REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
DECEMBER 2010
1 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet
Ordination: Rev. David William Antonio (1988)
Rev. Marlon Belmonte (2003)
Archbishop’s Schedule: December 1 – 8, Ad Limina Visit, Rome Italy
2 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet
3 - Friday: St. Francis Xavier, priest. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Francis Xavier Parish, Lungog, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. David William Antonio
Birthday: Rev. Reynaldo Rebebes (1972)
4 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (1), Violet or m of St. John Damascene, priest, religious and doctor, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Carlito Feria (2001)
Rev. Rufo V. Abaya (2006)
Rev. Cristeto a. Cortez (2006)
5 - Sunday : + SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Violet
AWRIS CHRISTMAS GATHERING: 8AM – 5PM, BNEK, Fatima, Vigan City
Ordination: Rev. Danilo Martinez (2003)
Rev. Willie Jones Ducusin (2005)
NECROLOGY: 1781 Fr. Fernando Balensuela
1857 Fr. Damaso Lazo
6 - Monday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET or m of St. Nicholas, bishop, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Rex Rilveria (2001)
Rev. Michael C. Tanacio (2006)
7 - Tuesday: St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor. WHITE
Birthday: Rev. Erwin E. Echalas (1981)
Ordination: Rev. Ernesto Juarez, Jr. (2005)
8 - Wednesday: SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. PRINCIPAL PATRONESS OF THE PHILIPPINES. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: Immaculate Conception Parish, Sta. Cruz, I. Sur
8:30 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. David William Antonio
Immaculate Conception Parish, Quirino, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass
Presider: Msgr. Antonio Reclusado
NECROLOGY: 1837 Bishop Francisco Alban, OP
9 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET or St. Juan Diego, WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Glendino Ragsag (1997)
NECROLOGY: 1856 Fr. Saturnino Mateo
Fr. Andres Alcayaga
Msgr. Osmundo Calip
10 - Friday: Advent Weekday (2), VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: Wedding, Manila
Ordination: Rev. Melchor Reonal (2003)
Rev. Ramelle j. rigunay (2007)
11 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (2), Violet or m of St. Damasus I, pope, WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Arnel Noel Ramos (1970)
Ordination: Rev. Raymund Ancheta (2001)
12 - Sunday: + THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET OR ROSE.
SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for St. Peter’s Pence
PATRONAL FEAST: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Sevilla, Sta. Cruz, I. Sur
9 AM - Concelebrated Mass
13 - Monday: St. Lucy, virgin and martyr. RED.
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Lucy Parish, Sta. Lucia, I. Sur
8:30 AM - Concelebrated Mass
St. Lucy Parish, Narvacan, I. Sur
4 PM - Concelebrated Mass
14 - Tuesday: St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor. WHITE.
Clergy Advent Recollection: Aula de Nuestra Señora de Caridad
Archbishop’s Residence Compound, Vigan City
Ordination: Rev. Sherwin Aquino (2005)
Rev. Bernardo Gonzales (2005)
Rev. Lester Joseph Plana (2005)
15 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (3). VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. William’s Institute, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
9 AM – Confirmation
Birthday (1961) & Ordination (1987): Rev. Antonio Reclusado
Ordination: Rev. Mario Raquepo (1979)
NECROLOGY: 1846 Fr. Egidio Abaya
AGUINALDO MASSES
16 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (3). VIOLET. National Youth Day
SPECIAL COLLECTION: 1st Misa de Gallo collection for IYM
NECROLOGY: 1807 Fr. Bernardo Montenegro
1814 Bishop Cayetano Pallas, OP
17 - Friday: Advent Weekday (3). Violet.
Ordination: Rev. Anthony Rosario (1990)
Rev. Constatino Atinaja, Jr. (1994)
18 - Saturday: Advent Weekday (3). Violet.
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Joseph Parish, Salcedo, I. Sur
9 AM – Mass with Installation of Lectors and Acolytes
Ordination: Rev. Rene Rosabia(, 1991)
Rev. Peter Dumag (1992)
Rev. Rean Frederick Enriquez (1993)
Rev. Ronilo Villa (1995)
19 - Sunday: + FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET
Archbishop’s Schedule: Parents of Priests’ Christmas Gathering
Aula de Nuestra Señora de Caridad
Archbishop’s Residence Compound, Vigan City
11 AM – Holy Mass
Ordination: Rev. Gerardo Isabelo Antolin (, 1990)
Rev. Jack Cabatu (1992)
Rev. Florentino Escalona (1994)
20 - Monday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur
9 AM – Confirmation
Ordination: Rev. Arthur Amian (1989)
Rev. Raymund Ellorin (1991)
21 - Tuesday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Birthday: Rev. Virgilio Cabaccang (1955)
Ordination: Rev. Ferdinand Ragasa (1990)
Rev. Cosmenio Rosimo, Jr. (1991)
Rev. Mar G. Barroga (2002)
NECROLOGY: 1806 Fr. Christoval de Quintos
1992 Fr. Jose Tongson
22 - Wednesday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: Holy Mass – Golden Wedding Anniversary
Laoag City
Ordination: Rev. Felix Costales (1989)
Rev. Jerry Avisa (1992)
23 - Thursday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Presbyteral Ordination: Most Rev. Ernesto Salgado (1961)
Rev. Albert Manalo (1961)
24 - Friday: Advent Weekday (4). VIOLET.
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
12 MN - Midnight Mass
Birthday: Rev. German Somera (1969)
CHRISTMAS SEASON
25 - Saturday: + CHRISTMAS, SOLEMNITY OF THE LORD’S BIRTH. White
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
9 AM – Holy Mass
26 - Sunday: +FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Stephen Proto-Martyr Parish, San Esteban, I. Sur.
9 AM – Concelebrated Mass
Birthday: Rev. Constantino Atinaja, Jr. (1968)
27 - Monday: Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist. WHITE.
Ordination: Rev. Ethel Agamata (1989)
28 - Tuesday: The Holy Innocents. RED.
29 - Wednesday: FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS or m of St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr. WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. David William Antonio (1963)
30 - Thursday: SIXTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS, WHITE.
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Augustine School Centennial Celebration
St. Augustine Parish, Tagudin, I. Sur
8 AM – Holy Mass
31 - Friday: SEVENTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS or m of St. Sylvester I, pope. WHITE.
Archbishop’s Schedule: St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
9:30 PM – Holy Mass
BIRTHDAY: Rev. Glendino Ragsag (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1803 Bishop Agustin Pedro Blaquier, OP
Activities for JANUARY 2011:
January 3 & 4 – Clergy New Year’s Gathering, Stella Maris, Pug-os, Cabugao, I. Sur
January 12 – 55th Canonical Coronation of Apo Caridad, Bantay, I. Sur
January 15 - Patronal Feast of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur
January 17 – Patronal Feast of Holy Child of Prague Parish, Cervantes, I. Sur
January 23 – Patronal Feast of St. Ildefonsus Parish, San Ildefonso I. Sur
January 25 – Patronal Feast of Conversion of St. Paul, Vigan City
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Zacchaeus
There is in everyone a Zacchaeus, once a sinner, seeking for Jesus. The wonder is, even before one find Jesus, Jesus find him. And enters his house, and his heart. Receiving Jesus, Zacchaeus is never the same. Justice and compassion then flow from his heart. He is saved.
