The Filipino Catholic

Transcription

PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HEMPSTEAD, NY
PERMIT NO. 7
The Filipino
CATHOLIC
VOL. 13, NO. 5
Spreading the Good News
December 10, 2008 - January 14, 2009
Maligayang
Pasko
at
Manigong
Bagong
Taon
“Unto you is born this day in the City of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” -- Luke 2:11
Message
from the Vicar for Migrant and Ethnic Apostolates
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The birthday of the Savior each year gives us all an opportunity to ask if we
have allowed Him to be reborn in our own individual lives. He came as man
so that we could recognize and identify with Him. He wanted us to have the
example of someone who was a son, a teacher, and a preacher. He asks His
followers to imitate Him in staying fixed on God’s plan for the salvation of the
world and our own part in this plan. We do this by our own prayer life, our own
acts of charity towards others, our mediations and devotions and our fidelity to
the Church through which the salvation will come.
As we join each other in this year’s celebrations, let us renew our personal
desire to “...put on the mind of Christ” in everything we do. This applies to how
we raise our families, how we do our work, how we bear with difficulties, how
we witness to what we believe and, most of all, how we trust in the Lord to
help us live out our vocations as He would want.
Rev. Msgr. Ronald T.
Marino
Episcopal Vicar
for Migrant and Ethnic Apostolates
Diocese of Brooklyn, NY
May the true blessings of Christmas fill your hearts and your homes. May the
New Year bring us closer together as God’s family and renew His spirit in each
one of us.
Rev. Msgr. Ronald T. Marino
Vicar for Migrant and Ethnic Apostolates
Diocese of Brooklyn
Message from
the Spiritual Director of The Filipino Catholic
Archbishop Fulton Sheen once asked the congregation listening to him during the
Christmas season many years ago in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City to observe the difference between two statues. First, the great bronze statue of Atlas, located
across the street from the Cathedral, with arms outstretched holding the world and
and second, the tiny statue of the Baby Jesus, in the manger inside the Cathedral, also
with arms outstretched bidding us to come to Him. Atlas represented mankind struggling,
laboring and weighed down by the weigh of the world. Christ represented the merciful,
infinite and unconditional love of God which takes away that weight, which is sin.
As Christmas approaches, we are reminded each day how we still struggle, labor and
are weighed down by so much in our lives and in the world around us. Yet, the invitation
to come and adore the Christ Child is still offered to us. There at the manger, we can
offer the gift of our hearts and be renewed and leave what troubles us in the stable.
We rejoice at Christmas time because we are not alone, because he is with us, because
he is Emmanuel. This great truth fills us with joy and hope. Let us rejoice, therefore,
because God is with us. That is the meaning of Christmas. Jesus himself said:”Behold,
I am with you all days, even to the end of time”(Matt 28:20).
Fr. Joe Cadusale
Page 2 • December 10, 2008 - January 14, 2009 • The Filipino Catholic
The
Filipino
Catholic
(BN96001443),
an independent
newsmagazine with
editorial offices at
453 Hawthorne Ave.,
Uniondale, NY 11553, is
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The Filipino Catholic is
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Views expressed by the
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Contributing Writers
& Columnists:
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, Jr.
Rev. Joe Cadusale
Rev. Basilio Colasito
Msgr. R. Dimaculangan
Art Esguerra
Robert Fernandez
Andrea Florendo
Fr. Alfred Guthrie
AA Medrano
Norma Pascual
John Primi
Fr. James Reuter
Sonia S. Salerni
Rene Tubilleja
Maria Pascual
Felix Vinluan, Esq.
Jeanne Young
Photography
Henry Medrano
Albert Betito
Circulation & Distribution
Jun Makinano
Wendel Javier
Editor & Publisher
Manny Pascual
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Garden City, NY 11531
(516) 292-1445 phone/fax
Email: FilCath@optonline.net
FROM THE EDITOR,
Staff and
Volunteers of
Our sincere wish for a Blessed Christmas
to all our Readers and Supporters.
May the coming New Year fill your lives with
an abundance of God’s love
Manny Pascual
and blessing.
Thank you, too, for the generosity that you have shown us through the years.
Without your help our newspaper ministry will not continue
to grow and survive.
Purihin ang Panginoon at ipagdiwang natin ang kanyang pagsilang.
Maligayang Pasko at
Masaganang Bagong Taon
sa inyong lahat!
Of Faith And Practicality
“With God nothing shall be impossible.“
- Luke 1:37
Of Christmases Past
Christmas has always been a time of nostalgia. Many seasonal songs croon about past Christmases
and about how people wish they were back in the old, happier days. This is most especially true for
us Filipino immigrants. Our Christmas celebrations back home seem much more joyous and full of
fun. It’s so hard to recapture it here in our adoptive country no matter how we try. Yet, it is truly admirable that many parents try their best to impart some of our traditions down to the next generations
by Rene Tubilleja
of Filipino-Americans. At times, these kids may not seem too interested at all, but take heart, they
are actually taking this all in. Our children are usually proud of their heritage and roots. They cry the
loudest in protest when they are mistaken for Latinos or other Asian nationalities. When it’s their turn
to become parents themselves, they would come back to us and ask about those traditions that set them apart from the others. They will
then be ready to pass it on to the next generations.
While many of our day-to-day traditions may not necessarily be always relevant to our children who grew up in the American culture,
the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas should never be lost to them. Not so much for national pride or identity value, but because we
Filipinos celebrate Christmas closest to its true spiritual significance. We celebrate Christ in our Christmas. We recall His message of
peace and love in our songs. We enjoin each other to be generous and forgiving. We hang parol in our windows to commemorate how
the heavens rejoiced at His birth. We go to Dawn Masses for the nine days preceding Christmas in “preparation” for His coming. There
would of course be treats for us outside the church, like steaming puto-bumbong and bibingka wrapped in aromatic burnt banana leaves;
this actually adds fun to the otherwise difficult task of getting up so early in the morning. Finally, we culminate it on Christmas Eve with
the Midnight Mass and the ever special Noche Buena. There would be suman, hamon, keso de bola, ube, and many other special delicacies, reserved for Christ’s birthday party in our homes. We have so much fun that we in fact drag our celebrations well into the New Year.
We may not be able to provide our kids with all those treats, nor get to bring them to Dawn Masses, but let’s just continue the Filipino spirit of putting Christ at the center of our Christmas celebration. This is what’s most important to keeping up our traditions. Most
churches here in the States have Midnight Masses, too, so we can have that and also our special Noche Buena afterwards. Two reminders
though: first, the Advent season is a time of preparing our souls for His coming by doing good deeds, prayer and getting reconciled with
the Savior; secondly, the liturgical season of Christmas does not end on Christmas Day but goes on through New Year’s Day (Feast of the
Holy Family for us) to the Epiphany Sunday (Feast of the Three Wise Men, originally celebrated on the 6th of January). Finally, let’s remember to thank Our Blessed Mother for her humility and absolute trust in the Lord that made it possible for the Savior to come on earth.
Let’s also venerate St. Joseph, the greatest Saint and the closest to the Savior, for his courage and dedication to the welfare of Mary and
the Baby Jesus... “Tayo ay magmahalan, ating sundin ang gintong aral. At magbuhat ngayon, kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan!”
Maligayang Pasko sa lahat at nawa’y maging masagana at puno ng kasiyahan ang inyong Bagon Taon!
The Filipino Catholic • December 10, 2008 - January 14, 2009 • Page 3
VIEWPOINT
We are called on to pray, and pray much for
president-elect Barack Obama and the whole new
government. But we also need…
soul in spite of any emotional or physical suffering we may face; and more importantly,
the eternal salvation of our souls and the souls for whom we pray, provided we cooperate
with his generous graces, and that we faithfully obey his commands.
A REALITY CHECK -----
A VERY HELPFUL LESSON:
On the other hand, it might do us well to remember the little community of German Jesuits who lived in Japan in a rectory almost directly beneath one of the atomic bombs that
destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki near the end of the second World War.
From the point of view of the rights of unborn children, this past election was a disaster, not only for
the defense of human life in this country but worldwide. It is reported that the entire pro-life culture for
the unborn in Kenya, the country of origin of Barak
Obama’s father, is now threatened with a gross shift
towards the culture of death in that country.
by Rev. Alfred R. Guthrie
In this country, the list of many years of hardfought-for pro-life victories which face immediate
destruction looms as a catastrophic debacle – that
list is very long.
For example, on the international level, American support of the United Nations promoted
forced-abortion policy of China is scheduled to be reinstated.
And on the local level the Clinic Access Bill which is
intended to block the constitutionally protected efforts
of pro-life counselors from helping young women
not to kill their babies appears about to be passed in
New York City.
One Catholic publication has come out with the observation that it appears that where local Catholic bishop
conferences have spoken out clearly about the urgent
question of abortion, the Catholic vote has leaned
against the abortion-promoting Democratic party in
favor of McCain. Elsewhere, the disaster. It was the
Catholic vote that sealed Obama’s victory.
THE LESSON IS CLEAR: We all, bishops, priests,
deacons, religious, and laity have a profound responsibility to speak out clearly the truth about important
moral issues on human life (abortion, assisted suicide)
and morality (artificial birth control, “safe sex”, modesty). Each of us will have to answer to God for our
courage in speaking or our cowardly silence.
THE TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE
Our country is not the same as the America most of
us grew up in. We are left with the painful realization
that the America we knew, for all our faults, and they
were many, is radically different from the very, very
much sicker country in which we live today.
But we who still live have the solemn responsibility
FIRST, to continue the struggle in spite of persecution for the values we took so much for granted, and
for the values we lacked then and need today, and,
SECONDLY, to face the grave danger of the eternal
loss of their immortal souls which so many of our
young people are unknowingly facing today.
These holy men were living the message of Our Lady of Fatima at the time the deadly
bomb burst over their heads. And, to the astonishment of the scientists who studied them,
they were not affected by the radiation burns that killed so many hundreds of thousands
of people all around them. While they had been tossed around by the force of the explosion, they were not affected by the atomic radiation and were able to go out and help
those who, both in their homes and in the streets, were dying of the deadly effects of the
bomb’s radiation.
THIS MEANS that, whatever problems may come, our fidelity to Our Lady’s Fatima message for prayer, penance and reparation will allow us, in different ways, to be available to
God to use us for the benefit of others, especially their eternal salvation.
ARE THINGS THAT BAD?
The workers of the World Apostolate of
Fatima in Brooklyn & Queens wish you
A Truly Holy and Blessed
Christmas
To all our members
and
to all who wish to live and share
the urgent message of
Our Lady of Fatima
for true peace and the salvation
of souls.
Our country, in this past election, has passed an extremely important milestone. And we
need to step back and reflect on what this means and where we are headed.
This Newsletter is dedicated to the spreading of the message for prayer, penance and reparation given to us by the Mother of God at Fatima in 1917. It now appears clear that while
this message was then focused on preventing World War II, Our Lady was also looking
ahead to the days in which we now live.
We are in the clear and present danger of a deepening intensification of the persecution
that we - who are followers of the Christian values of the Gospel which we have received
through our forbears - have been enduring over the past 40 to 50 years.
We are also in the clear and present danger of the loss of many, many souls - and the clear
and present danger of a catastrophically destructive nuclear holocaust of unimaginably
horrible proportions.
God doesn’t guarantee that we will be spared heartache, death or physical suffering in
whatever persecution or catastrophe may come. But God does promise a deep peace of
You may think that the above words about the signs of
the times are unnecessarily pessimistic. But they are
that bad. And the fact is that we are, in this country
facing an intensification of the persecution that has
been contributing to the erosion of the faith of so
many of us.
But Our Lady’s message is one of hope and love – a
hope and love only made possible by realistically
facing through her eyes the reality of the times in
which we live.
This Newsletter during the past few months has been
attempting to demonstrate the political and moral
realities of our present time. Our young people are
being destroyed. Our national crimes, beginning
with abortion are mounting over our heads. Artificial
contraception is unrepentantly widespread. The homosexual lifestyle is popularized as “normal”. War
is even now both looming and breaking out.
AND THE REAL PROBLEM is that, in spite of
these so very many serious signs of the times, many
of us, including a significant number of those who
call themselves “Catholic”, are hiding our heads in
the sand of diets, TV, sports, investments, immediate
family, future plans.
It was recently recalled by an historian that the social
life among the Russian nobility in Czarist Russia in
1917 was especially joyous in its celebrations and
parties – just before the hidden plans of the Bolshevik
Revolution were, without warning, launched. Within
days, almost all the Russian nobility, including, not
long afterwards, the Czar and his family, had been
murdered, and the iron, icy, diabolical hand of atheistic Communism, with its Gulag, its
genocide, its imprisonments, clamped down on all of Russia.
WE HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Unnecessary confusions abound concerning the consecration of Russia, the revealing
of the “Third secret”, a number of claimed “apparitions”. As a result, some people use
this confusion to dismiss Our Lady’s message as a joke for kooks. We have to remember
that the Church has heartily endorsed the credibility of Our Lady’s urgent call for prayer,
especially the daily rosary, and penance. The world situation and the danger of the loss of
souls is too critical to allow us to dismiss God’s prophetic call. We cannot allow ourselves
to lose sight of Our personal responsibility to listen to what Our Blessed Mother is asking
us to do and to put it into practice.
To recall the often repeated:
these urgent requests include the devout, daily recitation of the rosary; penance, especially
that of the duties of our state in life, the devotion of the scapular of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel, the First Saturdays, especially spending at least 15 minutes with Our Blessed
Mother reflecting on the mysteries of the rosary to make reparation for sins against her
Immaculate Heart and devout communions of reparation.
(turn to page 62)
JUST SHARING
Mama Mary and Her Children
Our Pre-Advent
Experience
They jolt you. They shake you up. They send you
off your seat and bring you rudely back. At some places
they delude you into thinking you’re a baby again and
it’s just your mother’s arms rocking you once more,
gently, rhythmically to the tune of her lullaby, and you
start to believe the illusion, leading you to succumb to
sleep. Until the jolt becomes a shock. You have just hit
a major snag.
I’m talking about the bad roads (which the Inquirer
called “roads from hell” [PDI, 11/21/2008], a rather
by Rev. E.B. Belizar, Jr., strong phrase but to which we can’t object) we in Eastern
Samar suffer from these days. But I could also be speakSThD
ing of our Philippine socio-economic-political realities.
Doubtless, nearly all of them jolt and shock the living daylights out of our consciousness.
That is, unless we have given up on our situation and now take everything as mere indications of the damaged culture we have caused on ourselves. Nonetheless we can never give
in to despair. No Christian worth the name does. With faith comes hope and hope must
lead to love. Or we are not who we say we are.
It’s Christ the King Sunday as I write these words in my room. We had just concluded
the four-o-clock Mass with a solemn procession, attended, to my happy surprise, by a good
number of young people, followed by a benediction to which they also obliged. But my
mind already races to next Sunday, the first of Advent. The booming voice of Advent’s
crucial-and-at-once-tragic figure, John the Baptist, rings in my ears as he echoes Isaiah: “I
hear a voice crying out in the wildernes, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make his paths
straight. The valleys will be filled, the mountains and hills made low. Every crooked thing
will be made straight and rough roads will be made smooth. And every mortal will see the
salvation of God” (Lk 3:4-6).
Rough roads. Ah, how they make travelling from point A to point B so unfriendly
and so harrowing, you wonder if you’d ever do it again. And, oh, in my home province
especially, how they multiply (I strongly suggest the government subject them to zero
population growth control, and only rightly so, at least at no further expense from the
taxpayers for contraceptives). On my trip homeward from our annual retreat in Tagaytay
City recently, for which I had to travel from Manila to Tacloban City and from there to
my hometown, Borongan, I was so amazed at how fast the rough roads worsened and
multiplied. I had to go through what the open letter to the president from our local bishop
and the clergy describes as “an agonizing experience” negotiating our roads “characterized by crowding craters and potholes, of an increasing number and sizes.” Imagine taking
a ride over an uninterrupted series of humps from Glorietta to Mega Mall. And you are
just close to having an idea of Eastern Samar’s road conditions in their pre-Advent phase
(close because humps tend to be of the same size, unlike our craters). I say pre-Advent
phase, given that Advent is the time when rough roads are being made smooth in preparation for the Messiah’s coming. This is exactly what isn’t happening now in our province
and all indications do not point to it happening in the near future (letters from our local
authorities simply counsel patience, as they are preparing to defer action and wait it out
until the seasonal rains stop). (And I could hear our Latin 4 teacher repeating the words
of rhetorical lament, “Quousque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? (Until when
will you abuse our patience, Catilina?”)
Rough roads inspire rough humor. From Bgy Buenavista to my hometown, I noticed
people responding to the jolts and bumps with protest humor, if cynically. For instance, in
the thick of the bumpy ride, a fellow traveller said, ‘Ramdam na ramdam ang kaunlaran
(Progress is being felt)” in reference to the administration’s nationwide slogan. Another
passenger even suggested, “We should ask the Supreme Court to declare Eastern Samar’s
roads unconstitutional.” “Why unconstitutional?” someone asked. “Because,” came the
answer, “these roads are abortifacient. And isn’t abortion banned by the Philippine constitution?” We laughed. The upside of Pinoy humor is that it allows us to express otherwise
repressed anger and frustrations. The downside is that it didn’t make the jolts and bumps
go away. We should make our humor work in our favor. It’s good we can laugh at our
problems; it’s even better if we do what we can to solve them. This is a lesson the local
Church has learned the hard way.
