in Agreda. At the age of 23 she was chosen abbess against her wishes. She
was re-elected every three years until she died at the age of 63 in 1665. People of the
highest rank in church and state consulted her about important affairs. King Philip IV
visited her several times and corresponded with her about national affairs.
The miracle of bilocation of her lasted longer than any recorded history in the lives of
the saints. For example, she bilocated over 500 times over 11 years to teach the American
Indians in New Mexico catechism, the rosary and to wear the scapular and wooden
crosses. These events have been well documented. New Mexico at that time included
what is now known as today as Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and California.
Friar Alonzo was superior of this vast territory. He was surprised one day when he saw
the Indians using these sacramentals and having knowledge of the Catholic Church. He
(turn to page 15)
These
men called
Knights
by Salvatore A. Restivo
Executive Secretary
New York State Council
Knights of Columbus
O
n March 29, 1882 the
Knights of Columbus was
charted by the Connecticut
legislature. Our founder Father
Michael J. McGivney saw the
need for an organization of Catholic men. At that time in America, Irish
Catholic Immigrants had many difficulties finding work and supporting their
families. In New Haven, Connecticut, the home base for many Life insurance
companies, Irish Catholics could not get life insurance due to the prevalent anti
Catholic culture and the lack of Catholic Fraternal assistance society.
Father McGivney’s life experiences had a major influence in forming the
Knights. Michael J. McGivney was the oldest of 12 children. Of the 12 brothers
and sisters, only six survived past infancy. At age 13, Michael quit school and
went to work in a brass factory making spoons. At age 16, he left factory work
to begin his studies so that some day he could study for the priesthood.
In 1873, Michael McGivney’s father passed away. With the loss of their father,
the McGivney family was supported by their two older sisters. Michael was
adopted by the Diocese of Hartford. The diocese supported Michael through
his years in the seminary of Saint Mary’s in Baltimore. He was ordained
a priest on December 22, 1877. A few days later, on Christmas Day, Father
McGivney began his assignment as a curate at Saint Mary’s Church in New
Haven.
Father McGivney’s primary concern was
for the care of widows and children. His
dream was to establish a benefit society that
would help men stay united as Catholics,
avoid alcoholism, find work and establish
a program to support the widows and
children of members.
Father McGivney gathered a small group
of men at Saint Mary’s Church. This
was the very beginning of the Knights of
Columbus. The first proposed name was
the “Sons of Columbus” The founder hoped
that this name would bind Catholicism and
Americanism.
by Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director,
Priests for Life
Politics and the Pulpit: Part Three: Churches
are Automatically Tax Exempt by Law
It’s an election year again, and unless we’re careful, we can easily be misled by
vague assertions about “the dangers of losing our tax-exempt status.”
Let me state categorically from the outset: it’s not going to happen, period.
In this current series of columns, we are exploring and exploding some of the myths
surrounding “tax exemption” and the silly ways we strangle our own freedom to
speak the truth about elections.
What may come as a surprise for many is that Churches are not tax-exempt
because of a form they fill out and a letter of determination that they receive
from the government. Rather, Churches are already automatically tax exempt by law.
Whether they seek a determination of that status from the government by filling
out a form and receiving a letter is entirely up to them, if they want a piece of paper
that proves that they have the exemption. But even without the piece of paper, they
have the exemption anyway, as long as their mission corresponds to the criteria of
tax-exempt entities. Under the IRC, the section that talks about this “mandatory
exception” rule for Churches is section 508(c)(1)(A).
The federal court case Branch Ministries v. Rossotti (211 F.3d 137 (D.C. Cir. 2000))
refers to this fact when it says,
“Although most organizations seeking tax-exempt status are required to apply to the
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS” or “Service”) for an advance determination that they
meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3), id. § 508(a), a church may simply hold itself
out as tax exempt and receive the benefits of that status without applying for advance
recognition from the IRS. Id. § 508(c)(1)(A).”
The tax exemption of Churches actually dates back to ancient times. As the Supreme
Court itself has noted, there is an “unbroken” history of such exemption in our
country, and it “covers our entire national existence and indeed predates it” (Walz v.
Tax Comm’n, 397 U.S. 664, 678 (1970)). As Erik W. Stanley points out in an article
on which I will rely heavily in this chapter, “[T]he unassailable fact remains that,
for as long as anyone can remember, churches have always been tax-exempt or enjoyed
favorable tax treatment” (LBJ, The IRS, and Churches: The Unconstitutionality of the
Johnson Amendment in Light of Recent Supreme Court Precedent, Regent University
Law Review, Volume 24, 2011-2012, Number 2). The article refers to examples of
the tax exemption of Churches from the priests of ancient Egypt and from ancient
Sumeria in 2800 B.C.!
Fr. Michael McGivney
William Geary, one of the Order’s charter
members, said that at the first council meeting in 1882, Father McGivney was
“acclaimed as founder by 24 men with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving,
recognizing that without his optimism, his will to succeed, his counsel and
advice they would have failed.” Father McGivney died on August 14, 1890 at
the age of 38. He was a priest for only 13 years.
We grew from that small group of 24 men in New Haven, Connecticut to our
present membership of 1.8 million Knights. We have not only grown in the
United States but we have Knights in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican
Republic, Poland, Guam, South Korea, Lithuania, Ukraine, Panama, Guatemala
and the Philippines. Catholic men, with the support of their families, give
millions of service hours to our church, our communities, and to worthy
charities.
Today, we are the largest Catholic Fraternity dedicated to building Catholic
community and showing God’s love to those among us who are in need. If you
are a Catholic man 18 years or older, consider joining the Knights of Columbus
by contacting me at Joinkofc@gmail.com
This is understandable from the perspective of our own Constitution and from
a consideration of the nature of the Church. “My kingdom is not of this world,”
the Lord said. The Church is the breaking into history of the Kingdom of God.
As we have already seen, good Christians are called to be good citizens. These
identities are not incompatible. But neither are they identical, and that is why the
Church does not seek permission for its mission from civil government, and our
Constitution does not presume the authority to give such permission. Hence the
First Amendment declared, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
So Churches are tax exempt by law. Most of them take the additional step of seeking a letter of determination from the government, and most will organize their
activities under the umbrella of a section 501(c)(3) entity. But they do not have to do
that either. A Church could choose to organize some of its activities under the c3
umbrella and others under the c4 model, or even organize an LLC or LL Partnership, hence allowing additional freedom.
More to follow in my next column!
Order my book, AbolishingAbortion.com
We welcome all to contact us at:
Priests for Life
PO Box 141172 • Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. 888-735-3448, (718) 980-4400 • Fax 718-980-6515
mail@priestsforlife.org The Filipino Catholic • March 9 - April 13, 2016 • Page 7
Happenings
by AA Medrano
Our Lady of Lourdes; Double birthday celebration for father and son Edwin and
EJ Efa on 2/25/16; Milestone celebration for Chit Laurencio on her 60th birthday
on 2/25/16 and Kyla Guese on her 11th birthday.
Birthday remembrance for Fr. Bobby Sison as they celebrate his birthday on
2/21/16 with the angels and Saints in heaven. The 3:00 pm Filipino Mass was
celebrated in his memory.
FOOD AND BIBLE
You are invited to a special evening
of Bible and Food hosted by Our Lady
of Pompeii Parish in cooperation with
the Communication Office of the Diocese
of Padova, Italy on March 12, 2016. It
will start with the bilingual Mass at 6:30
centered on the theme of MERCY then
followed by the Free Biblical Dinner
at 7:30 pm. Don Marco Sanavio from
Italy, is guest speaker who will give the
background stories of the food recipes
that come directly from the scriptures and
taste the food cooked for you by Ribalta
Restaurant. Reservation is required for the
Free Dinner. You may call the Rectory at
212 989 6806 for reservation by 3/10/16.
Brooklyn Bridge Way of the Cross on Good Friday
You are invited to join members of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry (FPM)
and the devotees of the Poon Hesus Nazareno of Our Lady of Pompei for
the Way of the Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge on Good Friday carrying
the image of the Poon Hesus Nazareno. The prayer service starts at St. James
Cathedral in Brooklyn, with stops at the Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall, Ground
Zero and will end at St. Peter’s church. The annual Brooklyn Bridge Way of
the Cross has become a part of the Good Friday activity for the volunteers
and staff of the FPM.
Novena Mass to Santo Nino sa Village
The tradition continues, come and join us in the village. It is that time of
the year once again that the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei
Church welcomes the family members of the Santo Nino Prayer Groups of
New York (SPG/NY) for the nine Sundays Novena Mass starting on April
19 in preparation for the feast day in honor of Santo Nino.
The 33rd feast day Santo Nino celebration will be held on
June 19, 2016. Details for the feast day preparation will be
announced in a later date.
28th Baclaran sa Village - Feast of Mother of Perpetual
Help
We are celebrating the 28th anniversary of the Baclaran
sa Village, the devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual
Help at Our Lady of Pompei in Manhattan. This year’s
celebration will be held on June 22, 2015. Novena Masses
in preparation for the 27th Feast day celebration will
begin on Wednesday, April 20. Please join us every
Wednesday for the Rosary, Novena Mass at 6:30 pm in
preparation for the feast day. Details for the feast day
preparation will be announced in a later date
Happy Heart Day at Pompeii
There was nothing like celebrating Valentines Day with
your love ones, family and friends alike on this special
day. FPM hosted the special day at the FPM Community
Center. Thank you everyone for the beautiful celebration
especially to Ace Campos and Sol Tulang for transforming
the center into a very LOVEly place for the Heart Day.
Congratulations and happy birthday to all the
February birthday celebrants: Bro. Andre Zabala - Big 50
birthday on 2/3/16, Lemuel Gomez - celebrated his 21st
birthday with family and friends on 2/6/16; Fr. Adolfo
Novio - celebrated his first birthday as an ordained Priest
of the Archdiocese of New York on 2/11/16, Feast day of
Right: The month of February was full of milestone
birthday celebrations for members and friends of the
FPM: Fr. Adolfo Novio, (1st Birthday as Ordained
Priest ), Bro Dindi Zabala (Big 50), Lemuel Gomez (21st
Birthday), Kyla Guese (11th), Conchita Laurencio (Sweet
60), Edwin & EJ Efa, Geraldine Guese (18th/ Debut)
Happy Birthday to all of you.
Above: Valentine’s Day. Heart Day celebrated by the members
and friends of FPM Pompeii.
The Debutante Geraldine Guese on her 18th birthday celebration hosted by her family
and the CCD Class 2015 -2016 of FPM Pompeii celebrated on 2/21/16
The Debutante
Geraldine Guese
The CCD Class 2015 and the FPM family
together with the Guese family hosted the 18th
birthday of Geraldine. Family and friends worked
together to give a memorable celebration.
She is a special person not only to her parents
and siblings but to all of us who witnessed her
blossomed to a beautiful, smart, athletic and caring
lady. She started to attend events and Santo Nino
fiesta celebrations at Pompei when she was 4 years
old. She participated in the Flores de Mayo as she
grew up together with her sisters Bianca and Kyla
and once became Hermanita of the flower girls
and boys for the Annual Santakrusan sa Village.
She has now grown to be a beautiful girl and had
participated as sagala in the Santakrusan sa Village
every year.