May we allow Jesus to find us today. May we allow him to come to our house. May we allow him to come to our hearts.
WE could also learn from the approach of Jesus.
God loves his creatures. His desire is to save not destroy. Wisely and compassionately, Jesus saved Zacchaeus. May we, the Church, mirror not only God's justice, but also his wisdom and compassion which alone truly saves.
May we allow Jesus to find us today. May we allow him to come to our house. May we allow him to come to our hearts.
WE could also learn from the approach of Jesus.
God loves his creatures. His desire is to save not destroy. Wisely and compassionately, Jesus saved Zacchaeus. May we, the Church, mirror not only God's justice, but also his wisdom and compassion which alone truly saves.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
November in Nueva Segovia
REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2010
1 - Monday: SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS. WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. SEGUNDINO CORTEZ (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1981 Archbishop Mariano Madriaga
2 - Tuesday: COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. VIOLET OR WHITE.
Archbishop’s Schedule: 5PM - Holy Mass
Simbaan a Bassit (Vigan Camposanto), Vigan City
NECROLOGY: 1973 Fr. Francisco Milan
3 - Wednesday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Martin de Porres, Religious. WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1794 Fr. Manuel Baza
4 - Thursday: St. Charles Borromeo, bishop. WHITE.
5 - Friday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1986 Fr. Jose Lazo
6 - Saturday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
7 - Sunday: THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ORDINATION: REV. GARY NOEL FORMOSO (1997)
8 - Monday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. GODOFREDO CLAUDIO (1957)
REV. RAYMUND ELLORIN (1965)
REV. ARWIN ROMULO REBOLLIDO (1975)
NECROLOGY: 2001 Fr. Teodorico Rivera
9 - Tuesday: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. WHITE
REGULAR SCHEDULE: Vicarial Meeting
10 - Wednesday: St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM - Misa Concelebrada
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. AVELINO SIPIN (1931)
11 - Thursday: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop. WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. MAGDALENO RUELOS (1947)
NECROLOGY: 1980 Fr. Magdaleno Estonillo
1779 Bishop Miguel Garcia de San Esteban, OP
1986 Fr. Patricio Monis
12 - Friday: St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. REYNALDO REBEBES (1999)
NECROLOGY: 1751 Bishop-elect Juan de Arechedera, OP
13 - Saturday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1896 Fr. Vicente Rosario
14 - Sunday: THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
15 - Monday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor, WHITE.
NOVEMBER 15 - 16: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY
Archbishop’s Schedule: To Manila on the way to Rome, Italy for Ad Limina Visit
16 - Tuesday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Margaret of Scotland, WHITE or m of St. Gertrude, Virgins, WHITE.
17 - Wednesday: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. PETER JOE DAGSI (1973)
NECROLOGY: 1803 Fr. Fermin de Messa
18 - Thursday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of the Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul, WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. RANDY VAL DIZON (2003)
NECROLOGY: 1884 Fr. Aniceto de los Reyes
19 - Friday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
20 - Saturday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. CRISTETO A.CORTEZ (1977)
ORDINATION: REV. MOISES ANDRADA (2003)
21 - Sunday: SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING. WHITE
SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for NS Clergy Hospitalization Fund.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM – Misa Concelebrada
Christ the King Parish, Paing, Bantay, I. Sur
ARCHDIOCESAN CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION
1:30 PM – Holy Child of Prague Parish, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. ALBERT RABE (1958)
NECROLOGY: 1884 Fr. Fulgencio Bonifacio
22 - Monday: St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. RED.
BIRTHDAY: ARCHBISHOP ERNESTO A. SALGADO (1936)
NECROLOGY: 1998 Msgr. Venancio Acas
23 - Tuesday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr, RED or m of St. Columban, Abbot. WHITE.
24 - Wednesday: St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Companions, Martyr. RED.
NECROLOGY: 1703 Fr. Pedro Ponce
ORDINATION: REV. MAGDALENO RUELOS, JR. (1973)
REV. ARWIN ROMULO REBOLLIDO (2003)
25 - Thursday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr. RED.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8 AM – Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur
8:30 AM – Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, Ilocos Sur
Presider: Msgr. David William V. Antonio
26 - Friday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN
27 - Saturday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. EDGAR SERRANO (1987)
28 - Sunday: + FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET
Catholic Handicapped Day
SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for ICST
NECROLOGY: 1757 Bishop Juan de la Fuente Yepes
1843 Fr. Pantaleon Joseph Ceinfuego
1985 Fr. Jose Mabutas
ORDINATION: REV. GAUDELIO DONATO (1987)
29 - Monday: Advent Weekday (1). VIOLET.
BIRTHDAY: REV. CARLITO FERIA (1975)
30 - Tuesday: ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE. RED
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Suyo, Ilocos Sur
9:30 AM - Misa Concelebrada
Presider: Msgr. David William V. Antonio
ORDINATION: REV. AVELINO SIPIN (1956)
MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2010
1 - Monday: SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS. WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. SEGUNDINO CORTEZ (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1981 Archbishop Mariano Madriaga
2 - Tuesday: COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. VIOLET OR WHITE.
Archbishop’s Schedule: 5PM - Holy Mass
Simbaan a Bassit (Vigan Camposanto), Vigan City
NECROLOGY: 1973 Fr. Francisco Milan
3 - Wednesday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Martin de Porres, Religious. WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1794 Fr. Manuel Baza
4 - Thursday: St. Charles Borromeo, bishop. WHITE.
5 - Friday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1986 Fr. Jose Lazo
6 - Saturday: 31st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
7 - Sunday: THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ORDINATION: REV. GARY NOEL FORMOSO (1997)
8 - Monday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. GODOFREDO CLAUDIO (1957)
REV. RAYMUND ELLORIN (1965)
REV. ARWIN ROMULO REBOLLIDO (1975)
NECROLOGY: 2001 Fr. Teodorico Rivera
9 - Tuesday: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. WHITE
REGULAR SCHEDULE: Vicarial Meeting
10 - Wednesday: St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM - Misa Concelebrada
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. AVELINO SIPIN (1931)
11 - Thursday: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop. WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. MAGDALENO RUELOS (1947)
NECROLOGY: 1980 Fr. Magdaleno Estonillo
1779 Bishop Miguel Garcia de San Esteban, OP
1986 Fr. Patricio Monis
12 - Friday: St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. REYNALDO REBEBES (1999)
NECROLOGY: 1751 Bishop-elect Juan de Arechedera, OP
13 - Saturday: 32nd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1896 Fr. Vicente Rosario
14 - Sunday: THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
15 - Monday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor, WHITE.
NOVEMBER 15 - 16: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY
Archbishop’s Schedule: To Manila on the way to Rome, Italy for Ad Limina Visit
16 - Tuesday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Margaret of Scotland, WHITE or m of St. Gertrude, Virgins, WHITE.