But look at the big picture, we must. There are lots and lots of rough and bumpy roads
in our society’s realities. Take our own country, la patria adorada. On our way to being a
first-century Philippines, we keep stumbling onto the rough roads of corruption, the ever
widening gulf of social inequality and injustice among Filipinos coupled with our massive
poverty, and the ever ineffectual governance we experience, bedevilled as it is by patronage politics. The constant threat of Cha-cha endlessly keep us from confidently arriving
peacefully at our democratically destined transition to new leadership. With the string of
scandals, from the never-say-die allegations of a stolen presidency to ZTE to the fertilizer
scam via one Joc Joc Bolante, the roads to a ‘strong Republic’, even just to a ‘respectable’
one, are extremely bumpy, not unlike those of Eastern Samar. Perhaps ours are, as it were,
a parable of the national malaise.
And my suggestion for Advent and beyond? Let’s make John the Baptist our national
secondary patron saint. Or, even better, let’s be John the Baptist for our local Church, for
our country now. But why, you ask. So the Messiah might more easily reach our shores
and make us “see the salvation of our God”.
by Fr. James Reuter, S.J.
This beautiful letter came to me from
Catherine Llanto, whose e-mail address is
ayeneelay ku@yahoo.com. I hesitated to
print it because it says such kind things about
“Mama Mary and Her Children”, and my
name is on that book.
But I did not write it, really. The book is
a collection of true stories, told very simply
by real people, about their heart warming
experiences with Mama Mary. So here are
excerpts from Catherine’s letter:
“I am a young mother with two beautiful
children. Your book, ‘Mama Mary and Her
Children’, has revived my devotion to her and
reminded me how she has touched my life
with her grace and compassion.
“I believe that my finding the book in the mishmash of National Bookstore
was no coincidence. I have been looking for the book to buy for a month now,
and nothing spoke to me quite as strongly as yours did, even if it was displayed
sideways with a very narrow half an inch width that is barely perceptible when put
beside the gigantic hardbound books. I was very surprised when I saw that it was
printed only this year.
“I do pray that your book and it’s sequel reach Marian devotees everywhere, and
rekindle in them the grace and love that Our Lady has always shown us. Please pray
for my family, especially my husband, a true-blue Atenean, who has always loved
Mama Mary and is in need of her guidance more than ever.
“Thank you for publishing such a moving and straightforward, unpretentious
book. It has touched me deeply, and rickety though this signpost may be, it is
nonetheless successful on pointing me back to God through the Blessed Mother.”
The lady in white
This came from Ephraim E. Echano, in Naga City. His wife Lhil heard it directly
from the lips of the woman concerned:
“The lady said that her brother and his wife were killed in a car accident. While
she was on her way to attend the funeral, the bus she was riding in suddenly had
engine trouble. The bus driver told them to transfer to another bus.
“Because she was so preoccupied with the thoughts of who would take care of
her late brother’s children, she didn’t notice that she was the only one left in the
bus.
“And because of her deep sorrow, she even failed to notice a kindly lady dressed
in white, wearing rope-tied sandals, who patted her shoulder, comforted her and
said: ‘Just don’t worry about your serious problem. It’s better that we pray in church
in order to obtain for you the graces you need to care for the problems ahead.’
“She said that she and the lady left the bus and went to the church, which was just
around the corner. Inside the church she cried and cried while embracing the statue
of the dead, wounded Jesus, locally called hinulid.
“Seeing her grief, the lady in white added more comforting words: ‘Don’t worry,
I will help you. Just pray’. With these words, she felt as if a thorn had been removed
from her breast and heart. But when she got up to thank the lady, she was no longer
around.
“After the internment and burial of her brother and his wife, she and the couple’s
eight surviving little children, had to look for a residence to rent on Igualdad Street
in Naga City. They found a little house inside of which, to her surprise, was a
calendar with a picture of the Virgin Mary, the same lady in white who patted her
shoulders and accompanied her to church.
“After that, she really had a problem, taking care of the eight children of her
deceased brother. She could not depend on anything else other than the assurance
given her by the lady in white that she should not worry. But if you have strong
faith in God and in His mother, nothing is impossible, because they have a way of
making things happen. They provided the eight children with special talents, so that
each one of them was able to obtain a scholarship grant!
“I tell this story to strengthen our faith in God and in His mother. They are with
us in our everyday life, ready to help us in our needs if we sincerely pray.”
Barefoot doctors
Thirty-six of the 45 tribal natives, now training at Our Lady of Peace Hospital
on the Coastal Road, are women! Our Lady of Peace Mission has trained natives of
135 tribes in the basics of medicine.
Our Lady of Peace Mission is planning a permanent training center for the tribal
natives, in which they will teach administration, how to set up a local government,
how to organize a school, how to grow productive crops that can be sold in the
market, how to run fish ponds and farms for chickens and livestock.
This will bring the tribes into the mainstream of civilization and Filipino
culture.
Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J. writes from the Philippines. The article above which appeared in the
Philippine Star on November 22, 2008 is reprinted with permission.
A Word from Fr. Erno
San Lorenzo Mass Finally Shown on TFC
On November 30th, ABS-CBN GLOBAL finally
aired the San Lorenzo feast day Mass held in St.
Patrick’s Cathedral last September 28, 2008. Labeled San Lorenzo Global Hour, the cable TV program was beamed to TFC (The Filipino Channel)
viewers around the world especially in the Eastern
USA, Pacific and Hawaii regions. The theme of the
Mass was: ‘Celebrating Filipino Migrants All over
the World.” Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo of
Capiz was the main celebrant. I am deeply grateful
to the ABS-CBN GLOBAL, in particular, to Charo
Santos-Concio, President, and Ned Legaspi, Head
of Content Management and Development Group,
for airing the Mass pro bono as community service
to global Filipinos.
Filipino Priests of America to Form a National
Rev. Erno Diaz
Association.
24 Filipino priests representing their various dioceses in the United States gathered in Orlando, Florida, last November 18-20 in response
to an invitation from Bishop Oscar Solis of California to discuss the possibility of formally
organizing as a national Filipino priests group with objectives ranging from forming a support network for programs, camaraderie, and sharing of resources to establishing a voice
for the Filipinos priests in America; forming a witness for unity to inspire unity among
Filipino communities; and organizing a unified body and uniform program of pastoral
resources on Filipino devotions and activities like Simbang Gabi.
On the last point, for example, concern among the priest delegates was expressed about
the tampering with this time-honored Philippine tradition thereby losing its true meaning.
This includes cases like the starting of the Simbang Gabi on a date much earlier than December 16, traditionally the start of the novena of Masses before Christmas. The newly-formed
priests association will issue clear uniform guidelines to safeguard the integrity and purity
of the religious traditions of the Filipinos, even as it will establish link with the Catholic
Bishops of the Philippines (CBCP) to consult on Filipino devotions and related pastoral
matters. Those who attended with me from the New York-New Jersey dioceses include
Msgr. Jerry Rebanal, former Diocesan Coordinator for Filipino Ministries, Archdiocese
of Newark; Fr. Roberto Coruna, Chairman, Filipino Apostolate, Diocese of Metuchen; Fr.
Efren Esmilla, Chaplain, Filipino Catholics of Philadelphia; Fr. Ernest Tibay, Coordinator,
Filipino Apostolate, Archdiocese of Newark, and Fr. Virgilio Tolentino, President, Filipino
Clergy Association of America (FILCAA), Metuchen, New Jersey.
Filipino priests from different dioceses in the U.S. pose with Bishop Oscar Solis (5th from right, 2nd row) in
Orlando, Florida last Nov. 18-29. From left, 1st row: Fr. Art Balagat (SF), Fr. Vic De Jesus (Lousiana), Fr.
Vir Tolentino (Metuchen), Fr. Pete Puntal (Orlando, FLA); 2nd row: Fr. Erno Diaz (NY), Fr. Ernest Tibay
(Newark), Fr. Marito Rebamontan (Orange Co., CA), Fr. Mike Montoya (D.C.), Cecile Motus of the Secretariat
of Asian Pacific Affairs, Bishop Solis, Fr. Pete Literal (Bureau of Prisons), Msgr. Jerry Rebanal (NJ), Fr. Bert
Coruna (Metuchen); 3rd row: Fr. Efren Esmilla (PA), Fr. Willie Manrique (San Jose, CA), Fr. Peter Dumag (HI),
Fr. Felicito Baybay (FLA), Fr. Burt Absalon (IL), Fr. Salvador Hallegado (Chicago), Fr. Rodel Balagtas (L.A.),
Fr. Salvador Hallegado (Chicago), Fr. Ramon Valera (Long Beach, CA).
Celebrating ‘Simbang Gabi’ in America.
Ikalabing anim ng Disyembre. Ding dong. Ding dong…Simbang Gabi ay simula ng
Pasko. This opening line of a favorite Tagalog Christmas song evokes nostalgic memories of an age-old tradition revered and honored by Filipinos for hundreds of years since
it was introduced by the Spanish missionaries to the Philippines in the 15th century. Also
called misa de gallo because, for the most part, the tradition calls for celebrating Mass
at pre-dawn, at around 4:30 in the morning when the crowing of the roosters (gallo in
Spanish) especially in the rural areas signaling the arrival of the day would be heard all
over the place, Simbang Gabi was organized by the missionaries at that unholy time as a
way of getting the farmers to attend the pre-Christmas novena Masses before they headed
to work in the fields. From time immemorial, Filipinos have always held on to the timehonored tradition of starting the Simbang Gabi on December 16th moving on for nine days
until December 24th to complete a novena of Masses as their spiritual preparation for the
birth of Jesus at Christmas. Hence, the nostalgic and meaningful lyric, Ikalabing anim
ng Disyembre!
All over the United States, where there are Filipinos, the tradition lives on. In the Los
Angeles area alone, more than 50 churches observe Simbang Gabi with the nine Masses
being held in the same church or being rotated in nine different churches. San Francisco
Archdiocese, according to Msgr. Floro Arcamo, the Vicar for Filipinos, rotates the Simbang Gabi in nine different churches. The Masses are usually held in the early morning
following the custom in the Philippines. The Simbang Gabi has caught the interest of the
Archbishop Niederauer so much so that the Archbishop has asked to celebrate the Mass
in all the 9 churches celebrating the Simbang Gabi. Chicago, Orlando, Honolulu, New
Jersey, and, of course, New York Filipinos, not to be outdone, have their own observances
of Simbang Gabi.
The earliest Simbang Gabi in New York. As far as I can remember, the earliest
Simbang Gabi in the New York-New Jersey area was held in 1979. The honor belongs
to the Filipinos of St. Joseph’s Church of Yorkville for introducing this beautiful tradition
to this multi-ethnic mosaic called New York City. Modesty aside, it was my first foray
into some kind of Filipino apostolate when I suggested to the Filipinos of Yorkville the
idea of holding Simbang Gabi in the Christmas of 1979. I was then parochial vicar of St.
Joseph’s Church. I had observed the good number of Filipinos attending Mass and I soon
found out that many of them worked at the now defunct Doctors’ Hospital on 87th Street
and East End Avenue. The hospital was directly in front of the Gracie Mansion of the
Mayor of New York. Not long after, the idea became a reality as the nostalgic Filipinos of
Yorkville strongly supported the celebrating of the Simbang Gabi every morning at 6:30
for nine days from December 16 to December 24. With a supportive pastor, our very first
Simbang Gabi in the City of New York went smoothly without a hitch and culminated,
in fact, with a ‘Philippine Christmas Show’ that included a reenactment of the Nativity,
Philippine-style, with the nativity participants wearing Filipino traditional costumes and
with ‘nipa hut’ serving as the birth place of Jesus. The program also included a mini-fashion
show that featured movie actor Bert Leroy, Jr., who came with actor Vic Vargas, as the
signature escort for the models. My Yorkville Filipino group in 1979 was to become the
proto-type of the Filipino Apostolate groups in the Archdiocese of New York that became
officially recognized only much much later in 1995.
Subsequent Simbang Gabi celebrations in New York. With the establishment of
the Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz Movement in 1982, the Simbang Gabi became more widely
organized in the New York and New Jersey area. As the founding director of the Blessed
Lorenzo Ruiz Movement in America (BLRAA), I found it appropriate to link the holding
of the Simbang Gabi with promoting Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz. From 1982 to 1989, I organized the yearly Simbang Gabi in nine different churches in New York and New Jersey.
By identifying the Filipino priests and their parish of work, it was not hard to designate
the nine different churches where to hold the Simbang Gabi. An example of a Simbang
Gabi schedule would look something like this: Dec. 16, St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Dec. 17,
Holy Family Church at the UN; Dec. 18, St. Francis de Sales, NYC; Dec. 20, St. Joseph’s
Church of Yorkville; Dec. 21, Holy Trinity Church, Fort Lee; Dec. 22, St. Joseph’s Church
in Lodi, NJ; Dec. 23, St. Paul Church, Jersey City; Dec. 24, Epiphany Church, Cliffside,
NJ. Through the years, other churches (and the Philippine Center on 5ht Ave.) would
participate in the Simbang Gabi rotation, each church, in most cases, hosting a Mass one
night at a time.
Simbang Gabi at Epiphany Church, St. John Nepomucene Church, the Philippine Pastoral Center on East 62nd Street and the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz. From
1995 to 2004, the Simbang Gabi was held at Epiphany Church on East 21st Street, then at
St. John Nepomucene on East 66th Street or in the Philippine Pastoral Center located on
East 62nd Street, that was then the official headquarters of the Filipino Apostolate of the
Archdiocese of New York, and, finally, at the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz here on Broome
Street from 2005 to the present. In all these churches, the Simbang Gabi tradition has left
its foot print to become etched forever in the faith-life of the Filipinos in this part of the
world. Christmas would not be complete without the Simbang Gabi!
***
Please join us at our celebration of Simbang Gabi in the Chapel of San Lorenzo from
Dec. 16 to Dec. 24! With Simbang Gabi as your spiritual preparation for the birth of
Jesus, may your Christmas be filled with peace, joy and love that come as gifts from the
Manger!
Monthly Tithing to Support our Chapel.
Plans are being discussed and reviewed to introduce a monthly tithing system for the
support of the Chapel of San Lorenzo. This is to guarantee the Chapel’s financial sustainability and stability. Supporters, devotees, and the Chapel congregation are urged to
participate by giving a suggested weekly contribution of $10. [Or its monthly equivalent
of $40.]
The Chapel needs at least 200 people to participate in order to cover our monthly Chapel
expenditure. With 200 participating and contributing $10 every week or $40 every month,
that will mean a total weekly offering of $2,000. [Or a total monthly offering of $8,000.].
The Chapel’s average monthly expenditure, that includes rent to the Archdiocese, insurance, secretarial and custodial allowance, utilities & maintenance bills, office supplies, and
priest staff support amounting roughly to $7,300., will be adequately covered!
Of course, you are free to give an amount of contribution of your choice, say, $20 or
$30 monthly - or even more - from the goodness of your heart! For your convenience, we
are exploring the possibility of Direct Payment, so that you will not have to worry about
mailing a weekly or monthly check! Your bank will send your weekly or monthly tithing
directly to the Chapel. All you need to do is to indicate so in the Tithing Form that we
will make available in the Chapel or send to you.
Friends, please participate. Please be among the first 200 tithing participants! Try it
even if only for one year. And, could you please ask your relatives and close friends to
also participate? Call me at 212-966-1019, if you need more information.
Please help the Chapel! Help the Chapel of San Lorenzo stay open! The future of the
Chapel, the first to be officially designated for us Filipinos, is in your hands as its ‘stewards.’
In gratitude, we will offer every Sunday Mass in the Chapel for the special intentions of
our tithing participants and benefactors like you. May God bless you!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong
Taon!
FATHER ERNO
FROM THE PULPIT
whether we have the time or not, but knowing that time spent watching for God is time of
value. Not observing what other people are watching, but feeling within our hearts what
God wants us to do for the rest of our lives.
Watch
by Fr. Peter James R. Alindogan
A guy was known among his friends to be very
brief and to the point. He really never said too much.
One day, a saleswoman promoting kitchen wares
knocked on his door and asked to see his wife, so the
guy told her that she wasn’t home.
“Well,” the woman said, “Could I please wait for
her?” The man directed her to the living room and
she waited. After three long hours, she called out for
him and asked, “May I ask where your wife is?” “She
went to the cemetery,” he replied. “And when is she
coming back?”
“I don’t really know,” he said. “She’s been there
eleven years now.”
Some of us do not like to wait. Waiting tests
our patience and disturbs our convenience. Most of us are already used to fast track
things. This is our technological and modern world and that is what we pay for: speed
and efficiency. So we have drive through counters, home deliveries, microwave ovens,
IPhones that serve as minicomputers, TV dinners.