She currently attends the CCD class 2015- 2016
in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
She was the lead role as Mary in the Catechism
Class 2015 of FPM Pompeii Nativity Musical Play“The Light of Love” last December and actively
participated in other events and activities of the
class mentored by Sol Tulang.
She served as altar server in the Sunday
Filipino Mass and led the younger members of the
community to participate and serve as well in the
Mass.
She is active not only in the church, but she
excels in several sports such as soccer (top scorer
in Queens, NY), tennis (MVP at her School team),
and basketball (Honor Athlete.) In addition, she is a
Taekwondo 3rd Degree Black Belt and Instructor. Above all she maintains her high grades in
school and member of National Honor Society.
A wonderful life full of happiness, success and
opportunities is waiting for you. Congratulations
and Happy Birthday.
FILIPINO PASTORAL MINISTRY*
Our Lady of Pompei Church
*A community of disciples ministering to Filipinos in New
York as a welcoming church
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES - YEAR 2016
WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM
SUNDAY 3:00 PM
FRIDAY
6:00 PM
MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
MISANG PILIPINO SA VILLAGE
Eucharistic Adoration & Holy Hour - Rosary
FPM Pompeii March Schedule of Activities:
Stations of the Cross every Friday of Lent at 7:00 PM English and 3:00 PM
Italian
12
Sat
7:30 PM
18 – 19 Fri/Sat 8:00PM to
1:00 PM
18
Fri
6:00 PM
20
Sun 3:00 PM
24
Thu 7:00 PM
25
Fri
9:00 AM
3:00 PM
7:00 PM
26
Sat
8:00 PM
27
Sun 3:00 PM
FOOD AND BIBLE – Community Biblical Dinner
PABASA NG PASYON
FPM Pompeii Community Center
Confirmation Ceremony for CCD Class and School children
Palm Sunday
Holy Thursday - Washing of the Feet
Brooklyn Bridge Way of the Cross
Good Friday Service
Good Friday - Veneration of the Cross
Easter Vigil Service
Easter Sunday / Children’s Easter Egg Hunting
March Birthday celebration
ON SCHEDULE
Masses, novenas, fiestas and other
important religious celebrations.
“This is the day which the Lord hath
made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
-- Ps 118:24
MARCH 2016 EVENTS
March 12, 2016
7:00 PM - Filipino Mass
Immaculate Conception Church,
Corner 29th Street & Ditmars Blvd.,
Astoria, NY
(Every 2nd Saturday of the Month)
March 13, 2016
Incarnation Church
89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd.,
Queens Village, NY 11427
(Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
St. Rose of Lima Church
269 Parkville Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Church of Holy Child Jesus
111-11 86th Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Mary’s Nativity Church
4602 Parsons Blvd., Flushing, NY 11355.
March 20, 2016
St. Joan of Arc Church
82-00 35th Ave. Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(Every 3rd Sunday of the Month)
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church,
101-41 91st Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416
by Gene Salle
Guardian Angel Church
2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
St. Bartolomew Church
43-22 Ithaca Street, Elmshurst NY 11373
March 24, 2016
7:00 PM - Healing Mass
Immaculate Conception Church,
Corner 29th Street & Ditmars Blvd.,
Astoria, NY
(Every 4th Thursday of the Month)
March 27, 2016
Corpus Christi Church
31-30 61st Street, Woodside, NY
(Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Our Lady of Mercy Church
70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
(Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Most Precious Blood Church (Basement)
32-23 36st Street, Long Island City, NY 11006
Filipino Mass every Sunday - 5:00 PM at the
Most Precious Blood Church (Basement),
32-23 36th Street, Long Island City, NY 11006.
Novena to Mother Perpetual Help at 7:00 PM
every Wednesday at St. Patrick Church,
39-38 29th Street, LIC, NY 11101.
“CUT IT DOWN”
by Deacon Rolando V. Nolasco
The gospel message from
the 3rd Sunday of Lent about the
unproductive fig tree seems to send
a harsh and urgent message to the
faithful. Always at the beginning of
the Lenten season is a reminder that
our observance of fasting, intense
prayer and almsgiving must be
for real. A change from within is
necessary if we are indeed sincere
in our effort to change our ways. Hence we are not to appear gloomy when
we fast, not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. When
praying we are supposed to the close the door of our room for God knows
what we are doing. Apparently we still find people doing the same thing
even during the Eucharistic celebration. Coming late, some have the guts to
come up front and do whatever stunts to attract attention I believe. This is
what the readings for the celebration emphasize.
Every Ash Wednesday, it is encouraging to see many attending the
beginning of the Lenten season. But watch as the ashes are distributed,
people start to dwindle with only a few staying till the end of the celebration.
Apparently, many are just interested in the ashes for they do not realize that
attending the Eucharistic celebration is far more important. As a matter of
fact, there are those who come to receive ashes more than once since you
could see traces of the previous mark. In spite of the reminder that the ashes
are just a sign to remind us of our failure to follow the will of God, still
many seem to ignore it. I just do not know if they ever listen to the words
of imposition as ashes are marked on their foreheads. The three things we
are to practice: fasting, intense prayer and alms giving are ways that make
our Lenten observance very meaningful. Unfortunately, many seem not to
heed the call to holiness by displaying their blatant lack of authentic and
meaningful Lenten observance.
Every time we hit a snag in our spiritual journey, we seem to lose our
patience to stay on course. I believe that is also our attitude in everyday life
when things do not happen our way. We always entertain the idea that God
is out to punish us because of our sinful ways. This is the reason why some
people told the Lord about those ordered murdered by Pilate to stress their
opinion that this happened because they were sinful as compared to others.
They were trying to get Jesus to agree with them but the Lord emphatically
that it was not their sins. If indeed their demise was because they were more
sinful than the rest, then many more would have followed died then.
The truth of the matter is that the Lord is kind, merciful and just. When the
Lord said: “Repent or else you will perish” was a stern warning for everyone.
The opening prayer for the Liturgy of Hours during Lent invites us to pray:
“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” The need to find more
time for prayer to commune with the Lord is truly necessary. Otherwise, our
lives would just continue to drift away from the Lord. Fasting help us focus
our energy on things we truly need to fill our lives spiritually rather than be
attracted to worldly desires. Alms giving allows us to realize that there are
many who have less in life hence sharing what we have is more fulfilling.
In the gospel narrative, the gardener who was told to cut the
unproductive fig tree begged the land owner to allow one more year enough
to cultivate, fertilize and prune excess branches. The caretaker expresses
its concern for the tree and believes that when properly attended to, it will
indeed bear fruit. Apparently, this narrative showcases God’s love for us and
that every opportunity is designed to make us productive in our lives.
Through God’s initiative we have no reason to fail what we are meant
to achieve. We have all the time to come to our senses if truly we focus our
efforts in turning away from our sinful ways. To allow the grace of God to
work in us is to surrender and offer our lives to Him so that Jesus’ life may
be reflected in us. This proof of God’s patience in dealing with us is enough
to make us resolve what our hearts want.
The gospel about the Prodigal Son whose rebellious ways brought him to
lose all he had inherited is the most perfect illustration of how God loves us.
Experiencing extreme hardships, he thought of going back to his father not
as his son but be treated like one of his farm workers. Ever since the son left,
the father had longed to have him back. From a distance, the father saw the
son coming back ran towards him and hugged him so affectionately to show
how he was missed. The father ordered his servants to bring a robe, a sandal
and a ring denoting his complete restoration of who he was before. Without
any question asked, a banquet prepared in honor of the son who was lost
and is now found.
Unfortunately, such gesture of reconciliation by the father is now
perceived by the older brother as unfair. There was so much resentment on
the older brother’s part as he refuses to join the joyous celebration.
Go to
Joseph
EVENTS & PHOTOS
by Vicky Baxa
H.E. Timothy Cardinal Dolan
at his book signing event
with Vicky Baxa in attendance.
“St. Patrick’s Cathedral - The
Legacy of America’s Parish
Church”
February 29, 2016 - St. Patrick’s
Book Shop, 51st St., NYC
by Fr. Joseph
Marabe, JCD
DUELS OF THE CENTURY
New Fight of the Century:
PACQUIAO v/s ABUNDA
– one for common sense
(male animals mate with
female animals); the other,
for human rights (Who are you to judge!).
It’s a colorful life, indeed!
---Another common sense question: “IF SHE isn’t Filipino, how did
Sen. Grace Poe land in the Philippines?”
By the stork?
---Recent letters and photos reveal Pope John-Paul II’s special
friendship with a polish woman.
It is ‘platonic’. JP is a philosopher, like Plato.
-----
Memorial Mass for Nestor Gargarita
Family and friends gathered last Sunday, February 28, 2016
at San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in loving memory of Nestor.
Finally – Nora Aunor is recognized as a National Artist. Onli in da Pilipins everything is mixed up: talents and moral
issues; international boxing and local election ban; natural
birth and politics. “Ubinam gentium sumus?” Cicero’s rhetorical
question to Catiline: “What in the world are we?”
Memorial Mass for Homer T. Del Castillo,
brother of Irma Cruso.
A Requiem Mass was offered by
Rev. Joseph G. Marabe at the
Simonson Funeral Home/Fox Funeral Home
on Sunday, January 31, 2016.
----Super-Tuesday in America.
After the results, people sighed: Thanks God it’s Friday!”
For the Eternal Repose of the Soul of
HOMER T. DEL CASTILLO
May 7, 1942 - January 27, 2016
Offered by Irma Del Castillo-Cruso
Dr. Melinda T. Del Castillo &
Ramiro T. Del Castillo
----For posting on Facebook - “there is no God” and the “Bible is a
collection of Jewish fairy tales”, a Russian faces up to a year in
prison.
It’s a far-cry change in Russia whose former motto was “God
Is Dead.”
-----Beware of “happy heart syndrome” - equal to sadness stroke
suffered by Direct Wenn.
Takotsubo syndrome so-called (TTS) can kill you for instance, winning in Mega-Lotto.
Be content with what you have. God provides.
SAVE THE DATE: MAY 21, 2016, Saturday - To celebrate
the feast of San Pedro Calungsod, Concelebrated Mass
at Cathedral High School; followed by Dinner and Talent
Showdown. (350 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022-4199)
Birthday
treat to Vicky
by Norma
Gamble
at the City
Lobster February 25.
FACES & PLACES
by Ate Norma
Maureen and Mark Cosico celebrated
the first birthday of their daughter
Madison last February 27 at a local
restaurant in Baldwin, Long Island ...
complete with clowns, toys and magic
games for the invited children. Also in
attendance were members of various
prayer and religious groups. Maureen
is the daughter of Ed and Irma Pastor
of Couples of Christ and the Santo
Nino Prayer Group in Nassau.
After their novena to the Santo
Nino recently in Westbury, the
ladies of the Infant Jesus Prayer
Group of Nassau gathered around
Ella Berroya (seated center) for a
souvenir photo on the occasion of
her birthday.
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” -- Luke 12:31
SCARLETTT
CALEB
QUINN
ETHAN
ALLISON
FACES & PLACES
Last March 5, the family of Romy
and Agnes Mendoza hosted the
novena to the Holy Infant Jesus.
Members of the Infant Jesus
Prayer Group were also at their
residence in East Meadow where
the prayer was held.
