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

Assumption of Mary

“SIGNUM magnum appáruit in cælo: múlier amícta sole, et luna sub pédibus ejus, et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.” Apoc. 12. 1

          Every 15^th of August, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated. Two general accounts pertain to this event; one is from the Latin Church and another from the Greek Church. The Roman Catholics call this event as the Assumption and the Greek Orthodox as the Dormition (Sleeping). Despite different accounts of one same event, the main theme shows that at the end of the Virgin Mary's earthly life, her body and soul was borne into heaven.

          Because the 15th of this month falls on a Sunday, the St. Nichols Academy celebrated this glorious feast on the 13^th, the Friday prior to the actual feast day. To start the celebration, the ComLec Guild led a Scriptural Rosary focusing on the Glorious Mysteries. After the Rosary, our beloved School Director, Rev. Fr. Jose E. David, celebrated a Votive Mass of the Assumption. A procession shortly followed at around nine in the morning. After the procession, the COMI led the entire SNA community in praying the "Chaplet of the Twelve Crowns." To end the affair, Mr. Clyde Cancio, CLE teacher and Musical Director of the SNA Choir and Macabebe Parish Choir, sung the hymn "Immaculate Mother."

          This event would not have been possible without the support of Fr. David and our beloved principal Mr. Rey G. Yumang, who I guess has a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary under the title of the Lady of the Assumption.

          These activities open up the minds of the youth. Nowadays, the youth prioritizes the "joys that fade and flee." Example, courtship is the "in-thing." They feel they are truly in love as if their partner would be their lifetime partner. But, alas! In just a blink of an eye, they split up. Why? For the fact that it was not really love but plain teenage infatuation. They let their minds wander into the pleasures of the world and they pressure themselves to the demands of worldly pressures. Pity! There are more things in life more valuable than worldly things. Let us sought Mary as our model for she dedicated her life in helping the apostles and the early Christians instead of delving into the “joys that fade and flee.” However, what did she get? She was brought into heaven after her earthly life, her body and soul borne into heaven.

          Ing Fiesta ning Asuncion yapin ing pagselebran istung ka-15 ning Agosto ning mabilug a Santa Iglesya. Iti ya pin ing kapigaganakan king Pangadala na Banua ning Santa Mariang Virgen. Adwa lang istorya patungkul king pangadala na Banua ning Virgen pauli ning aduang sanga ning Santa Iglesya ing Romana at Griyegu. Deng king Romano Katoliko ausan de iting Asuncion deng Griyego ausan da ne mang Dormisyon. Mialiwa la man deng istorya at lagyu para keng kapigaganakan a iti metung yamu kararasan, apin ing Pangadala na Banua ning Santa Mariang Virgen kaladua’t katawan.

          Keng iskwela ning St. Nichols Academy, pigsadyan miya iting kafiestan inyang biyernes a-13 ning Agosto 2010. Iti mipalyari pauli ning ngening banuang ayti ing kafiestan mituklu yang Domingo at alang klasi. Mikamakuyad a programa para king kapigaganakan ayti migumpisa king Rosaryo Skriptural a penimunuan ding ComLec ning eskwela, kayari meganap ing Sakripisyu ning Banal a Misa a penimunuan ning malugud ming School Director i Padre Jose David. Kayari na niti mika makuyad a prusisyun (milwal ne ing prusisyun bandang alas nueve ning abak). Kaibat na niti ditak a paynawa keng gym at lege mi ne ing Nuestra Senora de Asuncion keng libutad at megumpisa na lang mengadi deng COMI. Ing pengadyan da apin ing “Chaplet of the Crown of Twelve Stars” makapagmulala pa na kabang pangadyan miya iti ala yu ing Koronang Labingadwang Batuin keng imagen ning Virgen (mebaldug ya kasi inyang magprusisyun). Anting pamupus keng makuyad a pamiparangal keng Virgen ing pamagkanta keng imnong Indung Alang Musing king amanung inglis a penimunuan ning maganakang maestro king CLE ampon manimuna keng Koro ning eskwela (at king Macabebe Parish Choir) i Sir Bombit Cancio. Iting pamikatagun mipalyari ya pauli ning kasuyuan ning kekaming principal i Sir Rey Yumang king Virgen. Nung e ku magkamali, ing Virgen ning Asuncion ing patron na. Dakal mu ring salamat kang Padre David.

         

          At nang kasanting ing antining pamikatagun bang kanita mibubuklat la mata reng kayanakan karas keng atining bage. Ngening panaun ayni bira na la reng anak a ating piedad. Mas buri da pa ing magpakasaya king “tulang kukupas.” Antimo ngeni akit mula mipaglolo la gang kayanakan da pa. Kasdan mu bukas kawani na la uling ena man lugud ing ikit da nune “crush” mu. Lawan taya i Maria ing bie na telaga ne king pamanyaup na kareng apostoles at kareng minunang Kristiano at nanu ing ikwa na? Ing ikwa na ing midala ya banua, ali mu ing kaladua na nune pati katawan na! Iya ing metung kareng minunang tinakman keng bie alang-angga a pengaku ning Guinu kareng tune sasalpantaya keya.