Waiting takes time. And that is what some of us cannot surrender. So, the impatient
drivers among us weave in and out of traffic just to be ahead. The impatient among us
get into the express lane at the supermarket even though we have more than the limit. So
many things to do, persons to see, malls to shop, that time is of the essence. Get out of
my way.
The meaning of the word “watch” is to Worship And Take Christ in our Hearts. The
words Jesus said today are the very same words He told his disciples at the Garden of
Gethsemane: Watch with me. Christian watching and waiting must be and should be with
Christ. It is when we take Jesus away from our watch and wait that we begin to grumble
and complain.
It was Thanksgiving time in the first grade, and the teacher asked each of the students
to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. Predictably, some of the children
drew pictures of the turkey dinner they were looking forward to, others drew maps of
our country, and one even drew a flag. But the teacher was surprised at the drawing of
one especially shy boy: It was a childishly drawn hand. The class was fascinated: Whose
hand could it be? One of the students said, “I think it’s God’s hand that brings us food.”
“No,” said the little boy. “I think it’s a farmer’s hand,” said another, “because he grows
the turkeys.” “No,” again. Finally they asked, “Whose hand is it?” The shy little boy
answered very softly, “It’s your hand, teacher. You hold my hand when I’m scared or
lonely.”
We have here two people, a teacher and a little boy, who were awake and watchful
to what the other person needs. And that is what Jesus is asking us to do: to give each
moment our full attention, to be alert to what the patterns of life are telling us.
We would never find happiness unless we pay attention. We would never find peace
unless we extend our hands to those who need ours. We would never find God unless we
open our eyes and watch.
A time of watching and waiting is a time of preparation. This is what the next four
weeks of Advent is telling us. To those who have faith, waiting is of value. When we have
to wait for God, then we find out how much we really believe.
Then, there’s the second kind of people who wait. While waiting, they bring with them
something to read, something to listen to, or something to do. That is why doctor’s offices
are filled with magazines and airports always have bookstores. Be warned if you find
books at doctors’ offices and the airports start selling encyclopedias. The wait could be
longer.
Jesus is asking us to watch. To worship and take him in our hearts. God also watched
and also waited and because he did, we have a wounded Jesus rising from the tomb on
Easter Sunday; we have a helpless baby born in a manger on Christmas morning.
But, the kind of waiting that is expected of us involves watching. Not looking at our
watches, but being aware of what is happening around us and before us. Not seeing
Homily delivered by Rev. PJ Alindogan on November 30, 2008 at St. Charles Borromeo
Church in Cinnaminson, NJ.
Just watch!
REFLECTIONS
Thank God
for
Wake Up Calls
by Fr.
Basil C. Colasito
Rrrrrrr,,ing ..r.r.r.i.ng
ring!..rrrrrrinnnggg;
I do not know how long the bedside phone had
been ringing, before I finally woke up from a deep
slumber, and heard the sexton, Bertha’s voice.
“Wake up call, Padre. You have the Mass in an
hour.”
Thank God for the wake up call.
Now that I am retired, I cherish the luxury of taking my time: of going to bed late, waking
up later than usual, knowing that I do not have to rush for any Mass. On some occasions
when I have to wake up early, I am deeply grateful for wakeup calls.
Asleep, I am literally brain dead: I hear nothing, I see nothing, all thoughts, words
and activities are at rest. I am literally “dead to the world” . The world could aptly say,
“May he rest in peace.”
A wakeup call is a very special gift. It gives me another chance at life. It calls me to
celebrate life anew; a chance to be a better person today than yesterday, to cease the opportunity to grow in peace, love and joy. To walk humbly with God and with my brothers
and sisters in the family of God.
It is easy for me to take my life and relationships for granted. I can rush through life,
too busy checking my “To Do” list which seldom, if at all, includes time to smell the
flowers, or being aware of growing in love of God, through loving the people I live with
and those that cross my path. Ninety percent of the time, I go about life, sleep-walking.
In the language of the prophet Isaiah,
is none who calls upon Your Name who rouses himself to cling to You.”
This Liturgical Season of Advent through the daily Word is for me a welcome wakeup
call.
Tragedies often awaken us to a renewed vision and to restructure values and priorities.
A gentleman who had worked for many years at the World Trade Center had been spared
from a tragic death of 9/11. He was late for work that day.
He was so touched that he requested me to celebrate Mass in thanksgiving for his life
and the lives of his wife and four children. He also asked me to renew their wedding
vows. They had been married 18 years.
One can relate countless other stories of conversions or change of heart, when a person
is never the same after a tragedy or a wakeup call. You might even have one or several
such experiences yourself.
I have known young men and women who had enlisted in the military and came home
completely changed.
For me one wakeup call happened three years ago when I had undergone a triple bypass. I was driving along Fulton Street when I experienced difficulty in breathing. I
called 911. The police and ambulance quickly whisked me to Mercy Medical Center.
The following day at St. Francis Hospital, I had heart surgery. Dead to the world during
the whole procedure.
“All done!” woke me up to another chance to live a better life. My prayer this Advent
is, “Lord make me turn to You, let me see Your Face and I shall be saved.”
“...all of us have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are like polluted
rags; we have all withered like leaves and our guilt carries us away like the wind. There
Happenings
by AA Medrano
Christmas Triduum and the Simbang Gabi
November 30 was the first day of Advent.
We started the first day of the Christmas Triduum
in preparation for the birthday of the Baby Jesus
at Our Lady of Pompei during the 3:00 P.M.
Filipino Mass. Fr. Mike Lagrimas blessed the
Advent Candles and led the prayers. Maxie Chavez
lighted the first advent candle that symbolized Hope.
Sally Alonso led the song “Halina Hesus” at the
conclusion of the lighting ceremony.
The Triduum Mass will continue every
Sunday in December prior to Christmas
Day. Please come and join the Mass and
Prayers every Sunday culminating on
December
2 1
for the FPM Christmas party.
At the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center in Jamiaca, the nine days Simbang Gabi
will start on December 15 at 7:30 P.M. and every night thereafter until December 23.
May you all have a Blessed Christmas as we all look forward to a Happy, Healthy,
Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!
Simbang Gabi sa Katedral (SGSK)
As of press time, the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, Inc (SGSK) steering committee is
gearing up for the “Pasko Noon at Ngayon” Simbang Gabi celebration on Saturday December 6, 6:30 P.M.at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City.
The Most Reverend Antonieto Cabahug, Bishop of Surigao, Philippines is the principal
celebrant of the Mass. There will be a number of concelebrating priests and two deacons
confirmed to attend.
Parol is this year’s theme of the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral. The Parade of Parols in
different colors, shapes and sizes will precede the Mass celebration.
A cultural presentation is immediately following the Mass. An evening featuring great
songs of Christmas performed by great artist and singers – Fatima Soriano (blind singer
& healer) Alexis Perlas, Ronald Seludo and the Bayanihan Club of Union Singers, Erwin
Argonza Music director. A Mariachi Band will also perform.
In the morning of December 6, there will be an all day Rosary from 7:00 A.M. in front
of the Exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral High School Gym until 4:00 P.M.
culminating with the procession of the devotees to St. Patricks Cathedral for the Simbang
Gabi Eucharistic celebration. The procession route will start from 56th Street First Avenue
ending at 51st Fifth Ave at St. Patricks Cathedral.
Founder’s Day of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry
Every year the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei holds a Thanksgiving Memorial Mass for Fr. Bobby B. Sison, the FPM Founding Director. The Mass was
Members of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry enjoyed a Pre-Thanksgiving
Turnkey at Our Lady of Pompei Church.
held on Sunday, November 23 at Our Lady of Pompei church celebrated by Msgr. Romy
Montero as the presider and Fr. Mike Lagrimas as the homilist. A reception followed after
the Mass at the Fr. Demo Hall. Many attended the Mass to pay tribute to our founder and
enjoyed the food, the songs and the dancing after the Mass. We are grateful because almost
everyone brought something to share for the potluck reception.
The 20th anniversary celebration of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry was also a lasting
tribute to Fr. Bobby’s pioneering effort to establish a welcoming church for the Filipinos.
What started as a vision has indeed become a reality. The seed which he planted years
ago has become a large and fruitful tree. And we are now enjoying the fruits of his labor
twenty years later.
The FPM continues to serve the Filipino community through its programs and activities under the leadership of Fr. Romy Montero, the FPM director and with the help of Fr.
Mike Lagrimas who voluntary gave his time to assist us in the programs and activities of
the Filipino Pastoral Ministry.
Poon Hesus Nazareno sa Village and in Jamaica
Our Lady of Pompei will celebrate the 10th annual Feast Day celebration in honor of
the Poon Hesus Nazareno on January 4, 2009. Mr. Jun Makinano is the incoming Hermano
Mayor of the Poon Hesus Nazareno sa Village celebration.
In preparation for the feast day, the nine Friday Novena Mass is held at Our Lady of
Pompei that started on November 7 and every Friday thereafter until January 2, 2009.
There are different sponsors of the Novena Mass every Friday and a salo-salo is prepared
after the Mass.
At the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center in Jamaica Queens, the nine days Novena
Mass in preparation for the feast day of Poon Hesus Nazareno will start on Monday December 31 and every day until January 8 at 7:30 P.M. The feast day celebration will be
held on January 9 at the Holy Family Church in Queens.
Participants of the Family Bible Quiz sponsored by the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral Committee.
Thanksgiving Day Mass and Celebration
Msgr. Romy Montero and the volunteers
and staff of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry
(FPM) of Our Lady of Pompei hosted the
Annual Thanksgiving Vigil Mass and Dinner on Wednesday, November 26. After
the Novena Mass to Mother of Perpetual
Help, the devotees were invited to the pot
luck Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner was
prepared by the friends and members of the
FPM family as a prelude to the Thursday
Thanksgiving day. Different Filipino food
and the traditional roast turkey were served.
It was a big turnout this year. We were glad
that despite the crowded FPM office, everybody enjoyed an evening of food, drinks
and fun stories to share. We thank you all for
joining us as we continue this FPM annual
sharing. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Feast day of St. Andrew, the Apostle
The Samahang San Andres Apostol
(SSAA) led by this year’s president, Maxie
Chavez hosted the feast day celebration in
honor of St. Andrew, the patron saint of
Norzagaray, Bulacan at Our Lady of Pompei
Church on November 30, 2008. Msgr.
Romy Montero, Director of the Filipino
Pastoral Ministry of Pompei was the main
celebrant of the Thanksgiving Mass. The
concelebrants were Fr. Mike Lagrimas, and
Fr. Francis Ong, the homilist. The lectors
were the members of the Samahang San
Andres Apostol.
A reception at the Pompei Fr. Demo hall
followed after the Mass. There were songs
and dances performed by the young and the
old members of the SSAA. Line dancing
and ballroom dancing were also part of the
program with the music provided by DJ
Bobby Villanueva. They gave recognition
for the “Parents of the Year” to three
families; Awards for two members who
finished in the 2008 NYC ING Marathon
and the Founders award. They appealed
for voluntary donations to their program
of supporting 4 scholars to college in the
Philippines.
Congratulations to Ms. Maxie Chavez,
the president and all the officers and
members of the group for the successful
celebration.
SGSK Family Bible Quiz
There were five family Bible Quiz
contestants who vied for the top prize
last December 5 in the Simbang Gabi sa
Katedral (SGSK) sponsored Family Bible
Quiz. The Manila Bible Quiz Team was led
by Fr. Mike Garcia, Msgr. Gary Formoso,
Bishop Antonieto Cabahug and Ms. Emelita
Go, the initiator of the Family Bible Quiz
from the Philippines. They conducted the
final hurdle for the contestants who attended
the preliminary round on November 29.
The contestants were as follows: Bobby
and Nelia, Justine and Kevin Villanueva,
Wilfredo and Erma, Dana and Paolo
Beyo, Zacarias and Betty and Kyle Taco,
Ramon and Emelinda, Jesus and Jennifer
Celebrados, Marcelino and Sofia, Patrick
and Phoebe Lindo.
Congratulations to the Winners – the
Celebrados Family of St. Eugene Parish of
Yonkers, won the first prize. The second
prize winners were the Beyo Family of Our
Lady of Mercy, Jersey City and the third
prize were the Taco family of the Our Lady
(turn to Page 10)
ON SCHEDULE
Masses, novenas, fiestas and other important religious celebrations.
DECEMBER 2008 EVENTS
December 14, 2008
2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
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.
December 21, 2008
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
Guardian Angel Church
2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
St. Bartolomew Chapel
43-22 Ithaca Street, Elmshurst NY 11373
December 28, 2008
Corpus Christi Church
31-30 61st Street, Woodside, NY 11377
(Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Most PreciousBlood Church (Basement)
32-23 36st Street, Long Island City, NY 11006
Below is the schedule of our traditional “
SimbangGabi” or Nine Days of Masses in
preparation for the celebration of the Birth of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:30 pm – Ascencion Church, 86-13 55th Ave. Elmhurst,
NY 11373
(2) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:30 pm – Our
Lady of Lourdes Church, 92-96 220th
St. Queens Village, NY 11428
(3) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:00 pm – Corpus Christi Church, 31-30 61st Street,
Woodside, NY 11377
(4) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:00 pm - Church
of the Holy Child Jesus, 111-11 86th St.
Richmond Hill, NY
(5) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:00 pm – St.
Brigid Church, 409 Linden St. Brooklyn, NY 11210
(6) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:30 pm – Guardian Angel Church, 2978 Ocean Parkway. Brooklyn, NY 11235
(7) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:30pm - Mary’s
“This is the day which the Lord hath
made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
-- Ps 118:24
Nativity 46-02 Parsons Blvd. Flushing,
NY 11355
(8) Dec. 16-24, 2008 at 7:30 pm – Most
Precious Blood Church, 32-23 36th
St.. Long Island City, NY 11106
(9) Dec. 15- 23, 2008 at 7:30 pm – St.
Sebastian Church, 58-02 Roosevelt
Avenue, Woodside, NY 10013
(10) Dec. 15-23, 2008 at 7:30 pm – San
Lorenzo Ruiz Center, 168-41 84th
Avenue, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432
(11) Dec. 10-18, 2008 at 6:30 pm – Philippine Center, 556 5th Avenue, NY
10038
(12) Dec. 16-24, 2008 at 6:00 pm – Chapel
of San Lorenzo Ruiz, 378 Broome
Street, New York, NY 10013
JANUARY 2009 EVENTS
January 2, 2009
7:30 PM - Filipino Mass – First Friday
Sponsored by FDA and Apostleship of
Prayer
St. Jude Church
1677 Canarsie Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236
(Every 1st Friday of the Month)
January 3, 2009
St. Brigid Church,
409 Linden Street, Brooklyn, NY 11227
(Every 1st Saturday of the Month)
Presentation Church,
88-19 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432
(Every 1st Saturday of the Month)
January 4, 2009
St. Patrick Church,
39-38 29th Street, LIC, NY 11101
(Every 1st Sunday of the Month)
Our Lady Help of Christians Church,
1315 E. 28th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Our Lady of the Island
Eastport, Long Island
Long Island Expressway, Exit 70
1:00 PM – DIOCESAN SANTO NINO
CELEBRATION
Rosary, Novena and Mass
Our Lady of Help of Christians Church
1315 East 28th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210
January 9, 2009
7:30 PM – Feast of Jesus Nazareno
Holy Family Church
175-20 74th Avenue
Flushing, NY 11366
January 10, 2009
4:30 PM – Annual Feast of Santo Nino
by Hands International
St. Leo School Hall
49th Avenue and 104th Street ,
Corona, NY 11368
January 10, 2009
4:30 PM – Annual Feast of Santo Nino
by Gene Salle
of United Pilipino Circle of St. Grerard
Shrine Church of St. Gerard Majella
188-16 91st Street, Hollis, NY 11423
January 11, 2009
Incarnation Church
89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd.,
Queens Village, NY 11427
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.
January 18, 2009
St. Joan of Arc Church
82-00 35th Ave. Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church,
101-41 91st Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416
Guardian Angel Church
2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
St. Bartolomew Church
43-22 Ithaca Street, Elmshurst NY 11373
January 25, 2009
Corpus Christi Church
31-30 61st Street, Woodside, NY
(Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Most PreciousBlood 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.
Please show your support to our Filipino
Apostolate by participating and joining with us
in any of these events. The readings,
prayers, homily and songs are said in Tagalog.
TAGALOG
Syanga Naman!
Msgr. Ruben M. Dimaculangan
1. Naluma ang kanilang Magna at Summa cum
Laude. Minsan ay nag-session sa Judicial Committee
ng kongreso. Pinagtalunan nila kung ang bibe (duck)
na nasa kanilang harapan ay bibe nga. Halos lahat ay
gigil na gigil. Ang tuka kasi ng naturan ay sa bibe. Kung
maglakad ay parang bibe. Kung lumangoy ay parang
bibe. Ang paa ay bibeng-bibe. Ang behind nito ay lalo
nang bibeng-bibe. Ang sabi ng CBCP ay hindi naman
ito manok. Hindi rin ito gansa. Hindi rin ito turkey. Lalo
nang hindi ito kalapati. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa
rin matukoy kung ito ay bibe. Wala raw substance ang
alegasyon na ito ay bibe. Lalong lumabo ang usapin
nang dalhin ito sa plenary ng kongreso. Napahiya kasi ang kanilang pagiging magna at
summa cum laude sa technical question na: “Do you have proofs na ito ay bibe?”. Hmmmmm … Syanga naman.