17 - Wednesday: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. PETER JOE DAGSI (1973)
NECROLOGY: 1803 Fr. Fermin de Messa
18 - Thursday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of the Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul, WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. RANDY VAL DIZON (2003)
NECROLOGY: 1884 Fr. Aniceto de los Reyes
19 - Friday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
20 - Saturday: 33rd Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
BIRTHDAY: REV. CRISTETO A.CORTEZ (1977)
ORDINATION: REV. MOISES ANDRADA (2003)
21 - Sunday: SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING. WHITE
SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for NS Clergy Hospitalization Fund.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM – Misa Concelebrada
Christ the King Parish, Paing, Bantay, I. Sur
ARCHDIOCESAN CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION
1:30 PM – Holy Child of Prague Parish, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. ALBERT RABE (1958)
NECROLOGY: 1884 Fr. Fulgencio Bonifacio
22 - Monday: St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. RED.
BIRTHDAY: ARCHBISHOP ERNESTO A. SALGADO (1936)
NECROLOGY: 1998 Msgr. Venancio Acas
23 - Tuesday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr, RED or m of St. Columban, Abbot. WHITE.
24 - Wednesday: St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Companions, Martyr. RED.
NECROLOGY: 1703 Fr. Pedro Ponce
ORDINATION: REV. MAGDALENO RUELOS, JR. (1973)
REV. ARWIN ROMULO REBOLLIDO (2003)
25 - Thursday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr. RED.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8 AM – Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur
8:30 AM – Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, Ilocos Sur
Presider: Msgr. David William V. Antonio
26 - Friday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN
27 - Saturday: 34th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV. EDGAR SERRANO (1987)
28 - Sunday: + FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT. VIOLET
Catholic Handicapped Day
SPECIAL COLLECTION: to be made in all masses for ICST
NECROLOGY: 1757 Bishop Juan de la Fuente Yepes
1843 Fr. Pantaleon Joseph Ceinfuego
1985 Fr. Jose Mabutas
ORDINATION: REV. GAUDELIO DONATO (1987)
29 - Monday: Advent Weekday (1). VIOLET.
BIRTHDAY: REV. CARLITO FERIA (1975)
30 - Tuesday: ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE. RED
PATRONAL FEAST: St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Suyo, Ilocos Sur
9:30 AM - Misa Concelebrada
Presider: Msgr. David William V. Antonio
ORDINATION: REV. AVELINO SIPIN (1956)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
October in Nueva Segovia
We received this from the Chancery of Nueva Segovia in Vigan City, Philippines, thanks to Fr. Ferdinand Ragasa, the Chancellor and Manang Malyn Salvador, member of the Chancery staff.
Please include the Archbishop and the Clergy and Religious of the Archdiocese in your prayers. I offer my prayers for all who visit this blog.
REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
MONTH OF OCTOBER 2010
1 - Friday: St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Virgin and Doctor: Patroness of all Missions. White.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 7AM – Concelebrated Mass, Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
ORDINATION: REV.GARRET ALFONSO ULANIMO (2004)
2 - Saturday: Guardian Angels. White.
ORDINATION: REV.MICHAEL TOLENTINO (2004)
3 - 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
4 - Monday: St Francis of Assisi. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV.ALEN VILLAREAL (2004)
BIRTHDAY: REV. EDGAR SERRANO (1961)
5 - Tuesday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
NECROLOGY: 2006 Rev. Angel Cruces
6 - Wednesday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Bruno, Priest, WHITE
NECROLOGY: 1880 Fr. Geronimo Reyes
7 - Thursday: Our Lady of the Rosary. White.
8 - Friday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
9 - Saturday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Denis, bishop, and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. John Leonardi, priest, WHITE or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE.
10 - 28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S SUNDAY (Special Collection to be made)
Extreme Poverty Day
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Golden Jubilee of Most Rev. Francisco C. San Diego, DD
Pasig City
BIRTHDAY: REV.FLORENCIO REBEBES (1951)
NECROLOGY: 1927 Fr. Agustin Rosario
11 - Monday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: October 11 – 12, 2010
Northern Luzon Bishops’ Meeting, San Pablo Seminary, Baguio
12 - Tuesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
Regular Schedule: VICARIAL MEETING
NECROLOGY: 1821 Fr. Joseph Pichay
1966 Archbishop Santiago Sancho
13 - Wednesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 7:30 AM – Mass in Commemoration of the Apparition of
Our Lady of Fatima
Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey, Fatima, Vigan City
BIRTHDAY: REV.MARCELO CANTORNA (1938)
14 - Thursday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Callixtus, Pope and Martyr, Red.
15 - Friday: St Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor. WHITE.
16 - Saturday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Hedwig, religious, WHITE or m of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin, WHITE or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 11AM – Holy Mass, CWL Archdiocesan Loyalty Day
Aula de Caridad, Archbishop’s Compound, Vigan City
BIRTHDAY: REV.FLORENTINO ESCALONA (1964)
17 - 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
“Go…make disciples of all nations…baptize them…teach them all I have commanded to you”
(Mt. 28:19-20)
(Special Collection to be made)
(A special homily on the missions should be preached today. The collections of all masses are for the missions and should be sent to the Most Reverend Ordinaries within 15 days. Where special celebrations for the mission work of the Church are held, the mass for the spread of the Gospel may be said today)
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30AM, Pastoral Visit
St. James the Greater Parish, Santiago, Ilocos Sur
NECROLOGY: 1966 Msgr. Daniel Cortez
18 - Monday: St. Luke, Evangelist. RED.
Regular Schedule: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY
October 18 – 19
19 - Tuesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m. of St. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. Paul of the Cross, priest, WHITE.
20 - Wednesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1932 Fr. Segundo Urbi
21 - Thursday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
22 - Friday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
BIRTHDAY: REV. RONALD DOÑA (1981)
23 - Saturday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. John Capistrano, priest, WHITE or m of St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM – Confirmation
St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, San Isidro, San Juan, Ilocos Sur
3 PM – Confirmation
Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Vigan City
24 - 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
PRISON AWARENESS SUNDAY
VOCATION ANIMATION SUNDAY
(Special Collection to be made)
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM, Pastoral Visit
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur
25 - Monday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. REY URMENETA (1953)
REV. PASCUAL ABAYA IV (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1847 Fr. Vicente Rivera
26 - Tuesday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. FELICISIMO FERRER (1955)
ORDINATION: REV. ALOYSIUS MALCABA (1991)
27 - Wednesday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ORDINATION: REV. RAY SABALBURO (1983)
BIRTHDAY : REV. SHERWIN AQUINO (1977)
28 - Thursday: Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles. Red
BIRTHDAY: REV. RAMELLE RIGUNAY (1981)
29 - Friday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM – Confirmation
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. ORLANDO FULLER (1947)
REV. ALEN VILLAREAL (1973)
ORDINATION: REV. ALBERT RABE (1983)
30 - Saturday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 2:30 PM – Solemn Investiture Mass of ICMS
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
31 - 31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Ildefonse Parish, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur
Please include the Archbishop and the Clergy and Religious of the Archdiocese in your prayers. I offer my prayers for all who visit this blog.
REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
MONTH OF OCTOBER 2010
1 - Friday: St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Virgin and Doctor: Patroness of all Missions. White.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 7AM – Concelebrated Mass, Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
ORDINATION: REV.GARRET ALFONSO ULANIMO (2004)
2 - Saturday: Guardian Angels. White.
ORDINATION: REV.MICHAEL TOLENTINO (2004)
3 - 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
4 - Monday: St Francis of Assisi. WHITE.
ORDINATION: REV.ALEN VILLAREAL (2004)
BIRTHDAY: REV. EDGAR SERRANO (1961)
5 - Tuesday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
NECROLOGY: 2006 Rev. Angel Cruces
6 - Wednesday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Bruno, Priest, WHITE
NECROLOGY: 1880 Fr. Geronimo Reyes
7 - Thursday: Our Lady of the Rosary. White.
8 - Friday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
9 - Saturday: 27th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Denis, bishop, and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. John Leonardi, priest, WHITE or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE.
10 - 28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S SUNDAY (Special Collection to be made)
Extreme Poverty Day
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Golden Jubilee of Most Rev. Francisco C. San Diego, DD
Pasig City
BIRTHDAY: REV.FLORENCIO REBEBES (1951)
NECROLOGY: 1927 Fr. Agustin Rosario
11 - Monday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: October 11 – 12, 2010
Northern Luzon Bishops’ Meeting, San Pablo Seminary, Baguio
12 - Tuesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
Regular Schedule: VICARIAL MEETING
NECROLOGY: 1821 Fr. Joseph Pichay
1966 Archbishop Santiago Sancho
13 - Wednesday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 7:30 AM – Mass in Commemoration of the Apparition of
Our Lady of Fatima
Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey, Fatima, Vigan City
BIRTHDAY: REV.MARCELO CANTORNA (1938)
14 - Thursday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Callixtus, Pope and Martyr, Red.
15 - Friday: St Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor. WHITE.
16 - Saturday: 28th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Hedwig, religious, WHITE or m of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin, WHITE or m of the BVM on Saturday, WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 11AM – Holy Mass, CWL Archdiocesan Loyalty Day
Aula de Caridad, Archbishop’s Compound, Vigan City
BIRTHDAY: REV.FLORENTINO ESCALONA (1964)
17 - 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
“Go…make disciples of all nations…baptize them…teach them all I have commanded to you”
(Mt. 28:19-20)
(Special Collection to be made)
(A special homily on the missions should be preached today. The collections of all masses are for the missions and should be sent to the Most Reverend Ordinaries within 15 days. Where special celebrations for the mission work of the Church are held, the mass for the spread of the Gospel may be said today)
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30AM, Pastoral Visit
St. James the Greater Parish, Santiago, Ilocos Sur
NECROLOGY: 1966 Msgr. Daniel Cortez
18 - Monday: St. Luke, Evangelist. RED.
Regular Schedule: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY
October 18 – 19
19 - Tuesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m. of St. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests and Companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. Paul of the Cross, priest, WHITE.
20 - Wednesday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1932 Fr. Segundo Urbi
21 - Thursday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
22 - Friday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN
BIRTHDAY: REV. RONALD DOÑA (1981)
23 - Saturday: 29th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. John Capistrano, priest, WHITE or m of St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM – Confirmation
St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, San Isidro, San Juan, Ilocos Sur
3 PM – Confirmation
Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Vigan City
24 - 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
PRISON AWARENESS SUNDAY
VOCATION ANIMATION SUNDAY
(Special Collection to be made)
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM, Pastoral Visit
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur
25 - Monday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. REY URMENETA (1953)
REV. PASCUAL ABAYA IV (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1847 Fr. Vicente Rivera
26 - Tuesday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
BIRTHDAY: REV. FELICISIMO FERRER (1955)
ORDINATION: REV. ALOYSIUS MALCABA (1991)
27 - Wednesday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ORDINATION: REV. RAY SABALBURO (1983)
BIRTHDAY : REV. SHERWIN AQUINO (1977)
28 - Thursday: Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles. Red
BIRTHDAY: REV. RAMELLE RIGUNAY (1981)
29 - Friday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9AM – Confirmation
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur
BIRTHDAY: REV. ORLANDO FULLER (1947)
REV. ALEN VILLAREAL (1973)
ORDINATION: REV. ALBERT RABE (1983)
30 - Saturday: 30th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 2:30 PM – Solemn Investiture Mass of ICMS
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan City
31 - 31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30 AM – Mass for the La Naval
St. Ildefonse Parish, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur
Thursday, September 16, 2010
An Email Brigade
I received this through e-mail today. If I am not mistaken (which I could be), this was already published by Fr. Reuter earlier. Still, the message is ever relevant.
We pray for an integral renewal of Pilipinas, and ating Bayang Mahal, Lupang Hinirang. And also, we also pray, resolve, and act on our own personal renewal. As once said (thanks to the wisecracker), "Become the change you want to happen."
THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
by Father James Reuter, S.J.
Our republic has become one of the weakest nations, steadily left
behind by its more progressive neighbors.
The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversible path
of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack of effort.
We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out of government,
NGOs, church groups & people's organization devote themselves to the
task of nation-building, often times against insurmountable odds. Not
even people's revolutions, bloodless as they may be, have made a dent
in reversing this trend. At best, we have moved one step forward, but
three steps backward.
We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as a people,
can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to the
spiritual realm... It's time to gather GOD's people to pray for the
economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation.
Is prayer really the answer?
Before you dismiss this as just another rambling, I'd like you to
consider some lessons we can glean from history.
England 's ascendancy to world power was preceded by the Reformation,
a spiritual revival fueled by intense prayers.
The early American settlers built the foundation that would make it
the most powerful nation today --- a strong faith in GOD and a
disciplined prayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its
major turning points, waves of revival and prayer movement swept
across the land.
In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival and in
the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today,
led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho.. No wonder it has emerged as a strong
nation when other economies around it are faltering.
Even from a purely secular viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here,
there is genuine humbling & seeking of GOD through prayer, moral
reformation necessarily follows. And this, in turn, will lead to
general prosperity. YES, we believe prayer can make a difference.
It's our only hope.
Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from all over
the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery and moral
reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only ask of
you to fwd this email to your close friends and relatives.
This is the kind of resolve and unity which can make a big difference.
Of course, if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer,
you can be more involved by starting a prayer group or prayer center.
We have tried people power twice before; inboth cases, it fell short.
Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails. Is there hope?
YES! We can rely on God's promise, but we have to do our part. If we
humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will hear and heal our land.
By GOD's grace, we may still see a chance of a better future for our
country..
'If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and
pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I
hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their
land...
(2 Chronicles 7:14).
If you care for your children and grandchildren, let's not abandon the
Philippines .
PLEASE, pass this on.
We pray for an integral renewal of Pilipinas, and ating Bayang Mahal, Lupang Hinirang. And also, we also pray, resolve, and act on our own personal renewal. As once said (thanks to the wisecracker), "Become the change you want to happen."
THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
by Father James Reuter, S.J.
Our republic has become one of the weakest nations, steadily left
behind by its more progressive neighbors.
The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversible path
of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack of effort.