         

Written on the Vigil of the Assumption of Mary, 2nd class feast, A.D. MMX.

auf adventure...

aguli bukas namu... gawa ku pang assignment ku educ 106... hehehe

ms. sna '09 adventure...

Dios ko! oini ing metung karing Ms. SNA pageant a eku akalingwan. Ay eku na ulit gawan ita!

Antini kasi, aku, Sang, Ruth, Anne, Irma, ampon Oby mengan kami Burger Machine kaibt na ning pageant. Alas-dose na ita ning kapitangang bengi. Ing pengan mi burger, syempre apang e da ne inawus Burger Machine nung eya magtindang burger, ampon tsokolate. Edi kalutu ing order mi mibalik na kami eskwela. Oyan sige, mangan. Anyang kwanan mi na ing gamit mi, ay Guinu! ot makakandadu ne ing faculty room! Ing gamit mi atsu ngan karin.

(to be continued.... metamad ing bili)

22nd Birthday

Twenty-two years ago at around quarter to seven in the evening ‘twas also a Sunday, I was born.

Ever since I had a mobile phone, I usually get text messages from friends or kin greeting me on my birthday. One of which is my dad. I could still remember that he would greet me personally and then he would text me. Now it is different.

Last night when I was holding my dad’s cellphone, I felt sad for I remember those moments when he would greet me on my birthday. We did not have a strong bond nevertheless; I cherish and miss those moments.

I could still remember last Holy Thursday when I entered the Church. I got into tears for the Mass on Holy Thursday evening was the only time the two of us would go to Mass.

Once I was with my relatives riding their van and I got into tears again. I remembered those days when my dad usually was the one driving.

When someone is lost, you would not remember that person in complex situations like retelling how they passed away but you would certainly remember him in the most simplest of all things. For these simplest things were shared by you. Perhaps my ma and Tella feel the same way as I do.

Not in the complex but in the simplest.

Written on the 27^th Sunday after Pentecost, 2^nd class feast;
     feast of St. Gertrude, virgin, 3^rd class feast, A. D. MMVIII

Triduum 2008

EASTER TRIDUUM

Sacred Triduum is the time when the Church celebrates the Last Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I always look forward to this time because as the Church puts it, this is the central celebration of the entire liturgical calendar. Actually, even if the Triduum has not yet concluded, I start planning for the next year. I attend celebrations for the Triduum at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

The Triduum is actually part of the Holy Week. The Week starts with Passion Sunday [commonly, Palm Sunday]. I usually go to the blessing of Palms at 7:30 am and go to mass at 8:00 am. From Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday occurs the chanting of the Pasyon. The Pasyon or Pabasa is a long narrative poem that tells the story of the Creation, Jesus’ life and passion, and St. Helena’s quest for the Holy Cross. I have tried singing the Pasyon [just two pages] in a kubol. On Holy Tuesday, my aunts and I join the Stations of the Cross around the San Rafael Arkangel Parish. That is around two in the afternoon and ends at around four, after which Mass will begin.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

At four in the afternoon, my dad and I attend the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper of Christ, His washing of the Apostle’s feet, and the founding of the Priesthood. After the Mass, the Eucharist is solemnly reposed. Moreover, at seven in the evening, ma, dad, and I will go back to the Church to visit Christ present in the Eucharist.

GOOD FRIDAY

At twelve midnight, after the vigil has ended, the Stations of the Cross around the whole parish will begin. It usually ends at two in the morning. My dad and I will usually join this activity.

Early in the morning, around six or later, my ma and I will visit our relatives at San Rafael and we will watch the flagellants. They are penitents carrying crosses, making their backs bleed then strike them with bamboo strips, or even nail themselves to crosses.

By 2:30 pm, I am off to church to attend the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. Do not be deceived with the term, this is not of a joyful note but of mourning and sorrow because of our sins crucified our Lord. This liturgical action is composed of the Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and only Holy Communion, which starts at three in the afternoon. My friends usually accompany me; because I usually get there earlier than they do, they would have to look for me. Before the celebration, the Siete Palabras (reflections on the Seven Last Words) occur. At six or so, my friends and I will join the procession around the parish.

HOLY SATURDAY

At exactly seven in the evening, ma and I are already seated in the Church waiting for the Easter Vigil to begin at eight. The ceremonies start outside with the Blessing of Fire, and then the Liturgy of the Word happens. After that, the Liturgy of Baptism and Eucharist take place. After the Vigil, the Salubong will happen.

EASTER SUNDAY

A day of rest and of celebrating the love of the Father, Risen Lord, and the Holy Spirit.
Now, if you are wondering where was Tella (my grandmother) during the whole Triduum, she is at home watching TV masses. She has difficulty in walking so she would rather stay inside. Nevertheless, when I was young, she was the one I was with during the whole Triduum.

Written on the feast of St. Louis IX, 3rd class feast, A.D. MMVIII.