2. “Kung ako ay pangulo ... Bow!” Kung ako ay pangulo, kaso ay hindi, hindi ko
dapat ipagmalaki na ang malaking asset ng Bansa ay ang kinikita ng kanyang mga migrant
workers. Dapat ko pa nga siguro itong ikahiya dahil kaya sila umaalis ay dahil nalulusaw
na ang kanilang pag-asa sa mga hagupit ng “tadhana”. Kung ako ay pangulo, kaso ay hindi,
di ko kayang ipagmalaki ang medical tourism: maluwag na pagbibili ng mga lupain para
pagtayuan ng mga bahay bakasyunan at permanent residence ng mga retired na banyaga,
para naman pagsilbihan ng ating mga nurses bilang nurses at iba pang papel. At dahil sa
“proliferation” ng nurses, sila pa ngayon ang nagbabayad sa mga ospital para sa kanilang
OJT. Kung ako ay pangulo, kaso ay hindi, hindi ako magsasayaw ng cha-cha. Hindi kasi
pwedeng sumayaw ng Cha-Cha sa tugtog ng “Lupang Hinirang”. Kung ako ay pangulo,
kaso ay hindi, matatakot ako na maging pangulo. Bakit? Una, dahil oras na ma-addict ako
sa pagiging pangulo, napakahirap umatras pabalik dahil oras na ako ay umatras, maraming
sibat at punglo na nakaumang mula mismo sa mga taong aking pinaniwalaang dapat mahalin
at pwedeng pagkatiwalaan. Pangalawa, oras na ako ay ma-addict sa pagka-pangulo, pwede
akong magpakabulag sa paniniwala na ang mas mabuting kuhaning advisers ay ang mga
katulad kong bulag at nagbubulag-bulagan kaysa sa “Lord of History”. Kaya nga, sa halip
na maging pangulo, nagiging isa lamang akong panggulo. Syanga naman.
3. Horror Movies. Paano ba uunlad ang Filipino film industry, hindi pa naipapalabas
ang sine sa mga moviehouses ay pwede nang bilhin ang illegal na kopya ng mga pelikula
bilang DVD kahit sa tabing-daan? Kaya naman, dumalang na ang sineng pinoy. Wala na
ngayong mapanood ang pinoy kundi ang mga sumusunod na pinagtitiyagaan nilang serye:
“Hello, Garci”, “Fertilizer Deal”, “NorthRail Transit”, “NBN-ZTE Deal”, “MOA sa
Mindanao” at “Euro Dollars”. Ang pangit lang ay walang “The End” ang mga “palabas”
na ito. Walang iniwan sa horror story na laging nagpapahayag sa huling eksena na meron
pa itong horror episode na karugtong. Syanga naman.
4. “Maging handa kayo”: Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin nito? Ngayong Advent at sa
darating na Christmas season, laging ipinaaala-ala sa atin ng Ebanghelyo na maging handa
sa pagdating ng Panginoon. Para sa akin, ang pagiging handa ay makakamit sa pamamagitan ng perseverance. Para kay Pope Benedict, ang pagiging handa ay nangangahulugan
din ng “hindi pagpapaliban sa mabubuting gawa na dapat gawin ngayon.” “Kasama ng
pagiging handa”, dagdag ni Pope Benedict, “ang pagbubukas ng puso sa pag-asa”. Ang
Happenings
from Page 9
of Angels in the Bronx.
It was the first time that it was held in New York and hopefully it will generate enthusiasm
to read the Bible.
5th Anniversary of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center in Jamaica
The SLRAA will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini
Center on Monday December 8. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 7:30 P.M.
to commemorate its 5th anniversary. There will be the installation of the candidates for the
Knights of San Lorenzo Ruiz during the Mass. A reception will follow at the Fr. Bobby
Sison Hall.
Please come and visit the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center especially on Tuesdays
for the 7:30 P.M. Novena to San Lorenzo Ruiz and for the upcoming activities in December.
The SLRCenter is located at 168-41 84th Ave. Jamaica Hills, NY 11432. For info of schedule
of Novena and Mass please call (718) 206 1135.
Scalabrini Lay Movement Formation Seminar
Fr. Walter Tonelotto, c.s. conducted the second of a series of the SLay Movement seminar
at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center in Jamaica hosted by SLRAA on December 2.
The seminar is held every first Tuesday of the month after the prayer service to San Lorenzo
mundo kasi ng maraming nasirang pangako ay nagdudulot ng maraming dahilan para
tayo maging pesimista o para matakot. Panahon muli ngayon ng pagsamba at pagninilay.
Panahon na tikman muli kung paano lumaya sa mentalidad na maangkin ang “lahat” at
“sa isang iglap”. Panahon ito ng paghihintay sa isang “Someone” kaysa “something”.
Sa pamamagitan Niya, laging posible na may magawang mabuti at maganda ang tao
ngayon para sa kinabukasang galing sa Diyos. Syanga naman.
5. Ang kabayanihan ay hindi lamang nasa quality ng kamatayan. Dahil medyo abstract ang salitang pag-asa, magbibigay ako ng sample ng konkretong kahulugan
nito. Ang isang sample ng pag-asa, in concrete, ay kung itinatalaga mo ang pagkatao at
posisyon mo bilang daluyan ng katarungan at mabuting gawa. Dahil sa kabayanihan mo
sa gitna ng bagyo, pati ang iba ay lumalakas ang pag-asa. Samantala, kapag ikaw ang
“nakaupo” at bumigay ka sa kultura ng “lagay”, sapilitang “S.O.P.”, panggigipit lalo
na sa mga mahirap, nagiging balakid ka sa daloy ng pag-asa na nanggagaling sa Diyos.
Bahagi ng pag-asa ang paniniwala na “ang kabayanihan ay di lamang nasa quality ng
kamatayan kundi nasa quality, lalo’t higit, ng buhay,” i.e., ng pagsunod at pagpapasunod.
Syanga naman.
6. Mga pamaskong regalo ngayong “Pauline Year at Marian Year”. Minsang
natunghan ko ang Zenit, nabasa ko ang isang payo ni Padre Rossica ng Canada, isang
Basilian priest: This Advent, allow me to suggest that you mend a quarrel. Build peace.
Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter.
Share some treasure. Give a kind answer even though you would like to respond harshly.
Encourage a young person to believe in him/herself. Manifest your loyalty in word and
deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Make time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy.
Celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Listen more. Apologize if you were wrong. Be
kind even if you weren’t wrong!
Idinagdag rin niya: Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine the demands you make on
others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh
a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency.
Express gratitude. Go to Church. Stay in Church a little while longer than usual. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your
love. Speak it once again. Speak it even more loudly. Speak it quietly. Rejoice, for the
Lord is near! Syanga naman.
7. Pamaskong Bonus na “siksik, liglig at umaapaw”. Para sa mga maka-Diyos,
kagaya ni Abraham, “ang kaligayahan niya ay iyon mismong kalinisan ng kanyang
kalooban at ang mapaglingkuran ang Diyos at kapwa nang buong pag-iisip, nang
buong puso at lakas”. Kahit si Abraham ay inabot ng katandaan na walang anak, ni
gaputok man ng pagrereklamo ay walang narinig ang Diyos mula sa kanya. Kaya nga,
ang pagdating ni Isaac bilang kanyang anak ay naging bonus na lamang sapagkat ang
mismo niyang kaligayahan kahit bago pa siya pagkalooban ng anak ay tanging ang Diyos
lamang. Kaya nga, mga giliw naming mga mambabasa ng “The Filipino Catholic” sa
New York at New Jersey, at ng “Ulat Batangan” sa Archdiocese of Lipa, ganon din, sa
mga sumusubaybay sa “Syanga Naman” sa e-mail at sa blogspot (http://siyanganaman.
blogspot.com), laging tandaan na ang pamasko ng Diyos na “siksik, liglig at umaapaw”
ay bonus na lamang para sa isang pusong wagas na nagmamahal sa Diyos. Magkaroon
nawa kayo ng kaloobang katulad ng kay Abraham at Maria. Merry Christmas and a
Meaningful 2009. Syanga naman.
Ruiz and the Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini. He talked about the Book of Ruth, an
interesting story about migration in the Bible. The lecture is open to everybody.
Give Lulu’s Hope a Chance
LIVE 4 LULU, a benefit concert for Maria Lourdes R. Bucci as she battles
Paraneoplastic syndrome was organized by her friends led by Armel Martinez in the hope
of generating awareness of her plight and to raise funds to support her rehabilitation.
The concert was held at Our Lady of Pompei Fr. Demo Hall on November 22 Saturday.
It was an evening of Live Retro and contemporary music featuring the SANCATERBA
Band with the ISLAND MAGIC who took turns to entertain a good crowd. It was a fun
night, and the musicians rocked! In Lulu’s case, she is only the 4th person in the world to be diagnosed with
Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome associated with breast cancer. As of now,
after the removal of her left breast, the cancer may be in remission but she still could
not walk nor use her right arm and has had some loss of hearing. These symptoms of
neuromuscular disorder, progressive numbness and weakness of her limbs are her main
hurdles, especially painful spasms on her right arm. Due to the rareness of this disease,
her doctors cannot really say if she can fully recover or not. She needs to continue her
physical and occupational therapy but unfortunately, her insurance has a limit on how
many treatments she can receive per year and it has been fully exhausted.
If you want to help, please send your donations to: Maria Lourdes Bucci, 427 Hopper
Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
TAGALOG
Salamat,
Nene!
Peter James R. Alindogan
Nene ang tawag namin sa kanya, ngunit ang tunay niyang pangalan ay Maria Julma. Maria, para
maging halimbawa niya ang Mahal na Birhen. At
Julma naman galing sa pinaghalong pangalan ng
Lola ko na si Julia at nanay ko na si Manuela.
Panganay ako sa pitong magkakapatid. Dahil
pangalawa siya sa hanay namin at nakakatanda
ako sa kanya ng isang taon at kalahati, siya ang
palagi kong kalaro, kaibigan, kapatid at kaaway.
Magaling siya sa dama at Bikolanong bersyon ng
Tic-Tac-Toe, ang Taytayan. Gamit namin ang takip
ng bote at pinutol na walis tingting bilang armas.
Bigay naman ng isang politiko ang inukit na
damang laruan namin. Sa pagitan nito ang pangalang nagpapaalalang botohan siya, Blas Ople
para senador. Dahil wala pa kami sa tamang taon
upang ihalal siya, nakuha naming tabunan ang
pangalan niya sa bawat takip at sa bawat tingting
na nabawi’t naiwagi.
Araw ng Sabado kung kami’y maglaro, pagkatapos maligo’t tulungan ang Nanay namin sa
paglaba. Bangong Safeguard na sabon at Palmolive
na shampoo ang halimuyak sa bahay. Nakamasid
naman kung minsan si Jun, habang nakabantay si
Bong na nagbabakasakaling halukayin ang hanay
ng mga manlalaro namin. Si Girlie ang aming
radyo. Sa kanya nakasalalay ang tinig at tunog
ng laro.
Isa si Nene sa mga taong pinapasalamatan ko
sa buhay. Kasama ng aking mga kapatid, pamilya,
kaibigan, kaaway, kalambingan at kahuntahan. Si
Nene ang isa sa mga dahilan kumbakit ganito dapat
tayo—maging matatag sa gitna ng anumang laro’t
palaisipan. Si Nene pa rin ang isa sa mga dahilan
kumbakit matamis na gunitain ang kabataang
nagdaan. At dahil sa kanya, kaming anim na magkakapatid ay palagiang nakakatanggap ng kanyang
pagkamaalala. Lalo na kung Pasko at kaarawan.
Salamat sa iyo, Nene. Marahil konti lang sa atin
ang nakakabatid na tatlong bahagi ang pagpasalamat. Ang pagsabing, “Salamat ha!” ay shortcut
lamang ng ating ibig sabihin. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa iyo. Ito ang long cut.
Una, ako. Galing sa akin ang
salita. Galing sa akin ang pagpasalamat.
Isang pagpapakumbaba,
dahil mahirap sa mga mayayabang
ang magpasalamat. Pangalawa,
iyo. Ikaw ito. Ikaw ang pinasasalamatan ko dahil may nagawa
ka sa akin. At pangatlo, salamat.
Ito ang nagbubuood sa atin. Ang
pagpasalamat ko ang dahilan kumbakit may nabuong pagsasama’t
relasyon. Kung walang pagpasalamat, walang ako at walang iyo.
Nagkaroon lamang ng pagkakaisa
dahil sa pagpasalamat.
Tulad din ng pagpasalamat sa
Diyos. Ako, bilang tao, ay tumatanaw ng labis pa
sa utang na loob sa pagpasalamat sa Diyos, bilang
Diyos, kapatid, kaibigan, magulang, kalambin-
Awit ni Ka Naldo
Rey Lauron
Pasko Na
ni Novelty Bongao Mosura
Itong buwan ng Disyembre muli ay naririto na,
Naiibang kasiglahan atin ngayong nadarama,
Sa ating puso’t damdamin, di maipagkakaila,
Tayo pa ri’y nananalig, lagi pa ring umaasa.
Ito’y isang tanging araw sa ‘ting mga Pilipino,
Isang tanging pagdiriwang itong araw ng Pasko,
Tradisyong totoong naukit sa kaibuturan ng puso,
Saang bahagi ka man ng mundo, hindi ito mababago.
Ang tradisyong nakamulatan, na atin pang minana,
Sa maramimg saling-lahi na sa atin ay nauna,
Patuloy pinagyayaman, ginugunita’t at dinadama,
Walang makahahadlang, kahit ating ekonomiya.
Bawa’t hapag pipiliting, pagkain ay masagana,
Ang iba ay mayrong hamon, prutas at kakanin pa,
Ito ang pagsasaluhan ng pamilyang sama-sama.
Sa araw ng kapaskuhan, ang araw na hinihintay,
Mag-anak ay magtitipon, magsasaya, magdiriwang,
Marami rin ang darating , kamag-anak, kaibigan,
Kahit na munting regalo, mag-aabot, magbibigay.
Ito ang pagkakataong , nagbubuklod, nagkakaisa,
Isinasantabi muna, mga alitang di maganda,
Pagpapatawad, pag-unawa, pagbibigayan ang teama,
Ang diwa ng Kapaskuhan, bigay nito ay pag-asa.
Buong sangka-Krisyanuhan muli ngayong magsasaya,
Muling ipagdiriwang ang Pasko nang buong sigla,
Simula nang maririnig, mga awiting masasaya,
Mga awiting pupukaw , sa damdaming nangulila.
Ang Archdiocese ng New York, paghahanda’y naganap
na,
Simbang-gabi sa Katedral, itinampok, pinasaya,
Ika-anim ng Disyembre, nang ito’y isinagawa,
Sa Katedral ng Saint Patrick, isang simbahang marangya.
Para sa ‘ting Pilipino, ang Pasko ay mahalaga,
Mag-anak ay nabubuklod, nalilimot ang problema,
Ito ang takdang panahong pamilya ay nagsasama,
Kapit-bisig, salu-salo, sa hirap man o ligaya.
Ang okasyo’y tinampukan ng isang misang maringal,
Mga kilalang pastor, ang namuno sa simbahan,
Ang Regina Coeli Choir ang nanguna sa awitan,
At si Prof. Rey Lauron, ang kumumpas panlahatan.
At bago pa man sumapit itong araw ng Pasko,
Mga tao’y naghahanda, sa pagdating nitong “Nino”,
Nagtataasang Christmas Tree, palamuti’y hindi biro,
Unti-unting namimili, ng pambigay na regalo..
Ang sikat na UP Rondalla, musika ay sinaliwan,
Mga awiting pamasko, na tunay na nagustuhan,
Pumukaw sa mga damdaming, tayong Pilipino lamang,
Lubos na nagpapahalaga, sa tradisyong namulatan.
Ang mga Ninong at Ninang, sila ma’y naghahada na,
Pagkat mga inaanak , tiyak darating na kusa,
Pilit kayong hahanapin, upang kayo ay makita,
Upang sa inyo’y magmano, at aginaldo ninyo’y sadya.
Ang okasyo’y dinaluhan, ng maraming Pilipino,
Na sabik pa ring makita, mapabilang, makisalo,
Mga kilalang dignitaryo, o karaniwan mang tao,
Ang pakay ay iisa, madama ang diwa ng Pasko.
Hindi rin nakakalimutan ang siyam na simbang gabi,
Na kahit na anong lamig, ng umaga’y hindi bale,
Langkay-langkay, kapit- kamay, sa simbahan ay tutungo,
Upang dumalo sa misa, makiisa sa mga tao.
Sa paglabas sa simbahan, may ibang pakay mga tao,
Hahanap ng puto bumbong, bibingka, suman o puto,
May iba’t-ibang kakanin , tunay kagigiliwan n’yo,
May nagtitinda rin ng sopas, at pansit na paborito.