Happy 46th Wedding Anniversary to Drs. Ruben and Virginia Nanez! The couple (seated center) celebrated
the special occasion recently with lots of ballroom and line dancing at their home in Oceanside, New York.
Above: Fr. Joe Cadusale with Nonong and Neneng Torres
and other members of his Bible Study Class held every third
Saturday of the month at 7pm.
Right: Members of Our Lady of the Angelus Choir in Rego
Park, Queens sang at the Filipino Mass at the Shrine of Our
Lady of the Island in Eastport, Long Island last March 6.
MY POINT OF VIEW
SERIES: MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY IN TODAY’S WORLD
(Fifth Luminous Mystery: Institution of the Eucharist)
Christ in a Host: How Is It Possible?
by Mario M. Nieves
BIBLE STORY: While they were eating,
he took bread, said the blessing, broke it,
and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is
my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks,
and gave it to them, and they all drank from
it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the
covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen,
I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of
the vine until the day when I drink it new in the
kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-25)
To see is to believe.
True, but sometimes we can’t believe what we see.
And it’s even much, much harder to believe what we don’t see.
At Holy Mass, the priest consecrates the host and wine which, according to the
catechism, become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The consecrated host is
now called the Eucharist, believed to contain the true body, blood, soul and divinity
of Jesus – a doctrine called the Real Presence.
All Catholics are expected to subscribe to the doctrine of the Real Presence.
Surprisingly, only 57% of Catholics believe in the true presence of Christ, as
reported in the 2008 survey of the Georgetown Univ
Another survey conducted in 2011 by the Catholic in America organization found
that about half of U.S. Catholics know about the Eucharist as official teaching of
the Catholic Church, and only 90% of this group believe it, so it translates to 46%
of all respondents.
The reason for this disbelief is: the host looks, feels, smells and tastes like an
ordinary wafer before and after consecration by the priest.
TRANSUBSTANTIATION: THE MAGICAL FORMULA
Transubstantiation, or a change in substance, is the metaphysical process by
which the regular host becomes the real Jesus, in flesh and blood. The resulting
sacrament, the Eucharist, does not look different from the ordinary host, but its
substance has changed.
A close analogy would be that of a bachelor who bears a child and becomes
a father; it is the same man but different substance or identity.
The Eucharist, as instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, is both sacrament
and sacrifice. As sacrament, it is the Bread of Life that nourishes the soul; as
sacrifice, it is an offering to God for the remission of sins. Host comes from t the
Latin word “hostia” meaning victim, like the lamb being offered to God during Old
Testament times.
Mass is the reenactment of Calvary where Jesus, as the sacrificial Lamb of
God, offers his own blood in place of that of a goat or lamb.
How is the host transformed into the person of Christ by the words of a human
being (the priest)? Answer: the priest only acts as stand-in minister for Jesus who
is both the sacrificial lamb and the true Priest. Jesus was referred to by St. Paul
as “a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 6:20). The
priest-celebrant at the altar, officiates “through him, with him, and in him” with the
power of the Holy Spirit.
DO WE EAT FLESH AND DRINK BLOOD?
Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone
eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the
life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:51).
The Jews who heard him, probably thinking of cannibalism, protested and
grumbled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give his flesh to eat?”
Then they deserted him.
Jesus insisted: “My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink” (John 6:56).
Protestants and even some Catholics take this statement as mere symbol or
figure of speech. They equate it to Christ’s reference to himself as “shepherd” or
“vine”, which cannot be taken literally.
But the Jews understood the words to be literal, that’s why they abandoned
him; and Jesus could have explained himself if he were speaking metaphorically.
Instead, he let them go and asked his apostles if they also wanted to leave.
REENACTMENT OF PASSOVER AND CALVARY
The Last Supper was a replication of the Feast of Passover during Moses’ time,
when he celebrated the deliverance of the Jews from the scourge of death that
occurred in Egypt before they traveled to the Promised Land.
In that Passover feast, young bulls were sacrificed
as burnt offerings and their blood splashed at the altar. At the Last Supper, Jesus
offered himself as a sacrifice of the New Covenant, in anticipation of his passion
and death.
The Mass is a reenactment of the scenes in Calvary, but now Jesus offers
himself to the Father in a bloodless sacrifice and the congregation partakes of his
offering of flesh and blood during Holy Communion.
Some Christians, who take the Eucharist as symbol, quote Christ’s words, “I
am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger and he who believes in
me will never thirst”. They interpret this to mean, “All that is necessary is for one
to come and believe in me.”
However, the words that Jesus used sound clear-cut: “He who eats my flesh and
drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:54).
PROOFS: EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES
It has always been said, “For believers, no explanation is necessary; for nonbelievers, no explanation is possible.”
Like the Apostle Thomas who said, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the
nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I
will not believe” (John 20:25), a typical doubter would demand proof.
Surfing the Internet, particularly YouTube.com, will yield numerous videos
on Eucharistic miracles which show manifestations of real flesh and real blood
emanating from consecrated hosts.
The most famous of these miracles was the one that occurred in Lanciano, Italy,
in the 8th century AD where the host was transformed into human flesh. It was
reported that a monk, who had doubts about the Real presence of Jesus Christ in
the Eucharist, found that the bread and wine changed into flesh and blood after
he said the words of consecration during Mass.
Since 1574, various investigations have been conducted upon the elements. In
1971 Odoardo Linoli, a professor in anatomy and pathological histology, performed
such an examination and concluded that the flesh is human cardiac tissue. He also
found proteins in the blood but no trace of preservatives.
When Pope John Paul II (then Cardinal of Krakow), visited the Church of St
Francis in Lanciano, where the elements were being kept until today, the flesh was/
is the same size as the large host used in the Latin Church.
A recent documented account of a Eucharistic miracle took place in Buenos
Aires, Argentina, in 1996 under the leadership of Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope
Francis. As reported in catholiccompany.com website, the events are as follows:
“At seven o’clock in the evening on August 18, 1996, Fr. Alejandro Pezet was
saying Holy Mass at a Catholic church in the commercial center of Buenos Aires.
As he was finishing distributing Holy Communion, a woman came up to tell him
that she had found a discarded host on a candleholder at the back of the church.
On going to the spot indicated, Fr. Alejandro saw the defiled Host. Since he was
unable to consume it, he placed it in a container of water and put it away in the
tabernacle of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
“On Monday, August 26, upon opening the tabernacle, he saw to his amazement
that the Host had turned into a bloody substance. He informed Cardinal Jorge
Bergoglio, who gave instructions that the Host be professionally photographed.
The photos were taken on September 6. They clearly show that the Host, which
had become a fragment of bloodied flesh, had grown significantly in size. For
several years the Host remained in the tabernacle, the whole affair being kept
a strict secret. Since the Host suffered no visible decomposition, Cardinal Bergoglio
decided to have it scientifically analyzed.”
These miracles are meant to confirm Jesus’ word that he gives his glorified
body and blood as spiritual food and drink in Holy Communion.
As Jesus told Thomas in John 20:29, “Because you have seen me, have you
believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
The mystery of the Eucharist cannot be explained in words. It has to be
believed in faith. And there are two convincing bases for that faith--Jesus Christ
himself said it and nothing is impossible with God.
Left: GREETINGS TO THE FEBRUARY-BORN. The February birthday
celebrants were greeted by their fellow seniors at the JCC Stapleton
Neighborhood Senior Center on February 23. From left: Helene Serrano,
Dixie Chow, Regina Areza, Aida Talaid, Joe Mercado, Susan, Glenda Martinez
(Director) and Edna Besabe (Council President).
Benedicta “Bining” Abad Santos: A Friend of The Filipino Catholic
by Mario Nieves
Left: Benedicta Abad Santos. Above: The big clan that Leonardo and Benedicta Santos built through their almost
66 years of marriage. This photo, taken in 2010 during their 60th Wedding Anniversary, shows their nine children
(Leonardo Jr., Joey, Leila, Leonila Schiff, Marilou Brusas, Vilma Buena Hernandez, Alma Victoria Yatco, Josephine
Abrera, Imelda May) and several of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was “Mommy Bining” to her children and to most Filipino acquaintances in
Staten Island, New York.
To me, she was an ardent propagandist for The Filipino Catholic. Here’s why: Every
time I gave her a free copy of the newspaper, she would turn around, walk away, then
come back to ask for another copy. When I say, “I already gave you one”, she would
reply, “No, you haven’t” and I’d give her another copy.
I know she was forgetful, but what did she do with two copies? Either she read two
copies of the same issue or gave one to somebody else. In either case, it showed her
deep appreciation of the paper.
Mommy Bining came to US soil in 1986, accompanied by her husband Leonardo
and nine children – two boys and seven girls. Prior to emigrating here, she was an
ordinary housewife in the Philippines, a supportive partner to her husband in their
trucking and forwarding business.
Leonardo embarked on less prestigious jobs here in America, but made enough
money to send all her children to college, producing three nurses, two businessmen, one
teacher and three high-level employees.
Like many typical mothers, Mommy Bining was genuinely religious. Back home in
Manila where they lived, she was a leader of Our Lord of Pardon group and devotee of
Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Santo Nino.
Sacramentals ... from page 6
asked the Indians how did this happen. They said “A lady in blue taught us and sent us
to you to ask you for missionaries.” The Archbishop of Mexico Don Francisco Manso
asked Friar Alonzo who this lady in blue was. It turned out when Friar Alonzo went back
to his homeland in Spain he met the superior general of the order of St. Francis. His name
was Friar Berardino de Sienna, He knew of Sr. Mary of Agreda’s missionary work in the
New World. The superior told Friar Alonzo to ask Mary of Agreda under the virtue of
obedience to relate everything to him.
She did in detail including local geography, weather, characteristics of each of his
missionaries, and how she assisted him for the baptism of the Piros Indians. When she
walked through the plains of the Southwest, preaching and baptizing, beautiful blue
bonnet flowers grew. She was martyred several times by hostile Indians who filled her
with arrows and left her for dead. But God raised her up and commanded the angels to
crown her “martyr.” Then she would come back to life again and preach to the same
Indians. It was the Angels who carried her back and forth on their wings under the
leadership of St. Michael the Archangel and of their Seraphic Father St. Francis, to
evangelize to the multitude of heathen Indian nations.
The translator of this work states, “The Mystical City of God is the most timely
and efficient antidote for the epidemic of false doctrines which is sweeping all over
the earth …”
The Lord God said, “Happy they who find it, and bless they who shall appreciate
its value, rich they who shall come upon this treasure, and blessed and very wise
those who shall search into and shall understand its marvels and hidden mysteries.”
This 4 volume set or an abridged one book can be acquired from: the Blue Army
Shrine, in Washington New Jersey, their phone number is 908-689-1700; Tan Publishers,
on eBay and Amazon.com, and a variety of some religious supply companies and catalogs.
Dove Tales- PO Box 3623- Easton PA 18043
www.JesusHealingAndDeliverance.com
Here in Staten Island, she was a dedicated member of the Jesus Through Mother
Mary Ministry (JTMMM) who was ever-present in Filipino Masses, Healing Masses
and even a member of the caroling group during Christmas.
She had a passion for singing, preferring church hymns to popular music, but always
happy to join community singing.