We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out of government,
NGOs, church groups & people's organization devote themselves to the
task of nation-building, often times against insurmountable odds. Not
even people's revolutions, bloodless as they may be, have made a dent
in reversing this trend. At best, we have moved one step forward, but
three steps backward.
We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as a people,
can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to the
spiritual realm... It's time to gather GOD's people to pray for the
economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation.
Is prayer really the answer?
Before you dismiss this as just another rambling, I'd like you to
consider some lessons we can glean from history.
England 's ascendancy to world power was preceded by the Reformation,
a spiritual revival fueled by intense prayers.
The early American settlers built the foundation that would make it
the most powerful nation today --- a strong faith in GOD and a
disciplined prayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its
major turning points, waves of revival and prayer movement swept
across the land.
In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival and in
the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today,
led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho.. No wonder it has emerged as a strong
nation when other economies around it are faltering.
Even from a purely secular viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here,
there is genuine humbling & seeking of GOD through prayer, moral
reformation necessarily follows. And this, in turn, will lead to
general prosperity. YES, we believe prayer can make a difference.
It's our only hope.
Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from all over
the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery and moral
reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only ask of
you to fwd this email to your close friends and relatives.
This is the kind of resolve and unity which can make a big difference.
Of course, if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer,
you can be more involved by starting a prayer group or prayer center.
We have tried people power twice before; inboth cases, it fell short.
Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails. Is there hope?
YES! We can rely on God's promise, but we have to do our part. If we
humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will hear and heal our land.
By GOD's grace, we may still see a chance of a better future for our
country..
'If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and
pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I
hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their
land...
(2 Chronicles 7:14).
If you care for your children and grandchildren, let's not abandon the
Philippines .
PLEASE, pass this on.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Triumph of the Cross
The cross was an ancient form of punishment which dates back to the Persians. It was later adopted by the Greeks, then also by the Romans. Crucifixion was considered the worst of all punishment, not only because of the pain felt by the crucified, and the slow and excruciating cause of death on the cross, which is asphyxiation – characterized by the loss of oxygen causing severe muscle paralysis among others. It was considered the worst punishment because of what it meant – the person is exposed, stripped naked which means the person is stripped of his dignity, and then he is hanged on the cross between heaven and earth which mean he is deprived of both heaven and earth – he is deprived of everything. The cross was not only a painful death, but a sentence of ultimate humiliation and of total deprivation. The cross is by no means then a beautiful symbol. It is actually an ugly sign of cruelty. Triumph of the Cross then would be an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. The cross is anything but triumphant.
What changed it all is when Jesus gave himself over to be crucified. The authorities meant to humiliate, deprive, defeat Jesus. On the contrary, on the cross, Jesus was exalted, fulfilled, triumphant. On the cross, Jesus was exalted, raised up high, and just as the serpent lifted up on the pole symbolized, all who look on Jesus Crucified will be saved. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled his mission to be Messiah, whose suffering and death won the healing and life of broken humanity. On the cross, Jesus triumphed over violence, over sin, over death, over evil, over hatred. The cross is the triumph of Peace, of Grace, of Life, of Goodness, of Love.
The cross was a sign of defeat and of weakness. But the self-giving of Christ, which the letter of Paul to the Philippians sing about transformed it into a statement of triumph and strength. Very beautifully, Hans Urs Von Balthasar wrote that the divinity of Jesus shone most eminently in the cross. Jesus, was most God when he was there hanging on the cross – for only God can be capable of such great love. True, because God is love.
As the Church grew, the cross became a central symbol of the faith, and rightly so. We sign ourselves with the sign of the cross. The cross is central in the symbols of the Churches. We hang the cross in our homes, rooms, schools, workplaces, even in our cars. Some have the cross in their pocket. Some wear them as pendants, rings, or sometimes even as earrings. But more than just symbols, more than fashion accessories, let us remember that when we sign ourselves with the cross, when we hang the cross, or when we bring the cross, or wear the cross,
- We are reminding ourselves of the great love of God – For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only son, so that all who would believe in him might have eternal life.
- We are making a statement of faith – that we believe that Jesus Christ has saved us, that Jesus Christ has freed us.
- And we are saying yes to cross – to take up our cross daily, to embrace the cross and let the cross triumph in our lives. The cross triumphs in our lives when we defeat violence, sin, death, evil and hatred, and let Peace, Grace, Life, Goodness, Love be concrete in our daily lives.
May we be always grateful for the immense love of God, proud of our Christian heritage of the cross, and aware of our responsibility to take up the cross daily.
Let us adore Christ and bless him because by his holy cross he has redeemed the world.
What changed it all is when Jesus gave himself over to be crucified. The authorities meant to humiliate, deprive, defeat Jesus. On the contrary, on the cross, Jesus was exalted, fulfilled, triumphant. On the cross, Jesus was exalted, raised up high, and just as the serpent lifted up on the pole symbolized, all who look on Jesus Crucified will be saved. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled his mission to be Messiah, whose suffering and death won the healing and life of broken humanity. On the cross, Jesus triumphed over violence, over sin, over death, over evil, over hatred. The cross is the triumph of Peace, of Grace, of Life, of Goodness, of Love.
The cross was a sign of defeat and of weakness. But the self-giving of Christ, which the letter of Paul to the Philippians sing about transformed it into a statement of triumph and strength. Very beautifully, Hans Urs Von Balthasar wrote that the divinity of Jesus shone most eminently in the cross. Jesus, was most God when he was there hanging on the cross – for only God can be capable of such great love. True, because God is love.
As the Church grew, the cross became a central symbol of the faith, and rightly so. We sign ourselves with the sign of the cross. The cross is central in the symbols of the Churches. We hang the cross in our homes, rooms, schools, workplaces, even in our cars. Some have the cross in their pocket. Some wear them as pendants, rings, or sometimes even as earrings. But more than just symbols, more than fashion accessories, let us remember that when we sign ourselves with the cross, when we hang the cross, or when we bring the cross, or wear the cross,
- We are reminding ourselves of the great love of God – For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only son, so that all who would believe in him might have eternal life.
- We are making a statement of faith – that we believe that Jesus Christ has saved us, that Jesus Christ has freed us.
- And we are saying yes to cross – to take up our cross daily, to embrace the cross and let the cross triumph in our lives. The cross triumphs in our lives when we defeat violence, sin, death, evil and hatred, and let Peace, Grace, Life, Goodness, Love be concrete in our daily lives.
May we be always grateful for the immense love of God, proud of our Christian heritage of the cross, and aware of our responsibility to take up the cross daily.
Let us adore Christ and bless him because by his holy cross he has redeemed the world.
Friday, July 30, 2010
A thought for today
Obscurity, Ordinariness, Goodness and Greatness
Blessed John XXIII, the pope who convened the Second Vatican Council wrote (in his Journal of a Soul) that one of the things that baffle him in the life of Jesus is its obscurity. For thirty years, the Son of God lived in obscurity – silent and unnoticed. This he says speaks of the humility of God who stripped himself of all grandeur and entitlements to live among us as one of us.
