a blessed Christmas!

Photo credits: MSNBC.com

A blessed Christmas!

Excerpt from URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI (CHRISTMAS 2011)

[My emphases in bold letters -fsl]

"Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, on this Christmas 2011, let us then turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: “Come to save us!”  Let us repeat these words in spiritual union with the many people who experience particularly difficult situations; let us speak out for those who have no voice...

"May the Lord grant comfort to the peoples of South-East Asia, particularly Thailand and the Philippines, who are still enduring grave hardships as a result of the recent floods."

Canterbury Tales by Taylor Marshall: Did you know the 7 Sorrows of Mary conform to the ...

Canterbury Tales by Taylor Marshall: Did you know the 7 Sorrows of Mary conform to the ...: The Seven Sorrows of Mary are one of the most fruitful topics of mental prayer. On Fridays especially, the Seven Sorrows are a way to bette...

CEAP-Press Release: ‘AND THEY SPAT AT HIM’ A Statement of CEAP on the Exhibit ‘Politeismo’

CEAP-Press Release: ‘AND THEY SPAT AT HIM’ A Statement of CEAP on the Exhibit ‘Politeismo’

Some Facts about the Feast of the Assumption

Today is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 1962 Missal, this feast has a rank of first class. On the other hand, the 1970 Missal gives it a rank of solemnity. Here are some facts about this feast:

1. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII, infallibly and dogmatically declared that “the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”[1]

2. Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox calls this feast the Dormition of the Theotokos (the falling asleep of the Mother of God).

3. The Eastern Church started to celebrate the feast on August 15 since the 6^th century.[2]

4. “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars”.[3]

5. There is one variation to the story of Mary’s Assumption. According to which one of the apostles, often identified as St Thomas, was not present at the death of Mary, but his late arrival precipitates a reopening of Mary's tomb, which is found to be empty except for her grave clothes. In a later tradition, Mary drops her girdle down to the apostle from heaven as testament to the event.[4]

6. This feast confirms us in the virtue of hope, whereby we seek holiness of life in the midst of our ordinary duties. At the same time, it exhorts us to see heaven as our final home.[5]

7. “Our Lady assumed into heaven is the guarantee of the Lord's fidelity to his promise: he reserves a munificent reward for his humble Servant because of her faithful cooperation with the divine plan, which is a destiny of fulness, happiness, glorification of her immaculate soul, her virginal body, perfect configuration to her Risen Son.”[6]

---

[1] Cf. Pius XII, Constitution Munificentissimus Deus.

[2] Cf. Holweck, F. (1907). The Feast of the Assumption. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved August 8, 2011 from New Advent: Retrieved August 8, 2011 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02006b.htm

[3] Cf. Rev. 12:1 (DRV)

[4] Cf. Ante-Nicene Fathers - The Writings of the Fathers Down to A.D. 325, vol. 8 page 594

[5] Cf. 2011 Ordo of the Philippines

[6] Cf. Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Marialis cultus.

[7] Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary

Come, Holy Spirit

Today is Pentecost Wednesday. See previous post for a brief explanation of the nomenclature. Let us invoke the Holy Spirit for the speedy recovery of our School Director, Rev. Fr. Jose E. David, for unity among people with different ideals, and for peace among nations. Let us also include in our prayers our Supreme Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI (Italian news agency reports that the Pope has become one of the "easy targets" of some terrorist groups) and also that the Fraternity of St. Pius X may be granted an official position within the Church. 

VENI, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.	COME, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur; R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.	V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Oremus: DEUS, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de eius semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.	Let us pray: O GOD, Who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that, by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

RH Bill & Divorce

• We have not yet been spared from the terrible onslaught of the RH Bill and yet our solons are scheming to have divorce legalized in our nation. These two, RH Bill and divorce, are some of the many forces that destroy the very foundation of our society – the family. Let us stand for what is right, oppose the RH bill and the legalization of divorce. Let us oppose the culture of D.E.A.T.H.! May the Holy Family of Jesus, Joseph and Mary guide and protect our families! May they enlighten the minds of our law makers!

• Read more about the stand of the Catholic Church regarding the "culture of life" an opposition to the "culture of death": Bl. John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, (1995). 

Written on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen, 2nd class. A.D. MMXI 

Seven Last Words

A few years back, as I was reading an issue of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine, I came across an article by a priest. It was about A NEW WAY OF DOING THE SIETE PALABRAS. So what I did was to keep that article until such time I feel it was needed. Until one day, when one of our CLE teachers, Sir Bombit, was thinking of a Lenten activity for his class. So I suggested the Siete Palabras. And so to "immortalize" Fr. Villote's work, I decided to write it on my blog. No copyrights infringement intended. Also, I think this does not replace the centuries old Siete Palabras in Churches. As I have stated above, this would be good for small groups having a Lenten recollection/retreat.

1. “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do.” – Lk. 23:34

          Write down the names of at least seven persons you want to give forgiveness to, and to receive forgiveness from – as if today were the last day of your life.

2. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Lk. 23:43

          If God were to call you seven hours from now, who would be the seven persons in your life you want to be around to see you go? Why?

3. He said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” – Jn 19:26-27

          What are the seven last things you would like to say to (or do for) your mother on the last day of your life?

4. “Eli, Eli lema sabachtani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mt. 27:46

          What might be the seven things (persons or situations) that most frequently test your faith in God and people? Compose a prayer for them.

5. “I thirst.” – Jn. 19:28

          What are your seven most intense desires at this time of your life? Be honest and don’t correct and rationalize your feelings. Own and honor them and bring them to Jesus thirsting on the Cross.

6. “It is finished.” – Jn. 19:30

          What are the seven last things you want to accomplish during the last seven years of your life?

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” – Lk. 23:46

          Write down a letter to Jesus telling Him how His dying on the Cross is important to you. Tell Him how you feel about your own dying, and the dying of those whose lives have bought meaning and hope to your own life.

Villote, Fr. Ruben J. (2005). The Word: Saturday Inquirer Magazine, March 20, 2005.

(No copyrights infringement intended.)

Some editing of blog posts

Here are some edited blogposts: 

* Assumption of Mary


* 22nd Birthday


* Triduum 2008

*

*

:)

On the Wednesday after Sexagesima Sunday, 4th class feast, A.D. MMXI

Friends

Asan na yung 3?

This was the night before one of our friend’s flight. She was off to another country to look for “greener pastures.” We’re on our usual mode, chatting about anything and everything under the sun and of course eating. When it was about eleven, we started our usual thing – we walked from her house to Plaza. While walking, we were still on our usual mode. By the way, her dog Echo accompanied us. When we have reached the front of our gate that was the time we had to ride a tricycle. That was also the time for our group hug, and then tears fell from our eyes. For some time we would not be able to see each other. Our food trip – eating pizza, fries, and ice cream even if the weather is cold and it was late in the night, our chatting – celebrities, classmates, acquaintances, our ataran – going from one barangay to another to bring them home of course I would be the last, and of course, our mere presence. We would still see each other but this time we lack one friend. For the longest time we have stood the test of times and our own made tests. We will miss you friend! Don’t forget our PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS (joke :)!

Written on Sexagesima Sunday, 2nd class, A.D. MMXI

St. Nichols Academy (Macabebe)

I love my second home! :) Check out the updated blogsite of our dearest St. Nichols Academy!

God bless!

Written on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, 3rd class feast, A.D. MMXI