After having successfully raised her own children and made them independent, she
turned her attention on her 29 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, caring for them
and cooking their favorite lumpia at family gatherings.
When free from her baby-sitting errands, she would spend time at two senior centers
in Staten Island – JCC Stapleton and Seaview – interacting with other seniors by
playing bingo and dancing.
Her passing at the age of 86 on February 21 certainly left a void among her family
members, friends and social circle. She would have been a highly-favored candidate to
win the title of “Mommy Dearest”.
LET'S MOVE!
LET'S DANCE!
LET'S LINE-DANCE!
The Filipino-American Ministry
of St. Raphael Parish invites you to
2016 LINE DANCE FOR A CAUSE
Featuring Performances by Guest Instructors & their Dancers
Proceeds to benefit the Catholic Ministries Appeal
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
St. Raphael Auditorium
600 Newbridge Rd., East Meadow, NY 11554
Admission/Donation: Adults $15.00 (18 and up)
Teens and children: $5.00 (17 and below)
It’s Potluck Dinner!
Donations of dish or dessert are most welcome.
Recommended attire - florals and rainbow colors.
Music by: John Lerum
Tickets available at the Rectory 516 785-0236
For details:
Maria Coz 516 781-9003
Remy Mendegorin 516 343-1950
Marina Franco 516 292 7957 Sulita Sahagun 516 236-0567
PROFILE
Precious
Sahagun
by Laura Vogel
Precious is a dream child of every Filipino parent! She works, she attends school,
and the very little extra time that she has, she devotes to Church and community
activities!
The Sahagun family has been a part of the Filipino-American Ministry of St. Raphael’s
Church in East Meadow, and the Sto. Nino Prayer group of Nassau County ever since
Precious was a young girl. As a family they were always involved, whether it was
attending bible study sessions, line dancing, Christmas Caroling or simply taking part
in religious celebrations. Precious sees both groups exceptionally succeeding in reaching
their goals by encouraging Filipino-Americans to join together to serve God.
These ministries gather together many times throughout the year. In every gathering,
Precious feels the love, kindness, compassion, camaraderie, friendship and fellowship
among the Filipino-Americans and parishioners-at-large. The Fil-Am Ministry of St.
Raphael is involved in Philippine charities and propagation of Philippine heritage under
the leadership of Dr. Maria Coz. She actively demonstrates her passion for Filipino
culture and tradition. Precious also admires, “Tito Manny and Tita Norma Pascual for leading
the Sto. Nino Prayer group as the driving force and backbone of the organization.” She could see that
they work tirelessly to spread God’s word to the community so that “we can learn and understand what it
means to be Filipino and also a servant of God”.
Participating in these ministries has major influence in Precious. She realizes that “I am able to learn more
about my culture, my religion, and what it truly means to be a Filipino. I’ve also have a stronger relationship
with God in the process. Both ministries have also created a support system for me in everything I do. I
consider all of them my second family!”.
Precious recalls that the most memorable event for the Filipino-American Ministry of St. Raphael is their
annual celebration of the beloved saint, San Lorenzo De Ruiz. The ministry often asks Precious to perform a
cultural presentation for the congregation. Precious always feels honored to share her passion of performing
while learning more about the Filipino culture and its traditions. In the Sto. Nino Prayer group of Nassau
County, Precious says that her most memorable event was when she was chosen to be the Hermanita for the
annual Feast Day of the Sto. Nino. “As Hermanita, I had the opportunity to be the voice of the young FilipinoAmericans and inspire my generation to strengthen their relationship with God.”
Precious is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jun and Sulita Sahagun, and she has five siblings, ranging from 18-32
years old. (Precious has a very loving dog, named Mochi.) Her mother is from Eastern Samar and her father is
from Zambales. They passed on to their children their strong faith, and for this, Precious is very thankful.
The other organizations that Precious is active in are the Waray USA Association because of her mother, and her
school’s Filipino club which is the Student Association Representing Adelphi Pinoys (S.A.R.A.P). The members
gather together in learning the cultural, political, and social aspects in the daily lives of Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans. Their club has recently joined District 3, where Filipino college students in the northeast region
collaborate to share creative ideas and conversations in educating the members of the Filipino heritage.
She was crowned Ms. Philippines 2016 at the Newark Symphony Hall in Newark, New Jersey last February 6. She
represented Adelphi University where she is presently a junior majoring in Business Administration and Marketing.
The event was sponsored by Rutgers University-Newark Filipino Student Organization. She competed with 21
talented college student candidates, each representing a Filipino student organization of a college or university in
the New York and New Jersey areas.
Precious shares with us her thoughts…” I hope that the organizations I am a part of continue to celebrate the
Filipino culture. We are so fortunate to come from a background that’s so rich in its history, values, and traditions.
Young Filipino-Americans need not forget where they came from. Especially since we are the upcoming generation,
it’s our responsibility to keep the traditions alive. Continue to educate yourself in every aspect of what our culture
has to offer, and instill those traditions in those who follow you. In this way, our Filipino heritage will continue to
thrive in the years to come.” Well said, Precious, and thank you!
YOUTH
#FollowersOfChrist: #JourneyWithJesus
This Lenten season, take time to #JourneyWithJesus through the Stations of the
Cross. While most prayers can be done sitting quietly, the Stations of the Cross
must be contemplated on through movement. If you visit any Church, the Stations of the Cross are arranged in a way where each station is in a different part
of the Church. This requires people to walk from Station to Station as they recite
their prayers. What can we learn from our #JourneyWithJesus as we participate
in the Stations of the Cross?
#NoPain #NoGain #NoLove
Sometimes love requires a lot of sacrifice (or in this
case, just a little). A little sacrifice means getting
from your seat, standing on your feet, and walking
around the Church. It might take about 30 minutes,
but it is nothing compared to the sacrifices Jesus
had made for us! His Love is limitless and His
sacrifices are great, but don’t be afraid to sacrifice a
little for His love.
If You Fall, #GetBackUpAgain
And we are that body, #TheBodyOfChrist
As we #JourneyWithJesus, we remember that not
only is God with us but we are with God. We follow in Jesus’ footsteps and walk with His pain.
Yet sometimes all we can see the pain in our
own lives. We suffer
through hard times,
but remember, Jesus
is there with us.
As we ask Jesus to
help us love Him
through the prayers
of the Stations of
by Jessica Abejar
the Cross, we are
reminded that He loves us so much in return. Every step we take is a step towards love, and as we
#JourneyWIthJesus, we journey closer to Him.
Jesus fell THREE times on His journey. But each
time, He mustered up the strength to get back up
again. He didn’t always have the easiest time, and
even required the help of a friend. But still He
managed to get back up again. Jesus never gives
up and we shouldn’t either. If the Son of God can
recover from a fall, we can too.
#PrayerCorner
We pray through the intercession of these saints
and during these feasts:
• March 7 – Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
• March 17 – St. Patrick
• March 19 – St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• March 24 – Holy Thursday
• March 25 – Good Friday
• March 26 – Holy Saturday
• March 27 – Easter Sunday
#JesusHadABody
Often people acknowledge and contemplate on
Jesus as Divine and many times we forget how human Jesus can be. The Stations of the Cross remind
us of Jesus the human – the man who suffered,
who bled, who was too tired to carry a heavy cross,
who needed help, who cried with His mother, who
wiped away tears, who was thirsty, and who died.
Jesus was just like mankind because He was a man.
Happy & Blessed Easter
to everyone!
Continue your #JourneyWithJesus, #MoveWithTheSpirit, and Dance with
The Moving Prayer is a dance company that nurtures and uplifts the mind, body, and spirit.
We offer presentations,
performances,
workshops, and more!
TheMovingPrayerhada
greatyearofdancingin2015!
NewYorkCatholicYouthDay,
Yonkers,NY
Learn more about The Moving Prayer
at themovingprayer.com.
Interested in booking
The Moving Prayer for an event,
contact Jessica Abejar at
themovingprayer@gmail.com.
SacredDanceGuildFestival,
Erie,PA
DominicanYouthMovement,
Amityville,NY&Adrian,MI
TheEncounterNYC,Bronx,NY
BigIslandLiturgyandArts
Conference,Honolulu,HI
NationalCatholicYouth
Conference,Indianapolis,IN
Journey of the Soul
Part II – My Lifelines to Heaven
Flowing from God’s mercy and love for everyone, He has provided manifold graces to
enable us to join Him in heaven such as the following:
1. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
The greatest miracle on earth occurs daily during the Holy Masses celebrated around
the world, where bread and wine are turned into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ, offered to God as the highest form of worshiping Him.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the re-enactment of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus
Christ in Calvary. Unimaginable spiritual graces flow from worthily assisting in the Holy
Mass. The more masses we assist in, the more graces we store for ourselves
Angels are present at the Holy Mass in adoration of the Lamb of God. The Sacrament
of the Holy Eucharist, the partaking of the body of Our Lord Jesus during the Holy Communion of the Holy Mass, is of immense importance to our souls.
Our Lord Jesus and our Blessed Mother explained to Catalina, a seer from Bolivia,
(www.greatcrusade.org and www.loveandmercy.org) the utmost importance God gives to
the celebration of each Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
2. The Sacrament of Penance
Our Lord Jesus conveyed His wish through St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, that we
should confess our sins to a priest 12 times a year or once each month to cleanse us of our
mortal and venial sins.
Mortal sin is a grave violation of God’s law, which destroys charity (the love of God
and fellowmen). Venial sin wounds charity but does not destroy it. The three conditions
for mortal sin are serious matter, sufficient reflection and full consent of the will.
We also sin by being an accessory to another’s sin by counsel, commandment, concealment, consent, defense of the evil done, partaking, provocation, praise or flattery, or silence.
3. Indulgences
Indulgences including the penance prescribed by the priest after confession, remove or
gradually lessen all our temporal punishment in purgatory due to sin. The state of grace
is a prerequisite to gain partial indulgence.
Partial indulgence can be obtained in any of these three ways: (1) Lifting our hearts
and mind to God during the performance of our daily duty – professional, social or familial, bearing some cross with patience, (2) Moved by a spirit of faith and with a heart of
mercy, giving of oneself or of one’s goods to the service of those in need (not every work
of mercy is indulgenced, but only those for the very needy such as for Missions, orphans,
poor), and the spiritual and corporal acts of mercy, and/or (3) To abstain of one’s own
accord from something permitted and pleasing (sacrifice and self-denial).
Plenary indulgence, can free one from the sufferings in purgatory. It can be gained by
any of the following, if accompanied by perfect love of God and the renouncement of all
attachment to sin, even venial sin: (1) By visiting the Blessed Sacrament to adore Christ
truly present in the Eucharist for at least one hour, (2) By reading Sacred Scriptures with
the veneration due to the Divine Word for at least half an hour, (3) By making the Way
of the Cross with devotion and love or by half an hour of spiritual reading and meditating on the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, if one is prevented from going to
Church; and/or (4) By recitation, in Church or with the family, of at least five decades of
the Rosary, in continuity, with meditation on the respective mysteries.
4. Way of the Cross
Our Lord Jesus gave to us, through the pious Brother Estanislao of the Novitiate of
Christian Schools in Bugedo, Spain, 14 promises of spiritual graces to those who frequently
make the devotion of the Way of the Cross. The salient promise He made is that He will
deliver following their death on the first Tuesday or first Friday the souls from Purgatory
of those who make this frequent devotion.