At sa huling simbang-gabi, tuloy na ang “Noche Buena”,
gan at kahuntahan. Kaisa natin
ang Diyos sa panahon ng ating
pagpapasalamat. Napapalapit
tayong lalo sa kanya sa panahon
na tayo’y magpasalamat at sa
panahon ng pasasalamat.
Ito ang saad ng Panginoong
Hesus. Gawin ninyo ito bilang
pag-alala sa akin, sabi niya. Ang
Banal na Misa ay isang pasasalamat. Sa bawat Misa na kasama’t
kaagabay tayo, pagpapasalamat
ang saad at panalangin.
Kaya, maraming salamat sa
ating Panginoon. Salamat sa Panginoong Hesus sa
kangyang pagiging tao, sa kanyang kahirapan bilang
tao at Diyos, sa kanyang pag-angkin sa atin bilang
At pagkatapos ng misa, ay may isa pang konsyerto,
Mga kilalalng mang-aawit, kababayang Pilipino,
Muling ipinarinig, mga awiting pamasko,
Kinalugdan ng marami, palakpaka’y masigabo.
Pagkatapos ng okasyon, mayroong kunting salu-salo,
Mga pagkaing sariling atin, na inihandang totoo,
Handog-pasasalamat, sa mga taong dumalo,
Nakiisa at nag-alay, ng panahon at talino.
Panginoon ng lahat. Salamat sa Banal na Ama sa
kanyang napakahabang pasensiya at pag-unawa.
Salamat sa Banal na Espiritu sa lubusang pag-aruga
at pagtalima.
Marami pa tayong dapat pasalamatan. At di
lamang ang mga bagay na nakapagbigay ligaya sa
atin kundi pati mga bagay, oras, tao, pangyayari na
nakapagpaunawang marami pang higit sa dama at
armas sa laro ng buhay.
Tulad ni Nene. Hanggang ngayon nakikisalamuha
pa rin sa iba’t ibang unos ng buhay at nakikipagtagisan
sa paglipas ng panahon. Hindi na ngayon takip ng
bote at walis tingting. Iba na. Ngunit sa lahat ng ito’y
namumutawi pa rin sa kanya ang isang . . .
Salamat.
Let’s study the
Come Holy
Spirit, Come.
CATECHISM
by Sonia S. Salerni
Gesù Bambino
Pilgrims’ House
(Continued from September)
“The keys of the kingdom”
551 From the beginning of His public life Jesus
chose certain men, twelve in number, to be with
Him and to participate in His mission. He gives
the Twelve a share in His authority and ‘sent them
out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.”
They remain associated for ever with Christ’s
kingdom, for through them He directs the Church:
As my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do
I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my
table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the
twelve tribes of Israel.
552 Simon Peter holds the first place in the college of the Twelve; Jesus entrusted a unique
mission to Him. Through a revelation from the Father, Peter had confessed: “You are the
Christ, the Son of the living God.” Our Lord then declared to Him: “You are Peter, and
on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
Christ, the “living Stone”, thus assures His Church, built on Peter, of victory over the
powers of death. Because of the faith He confessed Peter will remain the unshakeable rock
of the Church. His mission will be to keep this faith from every lapse and to strengthen
His brothers in it.
553 Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom
of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The “power of the keys” designates authority
to govern the house of God, which is the Church. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed
this mandate after His Resurrection: “Feed my sheep.” The power to “bind and loose”
connotes the authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgments, and to make
disciplinary decisions in the Church. Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through
the ministry of the apostles and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one
to whom He specifically entrusted the keys of the kingdom.
A foretaste of the kingdom: the Transfiguration
554 From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God,
the Master “began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many
things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor
do the others understand it any better than He. In this context the mysterious episode of
Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen
by Himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light,
and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of His departure, which He was to accomplish
at Jerusalem”. A cloud covers Him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my
Chosen; listen to Him!”
555 For a moment Jesus discloses His divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession. He
also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to “enter
into His glory”. Moses and Elijah had seen God’s glory on the Mountain; the Law and
the Prophets had announced the Messiah’s sufferings. Christ’s Passion is the will of the
Father: the Son acts as God’s servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit.
“The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the
shining cloud.” You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as
they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should
see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to
the world that you truly are the splendour of the Father.
556 On the threshold of the public life: the baptism; on the threshold of the Passover: the
Transfiguration. Jesus’ baptism proclaimed “the mystery of the first regeneration”, namely,
our Baptism; the Transfiguration “is the sacrament of the second regeneration”: our own
Resurrection. From now on we share in the Lord’s Resurrection through the Spirit who acts
in the sacraments of the Body of Christ. The Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of Christ’s
glorious coming, when he “will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body.” But it
also recalls that “it is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God”:
Peter did not yet understand this when he wanted to remain with Christ on the mountain.
It has been reserved for you, Peter, but for after death. For now, Jesus says: “Go down to
toil on earth, to serve on earth, to be scorned and crucified on earth. Life goes down to
be killed; Bread goes down to suffer hunger; the Way goes down to be exhausted on His
journey; the Spring goes down to suffer thirst; and you refuse to suffer?”
To be continued…
Source: The Catechism of the Catholic Church
by the Shrine of the
Blessed Sacrament
1770 County Road 548
Hanceville, Alabama 35077
(256) 352-4135
(347) 301-1611 (c)
email: info@
ThePilgrimsHouse.com
“Keep Jesus in the center of our lives. Keep the
Tabernacle in the center of the Altar.”
The Gospel Truth
by Rev. Joe Cadusale
This year 2008, we are celebrating the 150th year anniversary of
the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes. On February 11, 1858, four
years after the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception,
Our Lady appeared to a poor young shepherdess named Bernadette
Soubirous. On March 25, 1854, the Feast of the Annunciation, Our
Lady revealed her name: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” The
apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous was a
confirmation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed four years later by Pope Pius 1X
in his Papal Bull Ineffabilis Deus as follows: “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her
conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus
Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”
Protestants’ chief reason for objecting to the Immaculate Conception and Mary’s consequent sinlessness - which is what her lifelong state of sanctifying grace implies - is that Mary was but a creature,
and that we are told that “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23) Besides, they say, Mary said her “spirit rejoices
in God my Savior” (Lk 1:47), and only a sinner needs a Savior. Since Mary was a sinner, she could not
have been immaculately conceived.
In discussing the Immaculate Conception, we begin with the Annunciation. Gabriel greeted Mary
by saying “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” (LK1:28). The phrase “full of grace” is a translation of the Greek kecharitomene which signifies plenitude of grace. The grace Mary enjoyed must not
only have been as “full” at any given time, but it must have extended over the whole of her life, from
conception. This is what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception holds.
Mary is the greatest creature that we can imitate. She never committed a sin. Among the greatest
prayers to Mary is penned by St. Bernardine: “Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was
it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left
unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother. To thee I come,
before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate. Despise not my petitions in
my necessities but in thy mercy hear and answer me.”
Join Fr. Joe’s Bible Study Class
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 Ciyt, 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
Family of Christ Prayer Community
Presentation Church
8819 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432
Head Servant: Patrick de la Paz
718 658 2078
1st Tuesday 7:30 PM
Mary Mother of Divine Healer
St. Gerard Majella Church
188-16 91st Ave., Hollis, NY 11423
Head Servant: Raymonde Cesaire
718 445 4423
1st Friday 7:30 PM
Haitian Community
90-33 184th Place
Hollis, NY 11423
Head Servant: Alberte Madame Delatur
718 454 8572
3rd Tuesday 7:30 PM
Sacred Heart Family Apostolate
37-74 6th St.
Woodside, NY 11377
Head Servant: Remy Consoli
718 424 7984
2nd Sunday 6:30 PM
English Community
161 Le Grand St.
Brentwood, NY 11717
Coordinator: Rose Nallie Germain
631 231 8758
1st Thursday 7:30 PM
Filipino Catholic
453 Hawthorne Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553
Coordinator: Dr. Norma Pascual
516 2921445
Last Monday 8:00 PM
Handmaid of the Lord/Couples for Christ
202-35 Foothill Ave., A-38
Hollis, NY 11423
Head Servant: Dolly Pawal
718 468-8463
Last Sunday 6:30 PM
Militia Immaculatae Marian Kolbe Movement
St. Stanislaus B&M
101 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
(917) 753-7233
1st Saturday 5:00 P.M.
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
Haitian Community
16339 130th Ave., Apt 5C
Jamaica, NY 11434-3014
Head Servant: Raymonde Cesaire
718 481 9683
4th Saturday 7:00 PM
Filipino Community Our Lady of Angels
2860 Webb Ave., Bronx, NY 10468
Head Servant: Josette Camino
718 543 0884
2nd Saturday 7:30 PM
Flushing, NY 11366
Coordinator: Perla Leonardo
(718) 591-4579
2nd Friday, 9:00 PM
Divine Mercy Devotion Our Lady of Victories
2217 Kennedy Blvd.,
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Head Servant: Tess Alvarez
4th Friday 7:00 PM
The Lord’s Flock Prayer Group
Sta. Rita
281 Bradley Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Coordinator: Myrna Leyson
718 983 1410
3rd Saturday 8:00 PM
St. John Prayer Community
272 Boyd Ave
Head Servant: Purita Vasquez
201 333 3136
3rd Monday 7:00 PM
St. Nicholas Prayer Group
122 Ferry St.
Head Servant: Elsa Leonida
210 656 2010
1st Sunday 6:30 PM
Puissance Divine D’Amore
820 Wallace Ave
Baldwin, NY 11510
Head Servant: Yvrose Saint-Urban
516 378 8173
2nd Thursday 7:30 PM
Home Bound Bible Study
St. Rose of Lima
269 Parkville Ave
Coordinator: Violeta Robbins
718 677 8131
1st Saturday 2:00 PM
The Vine & the Branches IncarnationPrayer Group
92-19 212th St., Queens Village, NY 11428
Head Servant: Ofelia Villar
718 465 0087
3rd Friday 7:00 PM
Family of God
160-31 78th Rd
Divine Mercy Prayer Group
Our Lady of Mercy
70-01 Kessel St., Forest Hills, NY 11375
Coordinator: Victoria Angeles
718 268 6516
2nd Wednesday 6:30 PM
Filipino Community
Our Lady of the Angelus
63-63 98th St., Rego Park, NY 11374
Coordinator: Ofelia Concepcion
(718) 897-4444
2nd Monday 7:30 PM
Saint Martin de Porres Healing Ministry
Flushing Chapter
86-60 Range St., Bellrose, NY 11427
Coordinator: Sylvia David
(718) 913-6922
3rd Thursday 8:00 PM
Friday Night Devotion
40-14 62nd St., Apt. 4F
Woodside, NY 11377
Coordinator: Rosemary Khan
718 457 5877
5th Friday 8:30 PM
Dominican Nuns
Corpus Christi Monastery
1230 Lafayette Ave., Bronx, NY 10474
Coordinator: Sr. Maria Pia
718 328 6996
Last Saturday, 9 AM
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Medjugorje, Rome, Vatican, Pauline Pilgrimage sites, Padre Pio
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Istanbul, Antioch, Tarsus, Cappadocia, Athens, Corinth
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Rosedale
Santo Niño
Fiesta
The Santo Niño Prayer Group of Rosedale held its
Annual Fiesta Celebration last November 16 at St. Pius X
Parish Church in Rosedale, New York. The event started
with the novena to the Infant Jesus and the recitation of
the Holy Rosary. This was followed by the procession of
the Santo Niño and the celebration of the Mass with Fr.
Jed Sumampong as the celebrant.
At the end of the mass, all the children were asked to
go to the altar to be blessed.
A small reception was held at the church’s auditorium
where the guests enjoyed Filipino dishes and a short
program.
The Rosedale Santo Niño Choral Group provided the
music.
Organizers and coordinators of the group are Dr. Ben
and Mrs. Fe Sales.
Above: Procession of the Santo Niño image by devotees.
Left: Fr. Jed
Sumampong,
celebrant and
homilist.
Above: The Rosedale Santo Niño Choral Group provided the music.
Left: Dr. Ben Sales addressed the congregation.
Baptism
at Our Lady
of the Snows
Photos above and right: Six month old Vincent Angelo
Feyjoo Jr. pose with some members of Our Lady of the
Snows Filipino-American Community in the arms of his
grandmother Wilma Delagana at the reception after his
baptism. The affair was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall
in New hyde Park on November 23. Vincent Angelo is the
son of Vincent and Mariko Feyjoo was baptized at OLS with
Father Patrick Longalong, associate Pastor officiating. Photo
by Noel Mosquito
by Ate Norma
&
FACES
PLACES
Consoli earns full cadet status
Maxie Chavez, president of Samahang San Andres Apostol, lights candle during
ceremonies marking the feast day of St. Andrew, patron saint of Norzagaray,
Bulacan. The event was held at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan last
November 30. Looking on are Fr. Mike Lagrimas and Msgr. Romy Montero.
Congratulations to Cadet Francis Matthew Consoli, son of Ms. Remedios Consoli of
Fort Lee, NJ for successfully completing six weeks of comprehensive new cadet training
at Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMA&C). The new cadet is a member
of E Battery.
School Superintendent Col. James J. Doyle, USMC (Ret.) personally recognized Cadet
Consoli for his achievement.
Cadet Consoli joined over 300 other new cadets who swore to uphold the Cadet Resolution during a Recognition Day ceremony held on Saturday, October 4 at the Wayne, PA
campus. At the ceremony he was recognized as a full-fledged cadet and was awarded his
cap shield. The day is one of the proudest moments for a young cadet, acknowledging that
he has successfully learned to place the concept of duty above his own personal desires.
Founded in 1928, the mission of VFMA&C is to provide a character-based education
where young cadets become fully prepared to meet their responsibilities, to be alert in
mind, sound in body and considerate of others, and to have a high sense of duty, honor,
loyalty and courage. Hailing from 38 states and 24 countries, the two-year Transfer College is home to nearly 225 young women and men, and the Academy has more than 300
young men from grade seven through twelve post graduate.
Francis Consoli’s mother, Remedios Madamba Consoli, is an active member of the
Filipino Catholic community, and is from Dingras, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.
A date with Santa
The Pascual children had a pre-Thanksgiving appointment with Santa for a picture taking session under the big Christmas tree in Roosevelt
Field Shopping Mall. Allison, Ethan, Caleb, Scarlett and Quinn were all smiles as they posed with St. Nick.
FACES & PLACES
Family Reunion
The Pazminos of Carson, California joined relatives in Long Island, the Pascuals, for a brief Thanksgiving family reunion. Front row from
left: David, Angelika, Michael, Veronica. Back row from left: Debbie, Ethan, Paul, Allison, Manny, Norma, Maria, Doris, Fausto and Tom.
Class Reunion
50th Class Reunion of Laguna High School, class of 1958. The affair was held at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on
November 10-13, 2008. Laguna High School is now Pedro Guevarra Memorial High School and is located in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Philippines.
Standing from left: Rodolfo Tobias, Manuel Porciuncula, Maximo Galipot, Jesus Santos, Dr. Iluminado Ortanez, Gonzalo Fabricante,
Herminio Ballado, Dr. Abelardo Desiderio. Seated from left: Emma Ramos Aduna, Lucila Parial Aspiras, Honoria Romero Ah, Felicisima
Sierra Ballelos, Josefa Miranda, Estrellita Pecana Pamatmat.
May the joy of the season
be yours now and throughout the year!
2008 Hermana Mayor
Gloria Aguinaldo
FILCAG Overall Chairperson
Dr. Perla Antonio
FILCAG
The Filipino Catholic Group
A Blessed and Joyous
Christmas to all.
And a Happy and Prosperous
New Year, too!
The Pascuals
Mark, Laurie, Scarlett, Caleb, Quinn
and Sparrow
Season’s
Greetings
A Blessed Christmas
&
A Joyous New Year
to the entire
Staff
of
More Power to You in 2009.
Cezar & Blanche
Lawas
REAL ESTATE
Ways to Save
to Buy a Home
by Robert Fernandez
Although these are trying and
uncertain times, allow me to give
you some tips on how you may save
to buy a home – whether a co-op,
condo, single family or multiple
dwelling. Why not? Don’t let fear
freeze you, instead have hope as the
New Year arrives. A new era has
arrived as a new leadership is on the
horizon.
Here are a couple of ways:
• Have an automatic savings of a minimum 10% of your gross income. This is aside from
your usual 401K contribution. Arrange with your bank to transfer funds automatically
every month to a savings, money market or any account that gives a higher interest
rate. If you are in a financial position to save more money do so and increase your
savings to 15% or more. You may think how you are going to save when you live
paycheck to paycheck. Self-control is key. Set priorities and stick to them. If you
shop for luxury items every month cut it to once every three months, then once every
six months. Don’t deprive yourself. Be a savvy consumer, buy your needs when
they’re on sale. If you don’t see the money in your checking account you would live
within your means and get used to it.