If I may add, obscurity of life that God opted for is a statement on the goodness of humanity. That God chose to become one of us and lived the simple life of a carpenter’s son is God’s way of telling us that man is capable of goodness. The simple person is capable of greatness. The carpenter’s son, the carpenter, the laborer’s son, the laborer, the ordinary person is capable of great things.
Many times, we fail to see this. We fail to see that we are capable of goodness, of greatness. Like the town mates of Jesus. Their rejection of Jesus from the fact that they knew his humble origins and humble life was not only a rejection of Jesus; it was a rejection of their own selves. They were in effect saying that they were not capable of goodness, of greatness. Worse, unable (or unwilling) to see this in ourselves, we deny this too of others. Like the town mates of Jesus there is a tendency for us to look down and dismiss people who shine in goodness and rise to greatness.
In the Philippines, this attitude is called crab mentality – from the behavior of crabs in a basket. There is no danger of losing any of them because no one would allow one to leave the basket. If one attempts to climb the basket and leave, the others pull him down, back into the basket.
To counter this mentality and attitude, one teacher’s attitude towards her students is noteworthy. When she enters the classroom, she looks at each student not for what they are, but for what they can become. Before her could be the next president, the next great scientist, the next pope, a saint. And so she has a lot of respect for them.
Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World teaches us that Christ reveals to us our truest selves. The very person of Jesus reveals to us who we are, what we are capable of, what we are destined for. But we can only become our truest selves, realize our utmost capabilities and reach our destination only if we truly and fully accept Jesus and make his teaching, his very life and person the standard and guide for our own lives. And this also entails seeing the goodness and greatness of Jesus in other people.
I invite you to pray,
Lord, make us accept the ordinariness of the life of Jesus, make the ordinariness of our lives be filled with the goodness and greatness of Jesus, and make us see not the ordinariness of other people, but the infinite capacity for goodness and greatness that you have gifted them with.
Blessed John XXIII, the pope who convened the Second Vatican Council wrote (in his Journal of a Soul) that one of the things that baffle him in the life of Jesus is its obscurity. For thirty years, the Son of God lived in obscurity – silent and unnoticed. This he says speaks of the humility of God who stripped himself of all grandeur and entitlements to live among us as one of us.
If I may add, obscurity of life that God opted for is a statement on the goodness of humanity. That God chose to become one of us and lived the simple life of a carpenter’s son is God’s way of telling us that man is capable of goodness. The simple person is capable of greatness. The carpenter’s son, the carpenter, the laborer’s son, the laborer, the ordinary person is capable of great things.
Many times, we fail to see this. We fail to see that we are capable of goodness, of greatness. Like the town mates of Jesus. Their rejection of Jesus from the fact that they knew his humble origins and humble life was not only a rejection of Jesus; it was a rejection of their own selves. They were in effect saying that they were not capable of goodness, of greatness. Worse, unable (or unwilling) to see this in ourselves, we deny this too of others. Like the town mates of Jesus there is a tendency for us to look down and dismiss people who shine in goodness and rise to greatness.
In the Philippines, this attitude is called crab mentality – from the behavior of crabs in a basket. There is no danger of losing any of them because no one would allow one to leave the basket. If one attempts to climb the basket and leave, the others pull him down, back into the basket.
To counter this mentality and attitude, one teacher’s attitude towards her students is noteworthy. When she enters the classroom, she looks at each student not for what they are, but for what they can become. Before her could be the next president, the next great scientist, the next pope, a saint. And so she has a lot of respect for them.
Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World teaches us that Christ reveals to us our truest selves. The very person of Jesus reveals to us who we are, what we are capable of, what we are destined for. But we can only become our truest selves, realize our utmost capabilities and reach our destination only if we truly and fully accept Jesus and make his teaching, his very life and person the standard and guide for our own lives. And this also entails seeing the goodness and greatness of Jesus in other people.
I invite you to pray,
Lord, make us accept the ordinariness of the life of Jesus, make the ordinariness of our lives be filled with the goodness and greatness of Jesus, and make us see not the ordinariness of other people, but the infinite capacity for goodness and greatness that you have gifted them with.
August in Nueva Segovia, Vigan
Manang Malyn at the Chancery in Vigan emailed next month's activities in the Archdiocese. The Chancery Reminders also include requests for prayers for priests on the occasion of their birth into this world, into the ministries of the Church and into eternity.
***
REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
MONTH OF AUGUST 2010
1 - +18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, GREEN.
ST. JOHN BAPTISTE MARIE VIANNEY SUNDAY.
Special Collection in all Sunday Masses and the Saturday evening Masses is to be made for the on-going formation of the clergy.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30 AM: Pastoral Visit, St. Lucy Parish, Narvacan, I. Sur
Birthday: Rev. Garret Alfonso U. Ulanimo (1977)
NECROLOGY: 1935, Bp. Peter Joseph Hurth, CSC
2 - Monday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop, WHITE, or m. of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest. WHITE, or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Alfredo J. Ancheta (1945)
NECROLOGY: 1887, Fr. Mariano Cuertero y Sierra, ORSA
1764, Bp.-elect Bernardo Ustariz, OP
3 - Tuesday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1917, Fr. Antonio Benayges
4 - Wednesday: St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney, Priest. WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Amador C. Cabaluna (1951)
NECROLOGY: 1916, Fr. Jose Brunol, SJ
5 - Thursday:18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome. WHITE.
6 - Friday: Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord. WHITE.
7 - Saturday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Sixtus, pope and companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. Cajetan, priest, WHITE or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Holy Mass, Laoag City
NECROLOGY: 1982, Fr. Proceso Pasion
8 - 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM: Misa Concelebrada
St. Dominic of Guzman Parish, Sto. Domingo, I. Sur
Birthday: Rev. Danilo S. Martinez (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1828, Fr. Juan Baptista Cacal
9 - Monday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin and Martyr, RED.
NECROLOGY: 1916, Fr. Pablo Sharge, SJ
10 - Tuesday: St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. RED.
Regular Schedule of Vicarial Meetings
NECROLOGY: 1986, Fr. Juan Apolinar
11 - Wednesday: St. Clare of Assisi, Virgin. WHITE.
FEAST OF ST. CLARE: 3:30 PM: Misa Concelebrada
Sisters of St. Clare, Sabang, Cabugao, I. Sur
12 - Thursday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Frances de Chantal, religious, WHITE.
13 - Friday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Pontian, pope and martyr, and St. Hippolytus, martyr and priest, RED.
Birthday: Rev. Vicente B. Avila (1949)
14 - Saturday:St. Maximillian Kolbe, priest and martyr. RED.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM: Confirmation, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Suyo, I. Sur
NECROLOGY: 1719, Fr. Manuel Guillectiqui
1872, Bp. Juan Jose Aragones, OSA
1875, Fr. Agapito Lazo
15 - SUNDAY: SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 9 AM: Misa Concelebrada
Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
16 - Monday: San Roque, Healer. WHITE.
FEAST OF SAN ROQUE: 8:30 AM: Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, Ilocos Sur
REGULAR SCHEDULE: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY - August 16 – 17
Birthday: Msgr. Roque C. Reyes (1951)
Rev. Arthur A. Amian (1964)
17 - Tuesday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: To Tuguegarao City for Northern Luzon Bishop’s Meeting
18 - Wednesday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Northern Luzon Bishop’s Meeting, Tuguegarao City
Birthday: Rev. Jack R. Cabatu (1967)
19 - Thursday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. John Eudes, priest, White or m of St. Ezechiel Moreno, priest, White.