Many of us make this devotion only during the Holy Week but Jesus desires that it be
made frequently. Praying the Way of the Cross has to be made piously meditating on the
sufferings of Our Lord Jesus at each station of the cross.
5. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Our Lord Jesus gave, through St. Margaret Mary, several promises of spiritual graces
to those who make the novena to His Sacred Heart, the most noteworthy of which is the
assurance that those who complete the novena will not die without final repentance at
death, not to die under His displeasure, and not to die without receiving their Sacraments,
and that His Sacred Heart will be their assured refuge during life especially at the last
hour of death. The novena requires that the devotee receives Holy Communion on the
first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. It is implied that the devotee has
to be in the state of grace before receiving Holy Communion and to go first to confession
if in the state of mortal sin before receiving the Holy Communion.
6. Devotion to the Divine Mercy
My spiritual reflections submitted
to the authority of the Holy
Mother, the Catholic Church, and
will abide by all its decrees.
by Leslie B. Gatan
(amb.gatan@gmail.com)
In the messages given by our Lord Jesus
to us through St. Mary Faustina Kowalska of
Poland as chronicled in her diary, our Lord
Jesus promised that no soul that has called
upon His Mercy has been disappointed or
brought to shame. Our Lord Jesus said, “Oh
what graces I will grant to souls who say the
Chaplet (of Divine Mercy), the very depths of My tender Mercy are stirred for those who
say the Chaplet.” The novena of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy can be started any
day. Our Lord Jesus asked that there should be a worldwide novena starting at 3 pm on
Good Friday.
7. Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus
Our Lord Jesus said to St. Mary of St. Peter that He will give everything asked of
Him by those who venerate His Holy Face, endeared to His Eternal Father but bruised
and disfigured by our sins. Among His eight promises is that at the deathbed of souls who
venerate His Holy Face, He will purify their souls by effacing all the blots of sin and will
restore them to their primitive beauty. To obtain the promised graces, one has to say one
Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be daily in honor of His Holy Face.
8. Devotion to the Holy Blood of Jesus
Our Lord Jesus promised to St. Elizabeth, St. Matilde and St. Brigit that, for those who
venerate the Holy Blood He shed during His passion on earth that He will give plenary
indulgence and free them from Purgatory, and that He will descend from heaven to take
them to heaven and their relatives up to the fourth generation.
Jesus also said that His Blessed Mother will appear to the devotees of the Holy Blood
40 days before their death. To merit these graces and blessings, our Lord Jesus said that
one has to say daily for three years, two Our Father, two Hail Mary and two Glory Be in
honor of the Sacred Blood. If one dies before completing the three years, our Lord Jesus
said that it is as good as if it had done in three years.
9. Devotion to the Shoulder Wound of Jesus
St. Bernard prayed to Our Lord Jesus to let him know the most painful wound He suffered during His passion on earth. Our Lord Jesus revealed that He bore on His shoulder
a wound most severe and painful than the others when he carried the heavy cross that
lacerated the shoulder skin and tore open His shoulder bone.
He promised to us, through St. Bernard, that for those who venerate His most painful
shoulder wound, He will remit all their venial sins and will no longer remember their mortal
sins. To merit the promised graces, it would be well to pray at least one Our Father, one
Hail Mary and one Glory Be daily in honor of the Shoulder Wound of Jesus.
10. The Holy Rosary
Our Blessed Mother promised to us, through St. Dominic and Blessed Allan, 15 signal
graces arising from the Holy Rosary, among which is that the soul that recommends itself
to her shall not perish and that whoever prays it will not perish by unprovided death nor
die without the sacraments of the Church.
In Fatima, our Blessed Mother said that we pray the rosary daily to atone for our sins
and the sins of mankind. A rosary is a crown of roses we offer to our Blessed Mother who
is our Intercessor and our Mediatrix to her Son Jesus Who cannot refuse her.
There was a saint who was seen by his monastic confrere praying the Holy Rosary
before the Blessed Mother’s statue. He noticed that after each Hail Mary, a rose ascended
to the statue. After the Holy Rosary, a crown of roses rested on her head.
There is a true testimony of a priest from Kansas, USA, whose car had a head-on
collision causing mortal damage to his skull. When he agonized during the accident, he
managed to pray the Hail Mary before he passed out.
The soul of the priest appeared before our Lord Jesus, whose verdict was for him to
go to hell as he was a complacent priest. The Blessed Mother who heard his Hail Mary
prayer pleaded to her Son to give him another chance. Jesus said: “He is all yours.”
(turn to page 21)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leslie Gatan served as Ambassador of the
Philippines to Canada (2011-2014), Ambassador and Deputy Permanent
Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York (2006-2009),
and in different diplomatic capacities in Colombo, Geneva, Bangkok, Milan,
Brussels and New York (1986-2005).
LEGAL NOTES
The Law Offices of
Reuben Seguritan
IMMIGRATION
Waiver of Joint Filing
to Remove Green
Card Conditions
by Reuben S. Seguritan
An alien married to a US citizen or
permanent resident may obtain a
green card through marriage. If the
marriage occurred less than two years
at the time the green card is issued,
the resident status is conditional.
The conditional green card expires on
the second anniversary of the day when the conditional status was granted by
the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Prior to its expiration and within ninety (90) days before the second year of
issuance of the conditional green card, both husband and wife should file a joint
petition (I-751) for the removal of the condition. If the petition is not filed, the
resident status is automatically terminated as of the second anniversary of the
green card issuance and the spouse may be removed from the U.S.
The I-751 has to be signed by both spouses and submitted along with
supporting documents establishing the validity of their marriage. These supporting documents may include: documents showing joint ownership
or occupancy of property such as deeds, leases, mortgage contracts; birth
certificates of children; financial records showing joint ownership of assets and
joint responsibility for liabilities, such as joint savings and checking accounts,
joint federal and state tax returns, insurance policies that show the other
spouse as the beneficiary, joint utility bills, joint installments or other loans;
photographs of family events; and/or affidavits of third parties who know the
couple, photographs. These are submitted along with a copy of the front and
back of the conditional green card of the beneficiary spouse and the filing fee.
Under the first ground, the existence of good faith marriage entered into by
the parties is an essential requirement before the marriage was terminated
either through death or divorce. The marriage must be terminated. Mere
commencement of a divorce proceeding is not sufficient to waive joint filing.
Under the second ground, the USCIS, in assessing extreme hardship, will look
into several factors such as the alien’s age, family ties in the U.S. and abroad,
length of residence in the U.S., health conditions, economic and political
conditions in the alien’s home country, occupation and work skills, immigration
history, position in the community, alien’s special assistance to the U.S. and
alternate ways to adjust status
The third ground of battery and/or extreme cruelty requires evidence of good
faith marriage. While battery or extreme cruelty are not explicitly defined by
immigration laws, regulations and case precedents are instructive in providing
guidance in showing proofs of physical and spousal abuse. Evidence of
physical abuse may include reports and expert testimony from police, judges,
medical personnel, school officials and social service agency personnel, among
others
Each ground for waiver is assessed on a case by case basis. The conditional
resident has the burden of proving said grounds for I-751 waiver.
(Editor’s Note: REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years.
For more information, you may log on to his website at www.seguritan.com or call
(212) 695-5281.)
Incorporation
Purchase / Sale of Business
Non-Profit Corporations
DIVORCE
Prenuptial Agreements
Separation Agreements
REAL ESTATE
Residential / Commercial Closings
Lease Agreements
We have served the immigrant community since 1975. We have
represented multinational corporations, hospitals, schools, religious
organizations and small businesses as well as top international and
national officials, scientists, renowned artists, nurses, therapists,
doctors, teachers and other professionals, war veterans, and
domestic workers.
Our law firm prides itself with its strong sense of community service
and advocacy.
7 Penn Plaza, Ste. 222, New York, NY 10001
Tel. 212-695-5281 • Fax 212-563-2664
email: seguritanlaw@yahoo.com
For legal updates visit our website at
www.seguritan.com
Restorative
Physical Therapy
Wellness
If both spouses cannot file the I-751 jointly, a waiver of the joint filing
requirement must be filed by the conditional resident.
A waiver may be obtained under three separate grounds: 1) termination of the
good faith marriage due to divorce or death of petitioning spouse; 2) extreme
hardship to the conditional resident spouse; and 3) extreme cruelty or battery
by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse during the good faith
marriage.
BUSINESS & CORPORATE
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TAGALOG
Latin Purgatorium, Tagalog Paglilinis
Ilang kataga sa ibaba ang maaring iugnay sa Paglilinis:
Absolve,
pagpawi
Acquit,
Pawalang-sala, -saysay, paligtasin
Bind,
pagtali
Loose,
pawalan
Carried away, tinatangay
Disinherit, pagtanggal
Cleanse,
paglinis
Remove,
pagalis
Clear,
paliwasin
Purify,
padalisayin
Destroy,
sirain
Prune,
pagpigtal, pagpingas
Dismiss,
palisanin
Squeeze,
pagpiga
Dissolve,
lansagin
Solvo,
Palayain
Eject,
pagluwal
Take away, nagaalis
Evict,
palayasin
Untie,
kalasin, kalagan
Expel,
patalsikin
Wash,
paghugas
Forgive,
pagpatawad
Wipe,
pagpunas
Sa Biblia, ibig sabihin, sa Kaaklatan ng Lumang Tipan (46) at Bagong Tipan (27) na
inihabilin ng Inang Simbahan- na kilala bilang Isa, Banal, Katoliko at Apostoliko ayon
sa Katuran ng mga Apostol, makikita ang maraming kataga tungkol sa paglilinis:
Tingnan natin sila:
1) At sinuman na magwiwika ng salita laban sa Anak ng Tao, ito ay ipapatawad sa
kanya; samantala sinuman na magwiwika laban sa Banal na Hininga, ito ay hindi ipapatawad sa kanya, ni sa panahong ito, ni sa parating... Mattheus 12,32.
Si Jesus na Kristo ay tumutukoy na mayroong kasalanan na maaaring mapatawad matapos ang kamatayan, batay sa binanggit sa itaas. Kaya may ilang kasalanan na maaaring
patawarin sa kabilang buhay. At mayroong kasalanan na hindi mapapatawad sa buhay
na ito, ni sa kabila. Kaya ang bawat salita na binigkas na malayaw o walang kabuluhan
ay mananagot sa Salita ng Bathala na namamahala sa lahat at nagmamahal sa lahat lalo
na ang kapwa tao nilikha ayon sa hawig at kalintulad ng Maylikha.
Wika ni Jesus na Kristo: Samantala ako ay nagsasabi sa inyo na ang bawat malayaw
na salita, na binigkas ng mga tao, ay manunumbalik ng hatol mula sa kanya sa araw ng
paghatol... Mathheus 32,36; tingnan rin ang Hebreo 6,4-6; 10,26-31; Marcus 3,28-29;
Lukas 12,10
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Proprietor
2. Makikita rin sa Apocalysis/ Pahayag 21,27: Walang makapapasok
sa kanyang bayan (eam) anumang
karumihan, maging ang gumagawa ng
kasuklam na bagay at kasinungalingan, maliban silang mga nakasulat sa
aklat ng buhay ng Batangtupa (Agni).