• Take care of your credit. Pay on time. Keep your balances to a minimum – less than
30% of the available credit. Keep the oldest credit cards. Ideally, paying the whole
monthly statement balance will help you maintain excellent credit scores. Inattention
to your credit will be a disadvantage as your credit scores will go down. The effect
is paying a higher mortgage interest rate or even not qualifying to obtain a loan at all
because lenders have tightened their qualifying standards. A 1% mortgage interest
rate difference, say 6% vs. 7%, will save you $0.66 per thousand. For a $400,000
loan, savings would be $264 a month, $3,168 annually, and $95,040 over the life of a
30 year loan. As you see, it pays to take care of your credit.
The real estate market is on a cycle. Today, it is down but tomorrow the market will be
up. My hope is you catch the market before it goes up. Timing is key. Your sacrifice
will be rewarded. The good thing is you’re prepared by then by accumulating enough
savings for your down payment and closing costs to make your dream come true – how
sweet it is!
Let Christmas Bring Peace & Joy to Your Heart !
Robert L. Fernandez, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Notary Public, is Broker / Owner
of Realty Network in East Meadow, New York. He can be reached at 516-542-7936 and
by email:Robert@RealtyNetworkNY.com
Would you like
to sponsor
a Santo Niño
Novena?
For information, call...
Zeny Berroya ........... (516) 869-8202
Nita Vasquez............. (516) 931-5229
Elsa Vergara ............. (516) 640-5580
Eden Gaceta ............. (516) 942-0203
Gilda Abejar ............. (516) 476-7274
Norma Pascual......... (516) 292-1445
Guiradelco
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324 Post Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 333-9898
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Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
to the Staff and Readers
of
From the
Pazminos
Fausto, Doris
Michael
Angelika
and David
May you all have a Blessed Christmas
and may the New Year
bring you peace and prosperity
From
Jun and Ena
Antonio
Plainview, New York
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Prayer to
Saint Martin De Porres
Most glorious Martin de Porres whose
burning charity embraced not only thy
needy brethren, but also the very animals
of the field, splendid example of charity,
we hail thee and invoke thee! From that
high throne which thou dost occupy,
deign to listen to the supplications of
thy needy brethren that, by imitating
thy virtues, we may live contented in
that state in which God has placed us
and carrying with strength and courage
our cross, we may follow in the footsteps
of Our Blessed Redeemer and His most
afflicted Mother, that at last we may
reach the Kingdom of Heaven through
the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen. JCC
First Month
Virgin Mary of the Cape, we find in you
a mother who welcomes us with open
arms.
Thank you for always being with each
one of us. Close to you we find hople and
courage.
Please teach us how to place all of our
trust in the compassion and goodness of
God.
During these nine months there will
pour forth from the depths of our hearts
our many needs and concerns which we
will entrust to you and taking them to your
Son.
We praise God with you for the blessings which He will give us through your
intercession.
Our Lady of the Cape, thank you for being our Mother. Thank you for interceding
with your Son for us. JCC
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Be Alert and
Be Watchful
It is a very appropriate and timely reminder
for all of us the gospel message this Sunday as
we begin our Advent season to “be watchful
and be alert.” Just as St. Peter wrote lengthily
in his second letter about the false prophets that
abound early in the beginning of the Church’s
by Deacon Rolando V. Nolasco existence, there is more reason to be wary as far
more “wolves in sheep’s clothing” are prowling,
“looking for someone to devour.” It is all the
more reassuring to learn of such warning directly from the writing of the one chosen by
the Lord Jesus himself, the task to safeguard and transmit from generation to generation
God’s authentic teaching. We can be certainly sure that the divine message entrusted to the
apostles to be faithfully passed on had been carried out just as ordered. In this day and age
where shameless false prophets and teachers abound, many have been mislead by them.
Without any doubt, many are lured to the many attractions of the ‘flesh’ and of the world,
leaving their spiritual well being less attended to. Maturity and growth in faith has been
substituted by emotional highs rather than the mortification from material and financial
desires as what the Lord Jesus ask of us to “deny ourselves.” We cannot allow ourselves
to wallow in greed for material wealth if we are indeed to love and serve the Lord for it is
impossible “to serve two masters at the same time.”
St. Peter at the end of his second letter specified about the “some difficult things
which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely as they do with other passages of
the Scripture.” Basically, this is how false teachers of faith take advantage and prey on
those whose faith is weak. This reminds me of the time when the Lord Jesus started to
preach taking up their cross for those who wanted to follow Him, and to do things which
are beyond comfortable and pleasurable. Many walked away and began to question such
way of life for all they want to see are the miracles performed and hear things that would
benefit them personally. After the miraculous multiplication of the loaves of bread and fish
a multitude of people followed Him but the Lord Jesus said: “You are not looking for me
because you have seen the signs but because you have eaten your fill of the loaves.” Such
human desire for instant gratification brings us closer to this time when candidates who
promise to bring about change and majority believed them. The question is if our newly
elected officials will still remain popular when they start to cut budgets for services and
taxes raised as it is deemed necessary. Would newly installed leaders still hold favorable
ratings as more followers are told to share in the burden of rebuilding the almost depleted
sources of revenue? Just as the Lord Jesus told His would-be followers to perform works
of mercy and charity by sharing their resources to those who are in dire need, we find that
many have turned away from such task because of utter selfishness. Many are adamant
to become involved and heed the voice of God through our Church leaders. Instead, they
flock to false teachers who always claim to have been called by God and preach solely
material well-being for those who follow them. The prophet Isaiah proclaiming God’s
message said: “I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God beside me.” The last
part of the gospel according to Matthew records the commissioning of the eleven apostles
to go and make disciples of all nations as well as teach them to carry out everything He
has commanded them.” Through Church hierarchy and the unbroken succession of the
papacy, doctrines had been meticulously guarded and carried out faithfully. If these false
teachers of faith teach differently from what has been handed on by the apostles, then who
commissioned them to the task? Definitely, it is not coming from the Lord. Such fidelity to
the calling is attested to by St. Paul when he wrote: “I handed on to you first of all what I
myself received.” Hence the warning followed about our minds corrupted when “someone
comes preaching another Jesus than what the apostles’ preached or receive a different spirit
than the one they received.”
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines just recently issued a pastoral
statement of the need to exercise the right of suffrage as a means to install honest and
trustworthy public officials in its desire to rid government at all levels of corruption and
incompetence. Unless people would be willing to share the burden of eliminating corrupt
and inept officials, this call for urgent and massive reform will never come to fruition at all.
As people of a nation in dire need for drastic change, we all need to support and willingly
share in the task to improve our lives. As long as there are people selling their votes, corrupt officials would continue to exist. In the same token, as long as the faithful continue to
seek and crave for material wealth instead of authentic spiritual transformation and growth,
there would always be false teachers who “practice deceit in their disguise as apostles of
Christ.” St. Jude describes them as “clouds that bring no rain or trees that bear no fruit.”
St. John’s first letter specifically tells us to have no love for the world or the things that
the world affords as nothing that the world affords comes from the Father.” The irony is
that these false prophets and false teachers “promise freedom though they themselves are
slaves of corruption” as St. Peter wrote in their quest for unending personal gain. After
all, we are constantly reminded of the readings every time the liturgical year ends that we
will be judged in the end of what we did and not the things we possess or the honor and
fame we have received. Would it not be best if at judgment time we hear from the Lord:
“Well done my faithful servant; come and join my Father’s joy.”
It is our hope that this season of Advent will bring us to better understanding of our need
to wake from our slumber as the song, City of God, tells us. We do need to be alert and
watchful as we prepare to celebrate for the birth of our Lord and Savior. There is no better
SACRAMENTALS
Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows is actually a portal supplying heavenly graces between Heaven and Earth. When
we gaze at the beautiful images reflecting the life of
Christ and how he touched the lives of others, heaven
responds with graces to stir and lift up our soul to the
love of God.
Among many other things these images also reflect
the history of the Bible, the Catechism of our Catholic
Church, theology and the mysteries of God. It was
at one time an indicator that you were in a Catholic
by Scapular John
Church. Today many protestant churches make use
of stained glass windows as they began to understand
the proper use and meaning of “Graven Images.” as
revealed in the Bible. Ex 25: 18-21, Josh 3:14-18, Num 21:8-9.
These stained glass windows are powerful teaching tools. As the expression goes a
picture is worth a thousand words. In the old days when most people could not read or
write, it was these windows that brought the past into the present. Today, more than ever
we need to keep the tradition for people seem to not have the time to read or write and in
many cases nor the interest in there faith. Stained glass windows are a means of doing
just that. How much wisdom there is in that scripture quote of second Thessalonians, 2:14
which is, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions which you have learned,
whether by word or by our epistle.”
Consider some of following words of the priest blessing that make these images holy,
“Almighty everlasting God, who do not forbid us to carve or paint likenesses of your saints,
in order that whenever we look at them with our bodily eyes we may call to mind their
holy lives and resolve to follow in their footsteps…grant that all who in its presence pay
devout homage to your only-begotten Son, or the image of the blessed Virgin, or apostles,
martyr, pontiff, or confessor, or virgin, may by their merits and intercession obtain your
grace in this life and everlasting glory in the life to come; through Christ our Lord.” One
can readily see the importance of keeping tradition and its resulting graces for us and for
the entire mystical Body of the Church, first Corinthians, 12:26.
Most of us are drawn to stained glass objects. The various colors of yellows, reds,
blues, and greens seem to enchant us. We seem to marvel and be captivated by them. We
seem to enjoy the interplay of the light shining through them. How much more do we
need to realize that light is coming from God and it is a calling from Him to us. He wants
to be enchanted and inebriated with His love for us. How appropriate that the celebration
of the birth of Christ at Christmas is welcomed with a festivity of light which reflects our
desire to be with Him.
Just as sunlight is composed of seven colors as revealed by a prism to result in a beautiful rainbow, so to God has revealed the seven sacraments through Jesus Christ to result in
the splendor of His Catholic Church.
By responding to these graces we too become like living stained glass windows with the
light of Christ shining out from with in us. This is so beautifully stated in such scripture
quotes as in John, 8:12. “Jesus spoke to them saying: I am the light of the world. He
that followeth me walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
For more information on sacramentals and how to obtain them log on to: www.
TheHolyFamily.com or write to us at Dove Tales, PO Box 3623, Easton, PA 18043 Or
call us at 610.253.8604.
time to make our preparation thorough as we continue in our spiritual sojourn. Would it
not be better that we receive a recompense that no thief can steal, moth can destroy, or rust
can corrode?” Let us make this season of Advent then an opportunity to focus our effort
truly grow and mature in faith by divesting ourselves of what is abominable to the Lord;
instead let us endeavor to achieve the best Christmas ever, to receive the Lord in our hearts
forever. May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES PRAYER AND HEALING MINISTRY
St. Martin de Porres Healing Ministry
39th Anniversary Celebration
Holy Rosary Church, New York, NY, November 2, 2008
by Sylvia David
The St. Martin de Porres Healing Ministry celebrated its 39th anniversary last Nov. 2 at Holy Rosary Church. Devotees
of St. Martin de Porres from various states of the USA and from the Philippines bonded themselves together to celebrate
the feast of their beloved saint. A solemn Mass was officiated by the Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Luis
Centina III, O.S.A. Within the Mass, before the final blessing, devotees of St. Martin de Porres Ministry were given an
appreciation award for contributing their time, possession and talents for the renovation of the Chapel of the Holy Child.
Sister Josephine G. Dichoso together with Governor Sally Lee of the province of Sorsogon, Philippines and NY devotees
accepted the award. As in the previous years, a healing service was conducted by Sister Josephine after the Mass. Devotees,
parishioners and friends partook of a sumptuous luncheon enlivened by dancing and singing.
“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in
Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit.” Roman 15:13
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES HEALING MINISTRY
Sister Josephine Garcia Dichoso—Founder
Novena Prayer Schedule: Every Saturday after 5PM Mass - Holy Rosary Church
444 East 119th Street New York, NY 10035
Prayer Healing Schedule upon availability of Sister Josephine Dichoso.
For details please call : Malou Cadiz 718-762-2798
Greetings from
Ruben & Virgie Nanez and Family
Wishing you all a
Blessed Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
May the
Holy Child bring New Hope,
Peace among us.
May your holy days be
touched by God’s
Eternal Light.
Merry Christmas
from
Josie Bueno
Coordinator, Santo Nino Prayer Groups
of New York - Manhattan Chapter
Filipino Pastoral Ministtry Our Lady of Pompei
Thank you for the Blessing of Good Health, Love and Joy for my Family
and A Merry Christmas and A Happy New To All!
Cora del Mar and Family
Cora, Perla, Charles, Jacklyn, and Jethro Christian Mayola
Please come and join us in the
10th Annual Feast Day Celebration of the
Poon Hesus Nazareno
sa
Village
at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Greenwich Village on
Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.
•
•
•
Mass and Procession
Transfer of the Hermanidad of the
Poon Hesus Nazareno sa Village
Installation of 2009 Hermana Mayor
Jun & Amelia Makinano
Nine days Novena and Mass in preparation
for the Feast Day celebration of
Poon Hesus Nazareno held every Friday
starting on November 7, 2008
to January 2, 2009. Friday, 6:30 P.M.
The nine Friday Masses is being offered
in remembrance of Father Bobby B. Sison,
the initiator of the Poon Hesus Nazareno
sa Village in New York City.
For more information please call:
• FPM Office: (212) 727 0214
• OLP Rectory - Msgr. Romy Montero (212) 989 6805
• Jun Makinano (718) 440-5332
• Ed Pascual (917) 495-8214
• Cely Medrano (917) 502-5907
Sponsors & Donors
Narding & Marcy Sison
Nick Edith Libramonte
Cely and Henry Medrano
Ed Pascual & Sally Alonso
Nancy Hombrebueno
Manny & Norma Pascual
Josie Bueno
Nanding & Marilyn Castillo
Ramon & Chit Laurencio
Bobby & Nelia Villanueva
Dayday Unarosa & Gina Valenzuela
Corazon del Mar
Aida Valdeviezo
Ernie & Marilou Bogarin
Victoria Rivera
Emma Membrere & Samuel Pinangay
Susan A.Hamallo
Florence Noevel
Maxi Chaves
Ampy & Rowena Badion
Lina Medina
Connie Christian
Nelia Cloma
Helen Macatulad & Yoly Reyes
Fred & Tessie Salvador
Emmy Reyes
Ricardo & Maryann Menendez
Gigi & Rey Gonzales
Boyet & Susan Albano
Morry & Lou Jaffe
Lito & Betty Ponce
Norma de Jesus & Raquel Guevarra
Helen Macatulad
On behalf of Msgr. Romy Montero, Fr. John Massari, Fr. Mike
Lagrimas and Brother Mike Lamantia, the members and staff,
we thank you for your never ending support and commitment
to the success of this celebration.
Filipino Pastoral Ministry
Our Lady of Pompei Church
25 Carmine Street , New York, NY 10014
FPM: (212) 727-0214 • OLP Rectory: (212) 989-6805
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All!
From
Luz Rebong
and the devotees
and promoters
of the devotion
to San Roque
LUZ REBONG
Luz Rebong and members of the
religious community celebrated the
Feast of San Roque at her home in
Queens Village last August 17.
Ms Rebong, who has a replica of
the miraculous statue of the saint,
has been promoting the devotion
to San Roque for years, first in the
Philippines and now here in the
United States.
The affair was attended by relatives
and friends including Fr. Sancho
Garrote, Lily Ulep, Baby Javier, Rick
Santisteban and Wendel Javier.
Lory Portillano
For more information, contact:
A Blessed, Peaceful & Joyous
Christmas & New Year to all my
Brothers & Sisters!
Al Barbarino
www.albarbarino.com
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR,
reflects on Al Barbarino . . .
Al has been a generous friend, benefactor and Lay
Associate of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for many,
many years.
He has recorded many CDs and two DVDs which help
support our St. Padre Pio Homeless Shelter, Croatian Relief
Services, which helps the poor on an international level, as
well as for the poor wherever he sings and speaks. Al is a
tireless witness for Jesus. He has inspired countless people
to practice their faith with more devotion. Al has responded
well to the call of the Second Vatican Council, for laity to use their gifts and talents to preach the
Gospel and proclaim the name of Jesus to all. Our Catholic Church needs more people like him.
We are deeply grateful for his dedication and support.
* This year, Al was invited to sing at the Christmas Show
at Lincoln Center – Avery Fisher Hall!
Throughout the years, Al has been a long-time
friend of the Filipino Community!
If your parish, organization, society, etc. wishes for Al to come to either sing or speak at your
Sunday Masses, offer a concert/spiritual reflections, speak to youth and confirmation groups,
offer parish mission retreats (And he has done many, in a great many dioceses through the
country), etc., etc. THIS IS ALL FREE!
In fact 20% of the proceeds raised, through his CDs, is given to your parish, (80% is divided
between the St. Padre Pio Shelter and the Croatian Relief Services).
All YOU have to do is call or visit his website:
• www.albarbarino.com
• (516) 599-3415
• Albarbarino1@yahoo.com
“And the Word was made flesh
and dwelt among us ...”
-- John 1:14
Merry
Christmas
Infant Jesus Prayer Group
of Nassau
and may the New Year
bring peace , prosperity
and harmony to all.