20 - Friday: St. Bernard, abbot and doctor. WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Bernardo R. Gonzales (1978)
21 - Saturday: St. Pius X, pope. WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM: Confirmation, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, I. Sur
22 - 21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8AM, Pastoral Visit, St. Joseph Parish, Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur
23 - Monday: St. Rose of Lima, Virgin, Secondary Patroness of the Philippines. WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1827, Fr. Vicente Vallejos
24 - Tuesday:St. Bartholomew, Apostle. RED.
Birthday: Rev. Ronilo G. Villa (1966)
25 - Wednesday: 21st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Louis, king, WHITE, or m of St. Joseph Calasanz, priest, WHITE.
26 - Thursday: 21st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
27 - Friday: St. Monica, married woman. WHITE
28 - Saturday: St. Augustine, bishop and doctor. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8 AM: Misa Concelebrada
Conversion of St. Augustine Parish, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
NECROLOGY: 1791, Fr. Andres Arias
1944, Msgr. Bonifacio Brillantes
29 - 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30AM, Pastoral Visit
Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur
30 - Monday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1857, Fr. Emiterio Arce y Cruz
31 - Tuesday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1879, Fr. Pastor Gregorio Velasquez
1961, Fr. Juan F. Bello
SEPTEMBER:
5 - Pastoral Visit, Sta. Maria
- La Naval Mass, Bantay
10 - Sinait Fiesta
14 - Vicarial Meeting
20 - 21 - Priests’ Assembly
29 - San Emilio Fiesta
***
REMINDERS FROM THE CHANCERY
MONTH OF AUGUST 2010
1 - +18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, GREEN.
ST. JOHN BAPTISTE MARIE VIANNEY SUNDAY.
Special Collection in all Sunday Masses and the Saturday evening Masses is to be made for the on-going formation of the clergy.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30 AM: Pastoral Visit, St. Lucy Parish, Narvacan, I. Sur
Birthday: Rev. Garret Alfonso U. Ulanimo (1977)
NECROLOGY: 1935, Bp. Peter Joseph Hurth, CSC
2 - Monday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop, WHITE, or m. of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest. WHITE, or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Alfredo J. Ancheta (1945)
NECROLOGY: 1887, Fr. Mariano Cuertero y Sierra, ORSA
1764, Bp.-elect Bernardo Ustariz, OP
3 - Tuesday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1917, Fr. Antonio Benayges
4 - Wednesday: St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney, Priest. WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Amador C. Cabaluna (1951)
NECROLOGY: 1916, Fr. Jose Brunol, SJ
5 - Thursday:18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome. WHITE.
6 - Friday: Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord. WHITE.
7 - Saturday: 18th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Sixtus, pope and companions, martyrs, RED or m of St. Cajetan, priest, WHITE or m of BVM on Sat., WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Holy Mass, Laoag City
NECROLOGY: 1982, Fr. Proceso Pasion
8 - 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8:30 AM: Misa Concelebrada
St. Dominic of Guzman Parish, Sto. Domingo, I. Sur
Birthday: Rev. Danilo S. Martinez (1969)
NECROLOGY: 1828, Fr. Juan Baptista Cacal
9 - Monday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin and Martyr, RED.
NECROLOGY: 1916, Fr. Pablo Sharge, SJ
10 - Tuesday: St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. RED.
Regular Schedule of Vicarial Meetings
NECROLOGY: 1986, Fr. Juan Apolinar
11 - Wednesday: St. Clare of Assisi, Virgin. WHITE.
FEAST OF ST. CLARE: 3:30 PM: Misa Concelebrada
Sisters of St. Clare, Sabang, Cabugao, I. Sur
12 - Thursday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Frances de Chantal, religious, WHITE.
13 - Friday: 19th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. Pontian, pope and martyr, and St. Hippolytus, martyr and priest, RED.
Birthday: Rev. Vicente B. Avila (1949)
14 - Saturday:St. Maximillian Kolbe, priest and martyr. RED.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM: Confirmation, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Suyo, I. Sur
NECROLOGY: 1719, Fr. Manuel Guillectiqui
1872, Bp. Juan Jose Aragones, OSA
1875, Fr. Agapito Lazo
15 - SUNDAY: SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 9 AM: Misa Concelebrada
Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
16 - Monday: San Roque, Healer. WHITE.
FEAST OF SAN ROQUE: 8:30 AM: Misa Concelebrada
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, Ilocos Sur
REGULAR SCHEDULE: PRIESTS’ ASSEMBLY - August 16 – 17
Birthday: Msgr. Roque C. Reyes (1951)
Rev. Arthur A. Amian (1964)
17 - Tuesday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: To Tuguegarao City for Northern Luzon Bishop’s Meeting
18 - Wednesday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: Northern Luzon Bishop’s Meeting, Tuguegarao City
Birthday: Rev. Jack R. Cabatu (1967)
19 - Thursday: 20th Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN, or m of St. John Eudes, priest, White or m of St. Ezechiel Moreno, priest, White.
20 - Friday: St. Bernard, abbot and doctor. WHITE.
Birthday: Rev. Bernardo R. Gonzales (1978)
21 - Saturday: St. Pius X, pope. WHITE.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 9 AM: Confirmation, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Santa, I. Sur
22 - 21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8AM, Pastoral Visit, St. Joseph Parish, Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur
23 - Monday: St. Rose of Lima, Virgin, Secondary Patroness of the Philippines. WHITE.
NECROLOGY: 1827, Fr. Vicente Vallejos
24 - Tuesday:St. Bartholomew, Apostle. RED.
Birthday: Rev. Ronilo G. Villa (1966)
25 - Wednesday: 21st Week, Ordinary Time, GREEN or m of St. Louis, king, WHITE, or m of St. Joseph Calasanz, priest, WHITE.
26 - Thursday: 21st Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
27 - Friday: St. Monica, married woman. WHITE
28 - Saturday: St. Augustine, bishop and doctor. WHITE.
PATRONAL FEAST: 8 AM: Misa Concelebrada
Conversion of St. Augustine Parish, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
NECROLOGY: 1791, Fr. Andres Arias
1944, Msgr. Bonifacio Brillantes
29 - 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. GREEN.
ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE: 8:30AM, Pastoral Visit
Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Burgos, I. Sur
30 - Monday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1857, Fr. Emiterio Arce y Cruz
31 - Tuesday: 22nd Week, Ordinary Time. GREEN.
NECROLOGY: 1879, Fr. Pastor Gregorio Velasquez
1961, Fr. Juan F. Bello
SEPTEMBER:
5 - Pastoral Visit, Sta. Maria
- La Naval Mass, Bantay
10 - Sinait Fiesta
14 - Vicarial Meeting
20 - 21 - Priests’ Assembly
29 - San Emilio Fiesta
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Scarce, Scarred, But Never Scared
Click for the Readings: (14th Sunday of Ordinary Time)
“The harvest is great and the laborers are few.” There is a lack of priests, religious, missionaries to serve the whole Church. In my home parish, there are about 50,000 parishioners and there are two priests to serve them. The parish is subdivided into more than a hundred Basic Ecclesial Communities, each they ideally visit, celebrate mass with, and give formation sessions at least once a month. The scarcity of priests is a constant refrain.