Kaya, masasabi na ang kaluluwa ng
namatay na tao na nasa tindig ng
biyaya ay mayroong munting sala
na kumakapit sa kanya na mapapawi bago pumasok sa kabanalan ng
Bathala. Mangyayari ito sa bisa ng
panalangin ng ibang tao na nasa lupa.
Basahin ang kasunod.
by
Rev. Ruben Cammayo
3. Ayon sa 2 Maccabbeus 12,38-46:
(tungkol sa pananauli, pagsasapat, pagpupuno, pagbabayad o pagtutubos sa kasalanan
ng mga patay)- ... At kaya bumaling sa mga panalangin, sila ay nagdasal upang itong
sala (id), na nagawa, ay humantong sa panakit ng kalimutan. Subalit totoo ang pinakamalakas na Judas ay naghihikayat sa bayan na tupdin nilang sarili na walang sala,
nakikita ng kanilang mga mata ang mga nangyari nang dahil sa mga kasalanan ng mga
sundalo, na nakataob na patay. At gumawa ng paglikom, siya ay nagpadala sa Jerusalem
ng labindalwang (duodecim) libong pilak na drachma upang ihandog ang paalaybanal
(sacrificium), iniisip nang may kabutihan at nang may panambahan ang tungkol sa
muling pagkabuhay. Sapagkat maliban si Judas ay umaasa na silang mga pumawi, ay
muling mabubuhay, ito ay makikita na kalabisan, at ang pagdasal ay bula alangalang
sa mga namatay; at sapagkat siya ay tumuturing na ang mga ito, taglay ang panata ay
tumanggap ng himbing, ay magkaroon ng pinakamabuting panunumbalik na biyaya.
Kaya banal, at mapangligtas itong pagninilay na manambitan nang dahil sa mga yumao,
upang mula sa mga kasalanan sila ay palayain (solvantur).
4. Nabanggit din sa 1 Joannes 5,16-17: Sinuman ang nakakaalam na ang kanyang kapatid ay nagkakasala, na ang kasalanan ay hindi pamatay, siya ay humiling, at ang buhay
ay ibibigay sa kanya na nagkakasala na hindi pamatay. Mayroong sala na pamatay:
hindi nang dahil sa ganito ako ay nagwiwika, upang ang isa ay magdasal. Lahat na
kabuktutan ay kasalanan: at mayroong sala na hindi pamatay.
5. Ayon naman sa Katekismo ng Katolikong Simbahan, bilang 1030-1032: ito ang
sinasabi:
Sila na namatay sa biyaya at pagkakaibigan ng Bathala, subalit nilinis nang may dikaganapan, gayunpaman sila ay nakatitiyak ng kanilang magpakailanmang kaligtasan,
pagkatapos ng kanilang kamatayan sila ay maghihirap ng paglilinis, upang sa gayon sila
ay magtamo ng kabanalan na kailangan upang makapasok sa kagalakan ng langit... Et
cetera.
[Basahin din ang 1 Corinthos 3,15; 1 Petrus 1,7; St. Gregory the Great (+604), Dialogi
4,39; St. Catherine of Sienna (+1347), on purgatory; St. Faustina (+1938), on purgatory... atbp.
Bilhin ang aklat ni Susan Tassone, Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory].
Masasabi na ang Purgatorium ay isang panghiningan kalagayan ng awa ng Bathala sa
mga kaluluwang naghihinagpis, humahangad ng dulugan ng lubos na kaaliwan sa kandungan ng Bathala, subalit walang magawa maliban lamang sa panalangin ng mga taong
nasa lupa. At kapag napuno na ang kaluluwa ng biyaya, siya ay nagtatamo ng handog na
aliw at ligaya sa simula ng buhay na walang hanggan dulot ng Batangtupa na nagaalis ng kasalanan ng sanlibutan. Anupat sa dulugan ng mga banal, itong kaluluwa na
natulungan ng mga panalangin at pagpapaliban ng mga taonglupa ay ngayong maaaring
tumulong naman sa kanyang panalangin mula sa langit. Kaya itong ang panghiningang
palitan ng mga Simbahan ng lupa, purgatorium at kalangitan. Ito ay isa sa mga haligi
ng apostoliko at Katolikong palataya batay sa Salita ng Bathala- na nakasulat/ Biblia,
naihabilin/ Tradition, at itinuturo/ Magisterium ng Inang Simbahang Pandaigdigan.
Sinauna man ang wikang Tagalog, Cebuano, Bikol atbp., marapat lamang tangkilikin
ang tanang sarili. Tulad ng Latin na umunlad, subalit hindi tinawag na Caesarian,
gayundin ang wikang Tagalog ay hindi dapat angkinin ng pangalang dayuhan tulad ng
Felipe o Washington. Kahitman ang katutubong pangalang Lapulapu, ay hindi dapat
tawagin ang wika na Lapuhan. Ang wika ni Jesus na Kristo ay Aramaic. Subalit ang
buong Bagong Tipan ay isinupat sa Griego upang sa paggamit ng lingua franca ng
kapanahunan, ang Butihimbalita ng Poong Jesus ay kumalat sa Sangkaharian ng Roma
at sa buong daigdig. Dumating sa ating bansa ang Islam, dumating din ang Katoliko sa
pananaw ng Espana, dumating din ang Kristuhan sa pananaw ng United States, sumibol
din katutubong Kristuhan, Aglipayan at Iglesia ni Kristo ayon kay Manalo... Sa dinamirami ng mga Makakristo, tanging ang Katolikong Simbahan lamang ay may ginintuang
sinulid ng mga Apostol, batay na nga sa mga Ama o Dalubhasa ng Simbahan, na natuklasan nga ng naging Katolikong Mabiyayang John Henry Newman, na dating Anglican,
at guro ng Oxford Movement. Sa ating kapanahunan dito, masasabi na si Dr. Scott Hahn
na katulad ng ibang Protestante, na tumiligsa sa Papa, Purgatorio, Maria, Eucharistia,
atbp., ay naging Katoliko matapos sumuko sa Katotohanan, Daan, at Buhay na si Jesus
na Kristo, na Manunubos ng lahat. Amen.
Journey of the Soul
(from page 18)
The priest miraculously healed to the
astonishment of the doctors. That priest
is now spreading his testimony around
the world and now strongly advocates
devotion to the Blessed Mother and her
Holy Rosary.
11. The Five First Saturday Devotion
In Fatima, our Blessed Mother told
us, through the three children, that she
will help us at the hour of our death
with graces needed by our souls. She
will take the souls to heaven on the first
Saturday after death of those who worthily completed the devotion by going to
confession, receiving Holy Communion,
praying the Holy Rosary, and for 15
minutes meditating on the mysteries of
the Holy Rosary inside the Church on
the first Saturday of each month for five
consecutive months.
That is how great our Blessed Mother
loves us, her children, and another weapon she has given us in defeating the evil
spirits prowling the earth to snatch our
souls, if we but heed her.
12. Sacramentals
Our Blessed Mother told St. Simon
Stock that whoever wears the brown
scapular will not go to hell. It must be
worn always especially at the point of
death. It has to be installed by a Benedictine priest once and a replacement need
not be re-installed. The scapular should
be made of cloth and not of plastic.
There are other sacramentals approved by the Church that would help
equip ourselves spiritually. There is the
Holy Water with which we should have a
supply, for it is shunned by the evil spirits.
We can bless ourselves with it and even
sprinkle it for our love ones away from
us even if the water does not touch them
as long as we pray that its graces will be
given to them. We should also have the
Miraculous Medal of Our Lady and the
St. Benedict Medal, which have to be first
blessed by a priest. These medals carry
powerful graces for our souls and also for
our bodily protection.
Ministry to Filipino Immigrants
Celebrate with us ...
St. Pedro Calungsod
Feast
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Our Lady of Miracles Parish
757 East 86th Street
Canarsie, New York 11236
10:30 am - Rosary & Prayers to St. Calungsod
11:00 am - Concelebrated Mass
Main Celebrant
BISHOP
WITOLD MROZIEWSKI
Auxiliary Bishop
Diocese of Brooklyn
Food, Fellowship and Fun following the Mass
For more information, contact:
Romy Rancio - (646) 408-3576
Fely Carrera - (718) 692-3242
Cora Dioquino - (718) 639-9209
(to be continued next month)
The prayer community
of the Handmaids for
Family and Life (Family
ministry) of CFC-FFL
held a heart-filled
Valentine’s Day party last
February 14,
St. Joseph:
The Go-To Saint for Mr.Right!
POPE FRANCIS’
PRAYER
INTENTIONS
FOR MARCH
For Catholics, the month of March is referred to as the month of St. Joseph (although
St. Patrick’s Day is also being celebrated in March particularly in the United States and
Ireland) because of his feast day which falls on March 19th. Hence, my article about
St. Joseph who is one of my favorite and go-to saints.
We are aware that St. Joseph is the foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the
by Mayven S. Cajucom husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because of his pure love, fidelity, fortitude,
obedience and the sacrifices he bore while on earth, St. Joseph has won many titles on
his humble head. He is considered as the Patron of the Catholic Church, Families,
Workers, Virgins, Exiles, and is likewise being invoked for a happy and holy death. But most importantly, St. Joseph
is also the patron saint for those who are searching for “Mr. Right”, that is a good husband with a diligence of a good
father of the family.
Who among women wouldn’t want a husband with God-given qualities like that of St. Joseph: righteous, loving,
caring, responsible, loyal, dependable, a man of faith and great compassion for everyone, and so on and so forth. Of
course, every woman would prefer as much as possible a good man as their future partner in life.
However, St. Joseph is St. Joseph. He was chosen and destined to be the father of the Son of God here on earth. He
was blessed to have this unique privilege among men. As such, the search for a St. Joseph type of a husband may not be
easy. There are still good real men though, 1 out of 10 or 100 perhaps, but rare to find. Some of the good men could
be in a relationship or committed to someone else or happily married already. When I advised a younger friend who is
still single, for her to pray to St. Joseph to help her find a good man after two failed relationships, she responded jokingly
that good real men nowadays are becoming extinct!
Well, I couldn’t absolutely argue and blame her for that, after what she’d gone through. Much as we would like to
have perfect partners in life because perfection is possible as God wants us to be like Him, the reality is that it would be
too fairy tale like. As my friend stated, there’s no such thing as perfect husbands or perfect marriages. While the quest
might be too ambitious, I told my friend it is still possible to encounter a good match for her marriage life, a God-fearing
man, and if she found one, everything will fall into place.
Marriage just like any aspect of life has ups and downs. It’s not a bed of roses, but what is important is that couples
are able to resolve differences before night falls. A good man who loves a woman unconditionally, a man who knows
and understands the woman’s flaws and mistakes, but still thinks she’s beautiful is definitely a good husband! And the
prayer to St. Joseph would help to make it happen.
St. Teresa of Avila is a devotee to St. Joseph. According to her: “I do not remember that I have ever asked anything of
him which he has failed to grant”. Likewise, Pope Francis also prays to St. Joseph (the sleeping one!). The Holy Father
likes St. Joseph very much and described him as a strong man of silence. He believes that St. Joseph is looking after the
Church even if the Saint is sleeping!