From
Asteria and Oscar Reyes
&
from
Dr. Fely Malanum Santos
& Dr. Ric Santos
Best Wishes for a Blessed
and Joyous Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas!
More Power to the Filipino Catholic
from
Mike and Marissa
Fahim
Manny Pascual
and
Editorial Staff
The excellent work & recognition attained
by your publication through the years are
silent tribute to your success
KEEP ALIVE YOUR SPECIAL MINISTRY
&
CONTINUE THE MISSION OF YOUR PUBLICATION
Merry Christmas
MAY THE YEAR 2009
BE A BLESSED ONE FOR ALL OF US
Law Office of
FERDINAND G. SUBA
450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1900
New York, New York 10123
Tel # 1 (212) 947-0010
Fax # 1 (212) 947-0042
Email: SUBALAW@AOL.COM
Rosary Crusade at Cumberland Foreside, Maine with Aurie Candarelli, Marie Coyne, Susan, Josie Blake, David & Nancy Ford, Kathie McGonogle.
To Manny & Norma Pascual
and their Wonderful Staff
We, Aurie, Cheryl, Wayne, Alexandra, Jacob and Codi
wish you
A Blessed and Joyous
Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year
May the Joy and Peace
that the Christ Child
brings
be with you always.
From
Joe & Leda Garcia
New City, New York
May the Holy Child born
to us of the Virgin Mary
bring us new hope for peace
among nations. And may your
Christmas be touched by
God’s Eternal Light.
from
Ben & Fe Sales
and Family
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas
and happiness
throughout the coming year.
Birhen ng Antipolo, U.S.A., Inc.
(Recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Join us on June 27, 2009, the 12th Annual National Pilgrimage
in honor of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
in Washington, D.C.
Wishing the staff of the
Filipino Catholic
and its readers
the Merriest Christmas
and a very successful
and wonderful
New Year.
Alex and Emma
Aduna
to the
Staff and Readers
of
The Christ Child comes
not in a blaze of glory,
but in quiet poverty
to teach us to love and
fill our hearts with peace
and joy.
May the abundant blessings
of Christmas be yours today
and throughout the coming year.
From
Drs. Joe & Cory Llorens
Many
Thanks to ...
Kuya Manny and Ate Norma
for all the support and
Merry Christmas
and a Prosperous New Year
to all. God bless!
From
Peter and Helen Bune
Good Samaritan Prayer Group
of Long Island
Helen A. Bune
Armely & Jun Novenario
and family
Financial Consultant
Nationwide Financial Network
595 Stewart Avenue, Suite 720
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 222-1800
Home (631) 543-8775 Fax (631) 543-2501
hbune@nationwide.com
May the Most
Holy Face of Jesus
whose Sacred Holy Birth we celebrate
grant you a Happy Holy Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
Marquita L. James & Family
Our Lady of the Snows
Monsignor Raymond F. Chappetto,
Pastor,
Father Patrick Longalong,
Associate Pastor
and Msgr. Feliciano Palma
join the Filipino-American
Community of Our Lady of the Snows
Church
in North Floral Park, Queens, New York
in Wishing the Publisher, Staff,
and Readers of
The Filipino Catholic newspaper
a Very Merry Christmas
and a Meaningful New Year.
Christmas Greetings from
The Ulep and Javier Family
Lily Ulep, Wendel and Baby Javier, and Jill
The Philippine American
Pharmaceutical Society
of New York, Inc.
OFFICERS
President
Lily R. Ulep, B.S.
Immediate Past President
Charles Caselli, BS
Past President
Rita Galvez-Nepomuceno, MS
Founding President
Esperanza de Joya-Baisas, BS
Vice President
Luz Rebono, BS
Secretary
Ester Mariano, BS
Treasurer
Teresa G. Herrera, BS
Auditor
Teresa Bangit, BS
Press Relations Officer
Velma de Guzman-Reyes
REGIONAL DIRECTORS:
Queens & Long Island
Raida Habacon, BS
Manhattan & The Bronx
Virginia Rillo, MS
Brooklyn & Staten Island
Salvacion Elefaño, BS
Upstate New York & Vicinity
Connie Silverio, BS
Adviser
Marcia Jacinto, Pharm.D.
May you all
have a joyous
Christmas
filled with
love and peace
and may
the coming
year bring in
an abundance
of blessing
from
our Lord
and Savior
Jesus Christ.
“May Your Heart be Filled
with Peace and Joy.”
Robert L. Fernandez
Broker / Notary Public
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
492 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554
516-542-7936
Rorbert@RealtyNetworkNY.com
www.RealtyNetworkNY.com
A Big Heart Goes a Long Way
Your referral of a friend, neighbor or family can make a
difference . . . $200.00 will donated, on your behalf, to a
parish or charity dear to your heart from the successful
closing (sale / purchase) of their home.
May the Song of the Angels
of Glory to God and Peace to his people on earth
be ever more true in your home, in your heart
and throughout the world.
Mina’s Kitchenette
The Best Filipino Homestyle cooking
Catering for all occasions
• Adobo
• Bopis
• Kare-kare
• Lumpia and more
PARTY ROOM IS NOW OPEN
90-49 Springfield Blvd
Queens Village, NY 11428
Tel (718) 465-2777
(718) 465-2743
Fax (718) 465-2743
Prayer to the Lady of All Nations
Lord Jesus Christ, son of the Father, send
now your Spirit over the earth. Let the Holy
Spirit live in the hearts of all nations, that
they may be preserved from degeneration,
disaster and war. May the Lady of all
nations, the Blessed Virgin Mary be our
advocate. Amen.
In this era, Mary wants to be the “ The
Lady, the Mother of All Nations”. In
Amsterdam she revealed herself to a
simple woman, Ida Peederman, during
fifty six apparitions, which occured from
1945 to 1959.With great urgency, she asks
humanity to listen to her messages, for the
“Lord Jesus Christ wants to grant yet one
more great favor to the world and that is
the word, the voice of their Mother, the
Lady of All Nations. She warns of a great
spritual fight which will engulf the world
. The Cross must once again become the center of the world and Christians
must unite around it. Only this can bring true peace and ward off degeneration
, disaster and war. She announces a new era that will be preceded by a new
dogma, the Mary Coredemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate. It will be the
crowning glory of the Mother of the Lord, who stands before the Cross of her
Son with Whom she shared physical and spiritual suffering , united in the
Sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. She is permitted to grant Grace,
Redemption and peace to all who have recourse to her as Advocate for “This
time is our Time”
Log on to www.laudate.org to be a guardian and to order books on The
Lady of All Nations or contact Queenship Publishing at 1-800-647-9882. To
petition the Dogma to the Holy Father log on to www.fifthMarianDogma .
For further information contact Elena at lightofnations@msn.com
FIESTA CELEBRATION
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE CANDELARIA
SILANG, CAVITE
Please join us in celebrating Silang’s town fiesta
Saturday, February 7, 2009
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
SHRINE CHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA
188-16 91st Avenue, Hollis , NY 11423
Tel. 718-468-6565
Blessing of Candles & Tagalog Mass start at 12:00 pm
Lunch and fiesta celebration after Mass
Collections at 2006 fiesta celebration funded the pads of ALL the kneelers at the Silang
parish church. Please see sample completed kneeler.
Collections at 2007 and 2008 fiesta celebration funded the tables, chairs and cabinets of the
Silang Parish Church’s Multi-Purpose Center.
DIRECTIONS TO CHURCH:
From GWB: Take the Triboro Bridge. Follow the sign to Long Island leading to Grand Central Parkway East. Pass La
Gurardia Airport. Bare left following the sign to Long Island. Exit to 188th Street. Proceed south (turn right) on 188th
Street on to Hillside Avenue. Turn left on Hillside Avenue and make a right on 189th Street. Go down 3 blocks and turn
right on 91st Avenue. Church is on the corner of 91st Avenue and 188th Street.
From Brooklyn, Staten Island & NJ: Take Brooklyn Queens Expressway (I-278) East. Exit to Long Island Expressway
East (LIE I-495E). Exit to Grand Central Parkway East. Exit to 188th Street. Follow the direction above.
From Queens & Long Island: Grand Central Parkway (either direction) to the 188th Street exit. Proceed south on 188th
Street on to Hillside Avenue. Turn left on Hillside Avenue and make a right on 189th Street. Go down 3 blocks and turn
right on 91st Avenue. Church is on the corner of 91st Avenue and 188th Street.
By subway: Take F train to the last stop in Queens (179th Street station). Take bus Q2 or Q3 going to JFK Airport. Get
off at corner of 187th Street and 91st Avenue. Walk one block. Church is on the corner of 188th Street and 91st Avenue.
For more information on the 2009 fiesta
celebration, please call:
516-775-5150
or
Nene Videña-Salle 516-225-5757
cell
Gene Salle 516-225-1616 cell
Joy Lim Charms & Crystal
“Let our charms turn your wishes into reality.”
www.charmsandcrystal.com
Eva Mangali
Authorized Reseller
evamangali20@gomail.com
516-208-9513
3350 First Street
Oceanside, NY 11572
Pasko ay Pag-Ibig
katha ni Ching
Noble Atienza
Merry Christmas,
Happy New Year
and Peace to all
from
Bakery & Restaurant
161-18 Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY 11367
TEL 718-380-0802 • FAX 718-380-4024
Pasko na naman, maging sa himpapawid
ay pumapailanlang
mga awitin pamasko
Ang ating mapapakinggan
Sa buong sandaigdigan
Kahit sino ka man, mahirap man
O mayaman, sa ating kapwa,
sa bawa’t puso,
ang pag-ibig at pagmamahalan,
pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan
ang laging mararamdaman.
At sapagkat “Diyos ay Pag-Ibig”
Yaon ay tunay na palaging bukang bibig
at sa tuwina’y laging inyong naririnig
Puspusin ng kaligayahan ang nalulumbay
At hawak kamay tayo sa ating pagdamay
Ginagawa ng buong mundo
dahil sa pag-ibig sa tao
Isang kaligayahan hindi kayang
tumbasan ng gaano mang kayaman
Bukas huwag maging kaibigan
bukas ay walang katapusan
ngayon ang panahon!
ngayon na kailangan!
Isang bansa, isang diwa, isa-puso nating lahat,
ang pag-ibig sa ating kapwa-tao
Gumising ka kapatid ko!
ipadama ang pag-ibig
na nasa puso mo
sana hindi lamang sa
araw ng Pasko
manapa’y araw-gabi
sa buhay mo
pagkat ANG DIYOS AY PAG-IBIG
AT ANG PAG-IBIG AY PASKO
Pagkat tulad ng isang
awiting nagtatanong
kundi ako nagmamahal
SINO AKO?
CATERING FOR
ALL OCCASIONS
Generous God
we thank you for all the gifts
you have given us -- our life,
our family, our friends -time, talents and
material possessions.
Wishing everyone a
Blessed Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year.
Rudy, Virgie, Theresa
and Sarabeth Santos
and
Charlie, Sheila, Joshua,
Olivia & Kendal Ugarte
LANGUAGE SPOKEN:
ENGLISH, ARABIC, SPANISH,
MANDARIN, HINDI, URDO
QUEENS, REGO PARK
PEDIATRICS
25 Years
Experience
Dedicated to Providing Personal Quality
Care for Your Children
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Board Certified Pediatrician
Affiliation and referral to St. John’s Hospital,
(Catholic Medical Center) & Long Island Jewish Medical center
MOST MAJOR HMO, COMMRCIAL INSURANCE
PLANS AND ALL MEDICARE ARE ACCEPTED
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Extended
Evening
Hours
Call for an Appointment Today
Tel. (516) 946-3747 (718) 896-4399
SIMBANG GABI
A Novena of Masses Honoring Our Blessed Mother’s Faith
as we prepare for the Nativity of Jesus
at the
Roman Catholic Church of St. Sebastian – Woodside, NY
In Cooperation with its Filipino Ministries
December 15 – 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM
December 23*** at 7:00 PM
***Reception follows in the School Auditorium
~~ All Masses in the Main Church ~~
*To co-Sponsor a Mass, please call:
Juliet (718) 429-1167 * Belinda (718) 457-3575
* Nellie (718) 424-1276
* Please make check donation payable to St. Sebastian Church
For more information, please call:
Hilda (646) 508-4871 * Beth (646) 281-0595
* Brenda (718) 397-7344
MERRY CHRISTMAS * MALIGAYANG PASKO
By Subway: Take the #7 train to 61st Street-Woodside Station; walk to 58th Street & Roosevelt Avenue.
By Bus: Take Q32; get off in front of the church at 58th Street & Roosevelt Avenue
A Merry Christmas and A Peaceful New Year to all!
Dr. Emmanuel Macaraeg Pangan
2007 PIDCI Grand Marshal and President of Fil-American Association of Long Island
and
Dr. Veronica Dacanay Pangan
Wishing all the readers and
supporters of
A Merry Christmas
and a
Joyous New Year
Merry Christmas
and a Peaceful New Year to all
From
Pepe and Rose Almedilla
PEPE ALMEDILLA
NY Service Center Director
ID# 128100593
2255 Jefferson Street, East Meadow, NY 11554
The
Santos Family
Ronnie, Heidi, Kim, John and Sarah
Phone: (516) 650-4525
Email: nydxn@yahoo.com
Check our website:
www.dxnusa.com
COUPLES FOR CHRIST, LONG ISLAND
A Blessed Christmas to All
from Couples for Christ Families for Life.
Maligayang Pasko
at
Masaganang Bagong Taon
From
the
Filipino-American
Ministry Of
St. RaphaelParish
East Meadow, New York
Para po sa mga kapamilya ng
Our Mother of Pertual Help Family Devotion, kami po
“The De La Isla Family”
ay bumabati sa inyong lahat na kapamilya ng
Maligayang Pasko
at
Masaganang Pagpasok ng
Baong Taon sa inyong Lahat.
Ang dalanging ko po sa bawat kapwa naming ay maging masagana ang darating na
bagong taon 2009, at ang dalangin ko pa sa bawat isa sa atin ay basbasan nawa tayo
ng Panginoon ng mapayapang pamumuhay at mabuti at masiglang kalusugan.
Paalala: Para po sa kapamilya ng Our Mother of Perpetual Help Family Devotion,
pinaabot po naming sa inyong lahat ang aming taos pusong pasasalamat sa bawat
kapamilya, sa laging bukas palad na pagtangkilik o pagtanggap ninyo sa amin sa inyong tahanan, at kami po ay muling nag-aanyaya sa inyo sa darating na Fiesta ng Our
Mother of Perpetual Help Family Devotion sa huling Sabado ng Junio 26, 2009.
Halina po kayo at magsama-sama tayo sa ..
Fiesta ng Baclaran
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2 PM
111-50 115th Street South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Oscar & Precy de la Isla
Christmas Wishes
to all the Staff of The Filipino Catholic
for spreading the Good News of the Lord.
With all our Love
Dr. Edgar and Mrs. Mary Jane Lerias
Brandon, Nicholas, Tara and Mama
May Christ and His Virgin
Mother bless you with every
Heavenly gift this Christmas
and throughout the New Year.
Rosary for Life, Inc.
P.O. Box 340017
Brooklyn, NY 11234-0017
Tel. 718-377-6920 • Fax: 718-377-6973
Rosary for Life, Philippines
996 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street
Vito Cruz, Manila
Telefax 400-3447 • Email: ros4life@litegarments.com
Rosary For Life, Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization whose members
pledge to pray 15 decades of the Rosary, once a week, at a specific time on a certain
day of their own choosing for an end to abortion mentality and for respect and
reverence for the God-given gift of lilfe.
May you
find peace and
joy this Christmas
and throughout
the New Year
May the love that came that
holy night light all your days
with hope and joy.
Merry Christmas to all our
friends.
The Sierra Family
Rene, Amy
Pierre, Jennifer, Cheryl
Xavier, Alexia, Elisa
And
Grandma Raymuda
From
Eugene and Estrel
Chua
May the Joy and blessing
that the Christmas season
brings be the greatest gift
that you will receive.
Merry Christmas and a
Happy, Healthy New Year
to all the readers of the
Filipino Catholic.
From
Rita Nepomuceno
Merry Christmas
and a
Prosperous and
a Happy New Year
to all!
from
Cion and
Gerry Lim
Grandchildren Ethan and Alex
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God.” -- John 1:1
Merry Christmas
and a Happy &
Prosperous New Year
From
Mercy and Garry
Smith
Maligayang Pasko
at
Masaganang
Bagong Taon
sa inyong lahat.
Junnie & Annabelle
Vallega
Charley and Tonton
TO ALL OUR FAMILY MEMBERS,
LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS,
The Capili Family
sends you greetings
of love, peace, joy and happiness.
May you have good health and abundant
blessings from the Holy Infant Jesus as we
wait
for his coming this Christmas.
May the New Year be a blessed
one for all of us!
Maligayang Pasko
at Manigong Bagong Taon!
The Ilocano-American Association, Inc.