There are so many testimonies about answered prayers from St. Joseph. I am one of those and was just keeping it to
myself all these years! I have prayed to St. Joseph for a good husband and I’m so grateful he helped me find one. My
husband and I have been married for almost 2 decades now and we will be celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary
before St. Joseph’s feast day. While our marriage is not perfectly perfect or a match made in heaven, still I consider it
as one of God’s blessings. He’s the best gift from heaven to me, and me to him too, I should say that to be fair! He is
my hero, my best friend forever (bff), a very intelligent man who taught me many good things in life. In a nutshell, he
seemed to be almost perfect to me, and I believe it is worth doing that I give him a title of the best husband out there and
hopefully he stays the same in the coming years
and beyond!
There is value and importance in waiting,
praying and hoping that a good man and a good
husband will come into our lives. It has been
proven that St. Joseph indeed helps those who
seek his intercession. St. Joseph is the go-to saint
to help us find “Mr. Right” and even if he helped
us find one, there is still need to keep on praying
that our husbands shall remain good all the time,
especially with all the challenges being faced by
the world today.
Finally, I pray and thank God for the blessings
received by our respective families. I pray to St.
Joseph that He’ll continue to guide husbands in
Quality Eyeglasses & Sunglasses
their quest for goodness and that he will also help
those women who still desire for a good husband,
at Budget Prices
marriage life and children. I also pray to God that
He will continue to pour blessings to my husband
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3041 Hempstead Turnpike, H-10, 1st Floor
and I on our Anniversary, for a healthy, happy and
Levittown, NY 11756
long good life, a good relationship, more wedding
anniversaries, and that He will grant us the chance
(516) 735-4307
to be of service to Him. This we ask through our
Thurs. & Friday - 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
_________________
Sat. & Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Holy Father’s universal prayer
intention for March is: “That families in
need may receive the necessary support and
that children may grow up in healthy and
peaceful environments.”
His intention for evangelization is: “That
those Christians who, on account of their
faith, are discriminated against or are being
persecuted, may remain strong and faithful
to the Gospel, thanks to the incessant
prayer of the Church..” - VIS
OPTICIANS
E. HENRY DE LOS REYES,
your kababayan optician
Happy birthday to all March birthday celebrants
especially to my brother, Engr. Ilven S.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!
Novena to St. Claire
Patroness of good weather, embroiderers,
goldsmiths, eye disease, needle workers,
television, gilders, laundry workers.
Pray whether you believe or not and promise
to publish or circulate.
Ask for 3 favors: 1 business and 2 impossible.
Say 9 Hail Marys and the following
prayer for 9 nights in front of a lighted
candle.
God of Mercy you inspired St. Claire
with the love of poverty. By the help
of her prayers may we follow Christ in
poverty of spirit and come to the joyful
vision of your glory in the kingdom of
heaven. We ask you this through our
Lord Jesus Christ your son who lives and
reigns with the Holy Spirit, One God
forever and ever. Amen. VPM
SAN LORENZO RUIZ’ IMPRESSARIO
by Fr. Erno Diaz
Chapter 7
Producing Handel’s Messiah Sing-out:
12/93, 1/94
Script – The following is the script that I wrote for the concert:
I -
OVERTURE, The Philippine Philharmonic
Orchestra
(The house lights are switched off. The stage lights are
switched on. The orchestra then plays the overture.)
II -
CHORUS: AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD
(After the Overture, the spotlight is focused on the Annotator
who is seated on a high chair on the front far side of the stage.
The Annotator then delivers the introduction as follows:)
Annotator:
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT MUSIC CANNOT BE IMAGINED. AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC CANNOT BE IMAGINED WITHOUT HANDEL’S MESSIAH. LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN, GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO OUR HANDEL’S MESSIAH SING-OUT.
THE MIGHTY “MESSIAH” BY GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S
GREATEST MASTERPIECES. TONIGHT’S CONCERT IS A BRILLIANT SELECTION OF
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MASTERPIECE.
THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO WAYS OF LISTENING TO THE “MESSIAH”. ONE IS FOR
PLEASURE ALONE, TO ENJOY THE SHINING MUSICAL GLORY OF VOICES AND
ORCHESTRA. ANOTHER IS TO PARTICIPATE, TO FOLLOW THE LIFE OF JESUS AS
OBSERVED IN THE MUSICAL SEQUENCES FROM THE GENTLENESS OF BETHLEHEM
TO THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION.
PLEASE WELCOME OUR LEAD CHOIRS FOR OUR FIRST CHORAL PIECE ENTITLED
“AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED”, A PROPHECY ABOUT THE
COMING OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH.
(During the chorus, the house lights are switched on to enable the audience to read the libretto. After
the chorus, the house lights are switched off.)
III -
TENOR: EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED, PABLO MOLINA
(The spotlight is focused on the Annotator.)
Annotator:
IN OUR NEXT PIECE “EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED”, OUR
TENOR SOLOIST EXULTS OVER THE MARVELOUS CHANGES THAT WILL TRANSPIRE
WITH THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH.
(Pablo Molina enters the stage. After the solo, Pablo exits.)
IV -MEZZO-SOPRANO OR ALTO & CHORUS : O THOU THAT TELLEST GOOD TIDINGS TO ZION, THEA PEREZ
(The houselights are switched on. The spotlight is focused on the Annotator.)
Annotator:
“O THOU THAT TELLEST GOOD TIDINGS TO ZION”, OUR NEXT MUSICAL PIECE, IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE FOR ALTO AND CHORUS. THE BIRTH OF JESUS IS
THE GOOD TIDINGS FOR ALL CREATION TO REJOICE ABOUT.
(The soloist, Thea Perez, enters the stage; she exits after chorus.)
V - CHORUS: FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN
Annotator:
“FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN”. THE CHORUS FORETELLS THE
ROLES THAT THE CHILD JESUS WILL PLAY: COUNSELLOR, PRINCE OF PEACE. LET US
JOIN AGAIN OUR LEAD CHOIRS IN SINGING THIS VERY JOYOUS HYMN.
(After the chorus, the house lights are switched off. The choirs leave their places.)
VI -SOPRANO: HE SHALL FEED HIS FLOCK…COME UNTO HIM, TERESA ANCHETA
Annotator:
IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SOPRANO SOLO, A DECLARATION OF FAITH IS
MADE IN SOARING AND AFFIRMATIVE MUSIC. IT IS LIKEWISE AN INVITATION TO
EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US TO COME UNTO THE LORD WHO IS MEEK AND LOWLY
OF HEART. PLEASE WELCOME OUR SOLOIST, TERESA ANCHETA.
(Soprano Teresa Ancheta enters the stage; after the solo, Teresa exits.)
VII - CHORUS: AND HE SHALL PURIFY
(The houselights are switched on for this chorus. The choirs enter the stage. The spotlight is focused
on the Annotator.)
Annotator:
“AND HE SHALL PURIFY THE SONS OF LEVI”. THE MUSIC QUICKENS
TO AWESOME POWER AS THE CHORUS SINGS ABOUT THE MESSIAH IN JESUS, WHO
COMES TO PURIFY ALL PEOPLE AND MAKE THEM INTO A HOLY PEOPLE OF GOD. WE,
YOU AND I, ALL OF US, ARE THAT PEOPLE, AND WITH THE LEAD CHOIRS LET US SING
OUT OUR GLADNESS.
(After the chorus, the house lights are switched off.)
VIII - BARITONE: THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND, JUN FRANCIS JARANILLA
Annotator:
HERE, IN BARITONE SOLO, IS A SOBERING CONTEMPLATION OF THE
MOMENT BEFORE ETERNITY. THIS SAME TRUMPET SOUND WE SHALL HEAR HERE IS
THE SOUND OF TRIUMPH OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH, THE LORD OF THE EARTH. PLEASE
WELCOME OUR SOLOIST, JUN FRANCIS JARANILLA.
(Baritone Jun Francis Jaranilla enters the stage. After the solo, he exits.)
IX -CHORUS: GLORY TO GOD
(The spotlight is focused on the Annotator. The house lights are switched on.)
Annotator:
“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND PEACE ON EARTH” – FINALLY,
WE ARE ONE WITH THE CHOIR OF ANGELS WHOSE HEAVENLY VOICES WERE HEARD
I BETHLEHEM THAT NIGHT WHEN MARY GAVE BIRTH TO JESUS. LIKE PEOPLE OF
GOODWILL, LET US GIVE GLORY TO GOD BUT LET US ALSO PRAY FOR PEACE ON
OUR EARTH.
(The choirs and audience together sing. After the chorus, the choirs leave their places.)
X - SOPRANO: I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES, FIDES CUYUGAN-ASENCIO
(The house lights are switched off. The spotlight is focused on the Annotator.)
Annotator:
“I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES” – IN THIS MAJESTIC SOLO,
OUR SOPRANO FIDES CUYUGAN-ASENCIO REAFFIRMS THE MESSIAH’S PREVAILING
MESSAGE OF FAITH AND SERENITY. WE ALL KNOW THAT JESUS THE MESSIAH WHOSE
BIRTH WE JOYFULLY CELEBRATE AT CHRISTMAS LIVES ON IN OUR LIVES AND IN OUR
WORLD. PLEASE WELCOME FIDES CUYUGAN-ASENCIO.
(After the solo, Fides exits. The choirs enter the stage. The living tableau is set up in the center of
the stage. The spotlight is focused on the Annotator.)
XI -HALLELUIA AND THE LIVING NATIVITY TABLEAU
(The house lights are switched on. OPM Stars join the choirs on stage. They will be introduced one
by one. The different choral groups will also be introduced, including their choir masters. The P.P.O.
will also be introduced. The major sponsors & steering committee will be introduced. The audience
will be thanked, etc., etc.)
Annotator:
NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ALL PEOPLE OF PEACE AND GOODWILL, HERE IS OUR GRAND FINALE, THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH IN JESUS THE MESSIAH, OUR GRANDEST EXPRESSION OF JOY AT HIS BIRTH – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
SOUND OF CHRISTMAS – HANDEL’S MESSIAH’S “HALLELUIAH.”
(The choirs, the OPM Stars and audience sing together the “Halleluia.” The final bow then takes place.)
The Bayanihan Paseo of the Philippine Women’s
University on Taft Avenue in Manila was gaily lighted
for the Christmas season. The 20-piece orchestra had
arrived and some of the instrumentalists who were
personally chosen by Mr. Yusi, my contact person
from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, could
be heard playing their instruments, warming up and
practicing for the first of the two performances of
“Handel’s Messiah Sing-out” which I produced for
the San Lorenzo Ruiz International Foundation for
the Arts and Humanities in cooperation with the PWU
Arts and Humanities Year Committee.
Mrs. Purificacion Torres, my secretary at the
PWU Campus Ministry office, had told me earlier
in the day that there was a 50/50 chance of showers
in the forecast for that evening. The cloudy sky had
actually been threatening but, who knows? With the
unpredictable December weather in Manila, there was
also a very good chance the rains may not come down
after all. I took a chance. Let the concert go on, I told
the production staff. Calling it off would mean letting
go to naught all the hard work and the weeks of preparation of some 150 members of the chorus who
came from five different colleges and universities.
The first evening performance was supposed to be the choruses’ dress rehearsal but open
to the public. It was going to be their big rehearsal in preparation for the much bigger performance
that has been scheduled at the prestigious 9,000 seat-capacity Folk Arts Theater, once home to the
Miss Universe Pageant. This evening was important to the chorus members in terms of building up
confidence for the big event. After all, most of them have never set foot on the stage of the Folk Arts
Theater, let alone perform at a major concert in a big production.
At the nearby Conrado Benitez Hall there was plenty of buzz and activity as the chorus
members were getting themselves ready for the concert – fixing themselves up and generally warming
themselves up with chit-chat here and there. I could tell they were excited about the concert. The
students were from St. Scholastica College, St. Paul College of Manila, the University of Santo Tomas,
the Philippine Women’s University and the Adventist Methodist Academy of Pasay City. I was able to
get the participation of these choruses through the help of Dr. Lucrezia Kasilag, Mrs. Torres and also
through my own contacts like the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres. Coro Tomasino of the University
of Santo Tomas was committed by Fr. Jesus Tinoko, O.P., regent of the UST Conservatory of Music
whom I had met at a UST concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He directed me to call
Miss Erlinda Fule, Dean of the Conservatory of Music whose reaction was very positive when I talked
to her. Then Mrs. Torres made a big follow-up on Mr. Edwin Narvaez, the Coro’s musical director
who happens to be a family relation of hers from Batangas. On the other hand, St. Scholastica’s choir
was facilitated to participate by Dr. Kasilag who was well known and much respected as a faculty
member at St. Scholastica. Miss Mia Reonal acted as the principal contact for the choir. It turned
out that she was also the choir choral coach. At St. Paul College of Manila, it proved very easy for
me to get the commitment of Sister Corazon, the Music Department’s Dean. Considering my past
relationship with the school as one-time chaplain for students and Theology professor, I was very
confident that the SPCM group would participate in my concert. There were actually some efforts
on my part to get the participation of the UP Chorus and the Santa Isabel College choir but initial
contact proved unpromising. (It turnout out that UP Chorus tried a similar Messiah Sing-Out for
television broadcast that proved somewhat unappealing, at least according to one source.) As far as
the High School choir from the Methodist Academy, their participation was made possible through
the recommendation of some music students of the PWU Music Department who, it seems, were
former alumni of that school. I was reassured that the Adventist choir is very familiar with Handel’s
Messiah.
By the time the orchestra and the choruses had positioned themselves in the paseo’s elevated
corner which is directly in front of my office, the traditional space for campus outdoor assemblies
like the Holy Mass, Junior-Senior’s Prom and the like, many of them literally crowding the risers
and every available space in that ‘stage’ – I saw some dozen chorus members who standing behind
the risers because there was no more room for them on the risers – some very light raindrops were
falling on the Paseo although the rains were at best only misty sprays at first. The concert began with
the orchestra’s rendition of Handel’s Pastorale.
After the musical prelude I went to the podium to give my welcome remarks. Then joined
by co-emcee – TV and stage personality Lorli Villanueva, we introduced the first choral piece, “And
the Glory of the Lord Shall be Revealed”. The joyful festive singing of some 150 voices filled the
quadrangle to the delight of the crowd that had bravely shown up despite the not too pleasant weather.
I remember sitting on a chair tightly crunched between the risers and the orchestra people and I can’t
still get over the surge of beautiful exhilarating feeling going through my body as I listened to the
melodious blending of voices with the sopranos soaring ever higher and higher to reach the high C’s
which they did so well. They were excellent. I was ecstatic!
(to be continued next month)
The
Gospel
Truth
by Rev. Joe Cadusale
In the wake of Pope Francis’ letter to the
president of the Pontifical Council for the
Promotion of the New Evangelization for the
upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy dated Sept.
1, 2015, there has been much discussion about
abortion and the penalty of excommunication.
Clearly, the Pope’s intention is to promote mercy and provide hope to those
who would like a second chance. It would be helpful to read that section of the
letter here:
“The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial
awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails.... I
have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing
and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only
understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope”.
“The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented,
especially when that person approaches the sacrament of confession with a
sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father. For this reason
too, I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to
all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion
those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for
it. May priests fulfill this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome
combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed,
besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true
and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence.”
The penalty of “excommunication” does not mean that a person has
been “kicked out of the Church” or loses their baptism; the penalty of
excommunication temporarily prohibits that person from receiving the
sacraments or holding office in the Church until they have repented and
amended their ways.
You ask, “Why is abortion listed as a cause for automatic excommunication
while murder is not?” That is a very good question, since both are mortal sins
of injustice against another person. I suppose the reason is because the Church
truly wants to underscore the seriousness of abortion, because it is always the
case that the unborn child is completely defenseless and completely innocent.
In the case of murder, those conditions are not always the case.
When does the penalty not apply to the crime?
No one can incur the penalty of excommunication unless they are at least 18
years old and have full knowledge beforehand that there is a canonical penalty
for the crime, and full freedom and full consent to procure the abortion must be
present.
Come, join us on our
25
th
Anniversary
Fiesta ng Baclaran
with Fr. Patrick Longalong,
Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in
Queens Village & Coordinator,
Ministry for Filipino Immigrants.
Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Church
111-50 115th Street,
South Ozone Park
New York 11420
June 25, 2016
Rosary Giveaway - 1:45
Procession - 2
Novena - 2:30
Mass - 3
pm
pm
pm
pm
For More Information,
please call:
DIRECTIONS
By Car: Van Wyck Expwy, (heading South towards JFK Airport) Exit at
Linden Blvd., at the light, make a right onto Linden Blvd., then take Linden
straight down, then make a right at 115th Street, Belt Pkwy. (heading East),
Exit at Lefferts Blvd., coming up to the ramp, stay at your right, make a left
at the light on Lefferts Blvd., then take Linden straight down then make a
right at 115th Street, Southern State Pkwy. (heading West), exit at Lefferts
Blvd. Stay at your right and follow the row of houses, to the light, make a
right onto Lefferts Blvd. 8 lights down make a left on Linden Blvd., then
take Linden Blvd. straight down, then make a right at 115th Street.
By Train: E or F to Queens Blvd/Union Tpke. Take Q10 and get off at
Linden Blvd. and Lefferts Blvd. Then walk 4 blocks down to 115th Street
and make a right to the Church.
Oscar & Precy de la Isla
Fr. Joe Cadusale
Mayette Figuracion
Jojo & Merlin
Jimmy & Irene
•
•
•
•
•
718-296-2367
718-275-3913
718-296-0362
347-631-2842
917-440-5193
This will be Fr. Jose Cadusale’s
last Fiesta Celebration with us
before his return to the Philippines in
September. Please be there with us.
And let this be a memorable event for
both ourselves and Fr. Joe.
Note: Finger Food and Soda per family are greatly appreciated.
Fr. Joe’s Bible Study
Classes
For more information, please
call: (718) 275-3936
Most Precious Blood Charismatic
Prayer Community
Most Precious Blood Church
32-23 36th Street
Long Island City, NY 11106
Head Servant: Nenett Barbilla
718 937 5242
2nd Tuesday 7:30 PM
El Shaddai Prayer Community
Most Precious Blood Church
32-23 36th Street
Long Island City, NY 11106
Head Servant: Amerito Gerodias
718 458 8214
4th Sunday 3:00 PM
Light Of Christ Prayer Group
St. Nicholas of Tolentine
150-75 Goethals Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
Head Servant: Cookie Fernandez
718 380 1712
Last Thursday 7:30 PM
141-36 77th Ave
Flushing, NY 11367
President: Sonia Capellan
917-459-6874
Every Tuesday at 11:00 AM
The Vine & the Branches
Incarnation Prayer Group
92-19 212th St., Queens
Village, NY
Head Servant: Karine Baron
646-299-2291-3rd Friday
7:00 PM
Family of God
160-31 78th Rd
Flushing, NY 11366
Coordinator: Perla Leonardo
(718) 591-4579
2nd Friday, 9:00 PM
The Lord’s Flock Prayer Group
281 Bradley Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10314
Coordinator: Myrna Leyson
Family of Christ Prayer Community 718 983 1410
3rd Saturday 8:00 PM
St. Gerard Magella Church
188-16 91st Ave, Hollis NY 11423
Filipino Community
Head Servant: Margie Fontanilla
Our Lady of the Angelus
347-721-7622
63-63 98th St., Rego Park, NY
First Friday - 8 PM
Coordinator: Ofelia
Concepcion
Haitian Community
190-15 90th Ave, Hollis, NY 11423 (718) 897-4444
2nd Monday 7:30 PM
Head: Lise Marc
3rd Tuesday 7:30 PM
St Martin de Porres
Prayer Group
86-60 Range St., Bellrose, NY
453 Hawthorne Avenue
Coordinator: Sylvia David
Uniondale, NY 11553
(718) 913-6922
Coordinator: Dr. Norma Pascual
3rd Thursday 8:00 PM
516 2921445
Last Monday 8:00 PM
Dominican Nuns
Corpus Christi Monastery
Handmaid of the Lord/CFC
1230 Lafayette Ave.
202-35 Foothill Ave., A-38
Bronx, NY
Hollis, NY 11423
Coordinator: Sr. Maria Pia
Head Servant: Dolly Pawal
718 328 6996
718 468-8463
Last Saturday - 9 AM
Last Sunday 6:30 PM
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
110-06 Queens Blvd.
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Head Servant: Nellie Milite
718 544 5141
2nd Friday 7:30 PM
Sto. Niño Group
10 Francis Terrace
Yonkers, NY 10704
Leaders: Nonong & Neneng
Torres
212 961 6375
3rd Saturday - 7 PM
Fil. Community Our Lady of Angels
2860 Webb Ave., Bronx, NY 10468 Our Lady of Peace
Prayer Community
Head Servant: Josette Camino
Our Lady of Peace Church
347 346 4162
237 E. 62nd St., NYC 10065
2nd Saturday 7:30 PM
Ceres Ojeda (Head Servant)
917 617 5688
St. John Prayer Community
2nd Sunday, 3 PM
272 Boyd Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Encountered Couples
Head Servant: Purita Vasquez
Prayer Group of New York
201 333 3136
rd
Church of Ascension
3 Monday 7:00 PM
86-13 55th Avenue
Elmhurst, NY 11373
St. Nicholas Prayer Group
Tess Usis (Head Servant)
122 Ferry St.
516 474 2540
Jersey City, NJ 07307
1st Friday 8:30 PM
Head Servant: Elsa Leonida
210 656 2010
God’s Magnificent Children
1st Sunday 6:30 PM
Spiritual Enhancement
25 Nancy Drive,
Puissance Divine D’Amore
Westbury, NY 11590
820 Wallace Ave
1st Tuesday of every month
Baldwin, NY 11510
Head Servant: Yvrose Saint-Urban @7:30 pm
Every last Saturday of the
516 378 8173
month @12 noon
2nd Thursday 7:30 PM
Contact persons:
Holy Mary, Mother of Mercy
Zeny Berroya - 516 713 6743
Praesidium Queen of Peace
Mel Galang - 347 426 4294

Filipino Catholic - New York State Council

Transcription

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