Carmencita V. Pulido
President
Brenda Talisaysay
Executive Vice President
Rocky Singson
Vice-President
and a
Happy New Year
Eleanor Vigilia
Correspondong Secretary
Resurreccion Lim
Treasurer
Ernesto Sanidad
Auditor
Ben Q. Vigilia
PRO
From
Reuben Seguritan
Legal Counsel
Jose Durana
Building Maintenance
Butch Nunez
Chairman of the Board
Board of Directors
Alma Alvarez
Bel Arizala
Andy Cabralda
Minda Carpo
Frank Cortes
Monica Espejo
Lourdes Isaac
Ricarte Laguatan
Gerry Lim
The Ilocano-American
Association, Inc.
Angie Molina
Carlos Nano
Antonette Nunez
Romulo Pasion
Manual Pinzon
Susan Quinola
Tessie Seguritan
Alma Sta. Maria
Carlos Talisaysay
Bernardita Uy
Ernie Vallejo
Menchie Pulido
President
Past Presidents:
Cesar Javier
Emelyn Quijano
Dammy Conste
Alma Sta. Maria
Butch Nunez
Best Wishes for a Blessed and Joyous Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas!
More Power to the Filipino Catholic
from Past Hermanas of the Filipino Catholic Group
Mila Oronce
FILCAG Hermana Mayor 2007
Tere Tan
Past FILCAG Hermana Mayor 2006
“Behold I bring you good
tidings of great joy which shall
be to all people.” -- Luke 2:10
Have a Wonderful Christmas
and a Blessed New Year
to everyone.
Merry Christmas
The Almighty God
Prayer
Community
of St. Mary of the Isle
Frieda & Jorge Robles
Mia Quimson • Jesusa Alico
to the Staff and Readers of
Christmas
Greetings
from
The
Ilao Family
Standing from left: Son-in-Law Jonathan with Jarren, Maurice
and Sendo.
Seated from left: Rochelle Jacala with son Jase and Ninfa.
Inset: Son Alex with wife Iris.
Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
to the
staff and readers
of
Steve and Marie
Nañez
Chairman
Aida M. Manlangit
Chairman Emeritus
Cora Mendoza
Vice-Chairman
Myrna Agustin
Executive Secretary
Espie Cain
Assistant Executive Secretary
Annette Castillo
Treasurer
Rodante Beltejar
Auditor
Zeny Ulibas
Legal Adviser
Atty. Steven Llorens
Liturgical Coordinator
Liza De Guzman
National Coordinator
Norrie Cornelio
Spiritual Adviser
Msgr. Jeremias Rebanal,
J.C.D., Ph.D.
Board of Trustees:
Milagros Javier
Silverio Limtian
Connie Macaraeg
Fredesvinda Soliva
Saturnino Ulibas
Ricky Villaver
Board of Advisers:
Arsenio Manlangit, Jr
Connie Navarro
Isidoro Pascual
Deacon Rudy Teng
Sonny Tiongson
Bayani J. Villaver, Sr.
Chapter Presidents
Cardinal Protector
His Eminence Gaudencio
B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D.
Organizer
Lakan Paul Holganza
Founder
Datu Antonio Gaston
Sincere
Appreciation
to the
“voice” of
The
Filipino
Catholic
Merry Christmas
from
Benny & Thelma
Rivera
Barangay of the Virgin, Inc.
One Pond Hill Drive, NJ 07005
Tel. (973) 335-4435, Cell (201) 317-1661
MAY OUR BLESSED MOTHER, TOGETHER WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE THE SOURCE
OF OUR PEACE, HOPE, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, GOOD HEALTH, FORGIVENESS AND
FRIENDHSHIP TO ALL OUR LOVE ONES, FRIENDS, RELATIVES, BENEFACTORS
AND SUPPORTERS OF OUR ORGANIZATION,
BARANGAY OF THE VIRGIN, INC.
AND TO ALL OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THE WHOLE WORLD.
MAY YOU ALL HAVE A JOYOUS AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND
A PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!
Maligayang Pasko
Queens Village Sto. Niño Prayer Group
Standing from left: Lita Panganiban, Adeling Fajardo, Belen Baral, Luz Salud, Cion Edejer, Emma Cordero, Alice Rosette, Lorna
Navarro, Beth Salud, Maria Miranda. Seated from left: Glenda Pardo, Mary Santiago, Del Gutierrez (not pictured: Mel Mendiola
& Pacing Galo).
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from
Rudy and Anita Barrion
Standing from left: Legar, Mike, John, Rudy and Rick. Seated left to right: Anita, Emily, Virgie and Kay.
Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon
First row, from left: Grita Manlapig, Angi Argulles, Carmen Martinez. Second row: Anita Barrion, Lourdes Erolani, Cora Cortez, Luzy de la Paz, Lita Solomon,
Gloria Navarro. Third row: Rudy Barrion, Constancio Araco, Neneth Batislao, Macky Chiong, Nene Matela, Nina Gorga, Rose Tuminbang, Jess Solomon, Aling
Pepanio, Lydia Bautista. Fourth row: Maryjo Palencia, Tess Lindress, Naty Yap, Beth Reyes, Nora Dulog.
San Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America, Inc.
Member Scalabrinian Lay Movement
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center - 168-41 84th Avenue, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432
FEAST OF JESUS THE NAZARENE
(Fiesta ng Quiapo sa Queens)
Poon Hesus Nazareno
January 9, 2009, Friday, 7:30 PM
HOLY FAMILY CHURCH
175-20 74th Avenue, Flushing, NY
PROCESSION, MASS
Sponsored & Hosted by:
San Lorenzo Devotional Chapter
Jamaica Hills, NY
Hermano & Hermana Mayores
DRS. JORGE & HELEN AGUILA AMADOR
Presented by:
San Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America
718 206 1135
For More Information,Call:
Romy Zamudio………..
Dado Acayan………….
Minda Ealdama…….. …
Fred Donaire…………..
Evan Prado……………
Nelly Uy….…………...
718 657 7830
718 739 3314
718 725 2559
718 526 8506
718 454 2041
718 297 5784
Directions to Holy Family Church:
Helen Amador………...
Ignie Ocampo…………
Loida De La Isla………
Rose Calicdan……….
Matty Lerum…………
Ampy Medenilla………
718 468 8318
718 658 8064
718 297 0083
718 262 0648
718 468 0770
718 468 0770
From NYC: Take Grand Central Pkwy East, exit 18, turn left on Utopia Pkwy. Drive along Utopia
Pkwy, past Union Tpke, turn left on 74th St.
From LONG ISLAND: Take Grand Central Pkwy West, exit 18, turn right on Utopia Pkwy. Drive
along Utopia Pkwy, past Union Tpke, turn left on 74th St.
By SUBWAY: Take E or F Train to Union Tpke Station. Take Bus Q46 for Union Tpke to Utopia
Pkwy Stop. Walk one block on Utopia Pkwy to 74 St .
Diocesan Santo Niño Celebration
January 4, 2009 - Sunday
Rosary & Novena: 1:00 PM
Mass: 2:00 PM
Bishop Rene A. Valero, Main Celebrant
Rev. Peter J. Rayder, Pastor
Our Lady Help of Christians
1315 East 28th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 338-3252
(Reception and fellowship to follow in the Lower Church)
Contact Persons:
Zeny DeVera: 718-338-3749
Linda Sulit: 718-377-2494
Belle Locsin: 718-692-0384
Ruth Manligoy: 718-377-4767
Josie Nover: 718-781-0953
Lydia Bautista: 917-733-4224
Rev. Marc Caliwan: 917-306-7954
(Coordinator, Filipino Diocesan Apostolate)
Driving Directions (street parking):
From Queens & JFK: Take Belt Parkway West to Exit 11N Flatbush Ave. Turn Left to Ave. L,
then turn Left to East 28th Street (OLHC Church is at the corner of Ave M and E 28th St.)
From Manhattan & Queens: Take BQE/Gowanus Expy to exit 24 Prospect Expy, then
continue to Ocean Parkway, Turn Left to Ave. M to East 28th Street
Yuletide
Greetings
to Manny and Norma Pascual
and
from the Family of
Elenita Alcantara Velez, M.D.
Renelle and E.J. Pinos
Paric Anthony Velez
Benjamin and Renee Medaglia Velez
Fr. Alfred Guthrie
from page 4
The devotions concerning the First Saturdays of each month are a part of Our Lady’s
plan for peace in our hearts and the salvation of souls. Many know the origin of the First
Saturday devotion but a review of how it came about might be of help to us.
THE PRACTICE OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS – WHERE DID IT COME
FROM?
(from “FATIMA in Lucia’s own words”, Grafica de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, 9th edition,
13 Autust, 1995, Fr. Louis Kondor, SVD, Editor, pg. 231)
“On December 10th, 1925, the most holy Virgin appeared to her,
and by her side, elevated on a luminous cloud, was a child. The
most holy Virgin rested her hand on her [Lucia’s] shoulder, and as
she did so, she showed her a heart encircled by thorns, which she
was holding in her other hand. At the same time, the Child said:
‘Have compassion on the Heart of your most holy Mother
covered with thorns, with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to make an act of reparation to
remove them.’
Then the most holy Virgin said:
‘Look, my daughter, at my Heart, surrounded with thorns
with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their
blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me and say
that that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces
necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five
consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen
minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary,
with the intention of making reparation to me.’
“On February 15th, 1926, the infant Jesus appeared to her
again. He asked her if she had already spread the devotion to His
most holy Mother…”
The child Jesus told Lucia that the confession could be made within eight days
or more “provided that when they receive Me, they are in the state of grace and have the
intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary”. And if they forget to
make this intention “They can do so at their next confession, taking advantage of the first
opportunity to go to confession.”
Jesus also told Lucia (February 15th, 1926) that “many souls begin the First Saturdays, but few finish them, and those who do complete them do so in order to receive
the graces that are promised thereby. It would please me more if they did Five with fervor
and with the intention of making reparation to the Heart of your heavenly Mother, than if
they did Fifteen, in a tepid and indifferent manner…”
This account brings us to review the ----IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.
Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is the secret path by which we can enter into
the deepest love of the Most Blessed Trinity. Mary, in the depth
of her Heart, is united with the infinite Love of the Most Blessed
Trinity. When we consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart
she gives us a dwelling place, a home, as it were, in her Immaculate Heart and welcomes us to live there spiritually. This is a very
special grace of God and a profoundly rich “short cut” into the
Love of the Most Blessed Trinity.
While the preparation of many days and consecration as proposed by St. Louis de Montfort in his book “True Devotion to
The Blessed Virgin Mary” is a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit
and very much worth the effort as well as very beneficial, we can
make a personal consecration every day by very briefly giving
our Blessed Mother a loving glance and self-consecration without
any special words each morning.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ADVENT?
We can still make Advent, our spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Birth of God made Man in total poverty, a special
event of the heart. A daily appointment with Our Blessed Lady to
share with her an extra reflective Rosary on the Joyful mysteries
would be an immeasurably rich Christmas “Baby Shower” gift
to give to Our Lady.
Such a gift for Our Lady would be a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas – and, perhaps, the best way to effectively focus on the meaning of Advent.
NEXT MONTH: A new look at the lessons of the Gospel story of the Marriage Feast at
Cana.
Amigos
de
St. Michael
37-74 64th Street Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 424-7984 / 478-4413
• CATHOLIC BOOKS
• GIFT STORE
with Quality Religious Articles including
Rosaries made of different gems, sterling
silver, etc.
New book available at amigos de
St Michael - St. Sebastian Parish
International Cookbook and Food
Remedies at $15 per book.
FREE
Library of Books,VHS, DVD movies,
Rosaries, Scapulars & more!
CPR/ACLS by
East Coast Lifesavers
on the 2nd floor
OFFICES FOR RENT AND BUSINESS
OPPURTUNITIES FOR SALE
CALL 917-607-6137
New MONEY Remittance 40 countries
(licensed and bonded )at 65-04 Roosevelt
office $6.95 fee to any amount to
Philippines, dollar or peso, some 24hrs.
pick up availabillity,1800 pickup locations
in the Philippines, deposit to any bank in
Philippines.
Travel and Tours-most competitive
rates
NOW AVAILABLE
Books on St. Paul
in honor of thePaulinian year.
EAST COAST LIFESAVERS, INC.
class on ACLS, CPR provider, BCLS
(718) 424-7984
Sponsors of this ad and services:
1.Sacred Heart Family Apostolate (64th St.)
• Family Library, Club -- assist in starting religious libraries
• 2nd Sunday Bible Study, Family Monthly Support Group Meetings
• Assist in Home Enthronement of the Two Hearts
2.Quallity Hands Placement Co. - Employment Services (64th St.)
3.NY Construction - Licensed and Bonded (64th St.)
4.Taxes - Authorized IRS E-File Provider (64th St.)
5.Money Remittance (Placid) and Other Small Businesses (65th St.)
• R/E, Mortgage, Life, Home and Car Insurances
• woodsidetravels.com or FEUtravel.com - book your travel online at low rates
• wateralkaline.com - purified and anti-oxidant water
• acuflex.myffi.biz - experience fuel gas economy. 20% down
• silawnyc.ambitenergy.biz - lower rates in gas and electric
6.East Coast Llifesavers, Inc. - ACLS and BCLS, and NCLEX review (64th St.)
7. Pasalubong at Iba Pa - located 3 doors near Jollibee, 3712A 63rd St., Woodside
Sells Filipino food, pastries, native craft including barong tagalog, etc.
Also available at Dr. Agustin’s Woodside Medical
Office and Dr. Engelines Santose office and restaurant
at Woodside.Charcoal therapy is discussed in the
book, the last remedy for terminal cases. Capsules
and activated powder form of charcoal are available
at the bookstore and library.
IRS TAX PROBLEMS ...
we can help.
Formation of business
organization. Corporation, LLC,
Federal ID. Restore your credit
score in a month.
Call 646-209-4971 accountant.
Affordable religious gift
shop ... from $1 and up. Tan
books, DVD, VHS, medals.
FREE rosaries and scapulars.
Join the Sacred Heart Library
Club.
37 - 74 64th Street
Woodside, NY 11377
Water Alkaline and
anti-oxidant. Kangen or
Universal Company.
Call (718) 424-7984
2009 Calendar
with bible guidelines and
mass readings available in 2 weeks.
Woodside Mail Box
Rentals
for those who do not have
a permanent address
Tel. 718-424-7984
NYC Tel. 212 731 9662
Mobile 917 607 6137
Sacred Heart Family Apostolate
www.sacredheartfamilyapostolate.net
Library and Religious Book Store is open to public at 64th Street Location
Abigail’s
Philippine Cuisine and Coffee Shop
Enjoy an exciting culinary experience in a warm
and wholesome setting. Abigail’s home style
cooking, exotic oriental dishes that are done to
perfection, and friendly atmosphere will surely
compliment your taste buds and give you that “at
home” feeling. Come visit us for breakfast, lunch
or dinner and choose from a wide variety of
delicious Philippine and Asian dishes. Invite your
friends, bring the whole family.
Taste our succulent Barbecue on a stick (Chicken, Beef or Pork),
Grilled Pork Chops and Seafood. And don’t forget to order our
Famous Bubble Tea and Smoothies.
230 Merrick Road
Rockville Centre
New York 11570
COME, JOIN OUR
FILIPINO MASS
Every First Sunday of the month
at The Shrine of
Our Lady of the Island
Eastport, Long Island, New York
Mass in Tagalog at 1:30 p.m.
preceded by Rosary in Tagalog
It’s Karaoke Night
Every Friday and
Saturday Night.
Take Part in our
SINGING CONTEST
WE ARE OPEN TO SERVE YOU!
(516) 608-2777
FOR LEGAL HELP IN
ANY STATE OF THE
U.S.A. ON
Working Visas
Labor Certification
Immigrant Petitions
Citizenship
CALL:
Atty. Wilfrido E.
Panotes, Jr., Ph.D.
(Practicing Immigration & Naturalization Law since 1973)
• LL. B. (Ateneo de Manila); A.B., Ph. B., Ph. L. (UST); M.A.
(Fordham Univ.); Ph.D. (Graduate Theological
Foundation - Indiana/Oxford/Rome)
• Admitted: New Jersey, New York and Philippine Bars
• Member: Association of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers; National Lawyers Association
3000 Kennedy Blvd., Suite 303
Jersey City, N.J. 07306
Tel. (201) 963-5565
Tel. (212) 244-0581
Fax (201) 798-0636
MAILING ADDRESS
72 Van Reipen Avenue
PMB #405
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:
Primo & Tessie Carlos (631) 325-1177
• Manny & Norma Pascual (516) 292-1445 • Helen & Peter Buni (631) 543-8775
• Mercy & Ding Rivera (631) 583-3236
• Ben & Lou Ileto (516) 433-2338
• Nita Vasquez (516) 931-5229 • Gilda Abejar (516) 476-7274
• Zeny Berroya (516) 869-8202 • Eden Gaceta (516) 942-0203
• Elsa Vergara (516) 640-5580
Directions: Head east on LIE, then take exit 70 South on Port
Jefferson-Westhampton (Capt. Daniel Roe Hwy - Route 111).
Drive for a couple of miles, then turn right to Eastport Manor
Rd. and follow the signs to the Shrine.
Visit the Shrine’s website at:
www.OurLadyoftheIsland.org

The Filipino Catholic

Transcription

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