But I suggest, Jesus did not only mean the 12 when he spoke of the scarcity of workers; he was sending the 72. He meant the whole of the Church. As he sent the 72, he also sends the whole Church. And in the whole of the world, the harvest is “great”, and the whole Church is but “few”. And could get fewer. There is as most of us could have learned a shifting tide in religion. The Christian population is diminishing where it used to be the foundation and the majority.
As the Lord sent the 72, he also sends all of us, into the world. He sends all of us to take on a more active witness of the Faith. He sends all of us to proclaim him to world – in our words and deeds, in what we preoccupy our thoughts with, what we say, what we do, and how we relate with other people. What is the message we are to proclaim? As Jesus instructed the disciples, it is a message of “peace”. To the world, we are to become ambassadors of peace. What is this peace? It is the peace that we have found in Christ, the peace of the Kingdom of God, the joy, fulfillment, completeness that is found in doing the will of God, no matter how difficult, no matter how challenging.
Active witness is bound to be challenging. To witness to the love and forgiveness of Christ amidst hostility and injury. To witness to the truth in the midst of lies. To witness to sacrifice in the midst of a pleasure seeking culture. To witness to simplicity in the midst of consumerism. To witness to humility in the midst of competition. To witness to purity in the midst of worldly temptation. Witnessing to Jesus, proclaiming the peace of Jesus entails confronting a world where contradicting values dominate. And we are sure to face opposition, we are sure to face difficulty. Jesus himself said to the 72, “I am sending you as sheep among wolves.” That is why the laborers are not only SCARCE. They are also SCARRED. As St. Paul says, the mark of a true witness of Christ is willingness to suffer for, with and in Christ.
Although SCARCE, and SCARRED, few and wounded, the 72, are not SCARED. When Jesus sent the 72, he told them to bring no money, no sack/bag, no sandals. They were only to bring themselves and Christ. Their very life was their witness, and Christ was their source of security. We are not scared to give witness because we have Christ. We can say no to hatred because we have Christ. We can say no to sin because we have Christ. Teens can say no to drugs and peer pressure because you have Christ. Married people can say yes to fidelity because you have Christ. Unmarried people can say yes to purity because you have Christ. We can say yes to honesty, integrity, service, because we have Christ. We can say yes to life because we have Christ. We can be the source of comfort and consolation that Isaiah spoke of, in a difficult and anxious world; we can be a source of joy, inspiration, encouragement, because we have Christ.
Like the 72, we are also sent by Jesus, to take an active witness of Christ in the world, right where we are and live. We are to preach Christ, not ourselves. Christ is the savior, not ourselves. And for us workers, Christ alone is the source of comfort and consolation, not ourselves, not even success. To have preached Christ is our goal. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was said to have been asked by some critics, “You take care of those old people, they still die, and you don’t change that.” In effect, they were saying, you are not successful. Her response was, “I didn’t know that I was supposed to be successful. I thought I was supposed to be faithful.” Her vocation was not to be successful, but to be faithful.
We, the laborers are scarce, few and little in the face of a great harvest. We are scarred, wounded, opposed, challenged. But we are not scared. We are sent, and we have Christ. We preach the peace that Christ alone can give. And our only boast is the Cross of Christ.
“The harvest is great and the laborers are few.” There is a lack of priests, religious, missionaries to serve the whole Church. In my home parish, there are about 50,000 parishioners and there are two priests to serve them. The parish is subdivided into more than a hundred Basic Ecclesial Communities, each they ideally visit, celebrate mass with, and give formation sessions at least once a month. The scarcity of priests is a constant refrain.
But I suggest, Jesus did not only mean the 12 when he spoke of the scarcity of workers; he was sending the 72. He meant the whole of the Church. As he sent the 72, he also sends the whole Church. And in the whole of the world, the harvest is “great”, and the whole Church is but “few”. And could get fewer. There is as most of us could have learned a shifting tide in religion. The Christian population is diminishing where it used to be the foundation and the majority.
As the Lord sent the 72, he also sends all of us, into the world. He sends all of us to take on a more active witness of the Faith. He sends all of us to proclaim him to world – in our words and deeds, in what we preoccupy our thoughts with, what we say, what we do, and how we relate with other people. What is the message we are to proclaim? As Jesus instructed the disciples, it is a message of “peace”. To the world, we are to become ambassadors of peace. What is this peace? It is the peace that we have found in Christ, the peace of the Kingdom of God, the joy, fulfillment, completeness that is found in doing the will of God, no matter how difficult, no matter how challenging.
Active witness is bound to be challenging. To witness to the love and forgiveness of Christ amidst hostility and injury. To witness to the truth in the midst of lies. To witness to sacrifice in the midst of a pleasure seeking culture. To witness to simplicity in the midst of consumerism. To witness to humility in the midst of competition. To witness to purity in the midst of worldly temptation. Witnessing to Jesus, proclaiming the peace of Jesus entails confronting a world where contradicting values dominate. And we are sure to face opposition, we are sure to face difficulty. Jesus himself said to the 72, “I am sending you as sheep among wolves.” That is why the laborers are not only SCARCE. They are also SCARRED. As St. Paul says, the mark of a true witness of Christ is willingness to suffer for, with and in Christ.
Although SCARCE, and SCARRED, few and wounded, the 72, are not SCARED. When Jesus sent the 72, he told them to bring no money, no sack/bag, no sandals. They were only to bring themselves and Christ. Their very life was their witness, and Christ was their source of security. We are not scared to give witness because we have Christ. We can say no to hatred because we have Christ. We can say no to sin because we have Christ. Teens can say no to drugs and peer pressure because you have Christ. Married people can say yes to fidelity because you have Christ. Unmarried people can say yes to purity because you have Christ. We can say yes to honesty, integrity, service, because we have Christ. We can say yes to life because we have Christ. We can be the source of comfort and consolation that Isaiah spoke of, in a difficult and anxious world; we can be a source of joy, inspiration, encouragement, because we have Christ.
Like the 72, we are also sent by Jesus, to take an active witness of Christ in the world, right where we are and live. We are to preach Christ, not ourselves. Christ is the savior, not ourselves. And for us workers, Christ alone is the source of comfort and consolation, not ourselves, not even success. To have preached Christ is our goal. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was said to have been asked by some critics, “You take care of those old people, they still die, and you don’t change that.” In effect, they were saying, you are not successful. Her response was, “I didn’t know that I was supposed to be successful. I thought I was supposed to be faithful.” Her vocation was not to be successful, but to be faithful.
We, the laborers are scarce, few and little in the face of a great harvest. We are scarred, wounded, opposed, challenged. But we are not scared. We are sent, and we have Christ. We preach the peace that Christ alone can give. And our only boast is the Cross of Christ.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Remittances: More than the Dollar
I received this article in my e-mail from the Metro DC based Migrant Heritage Commission. I think it is worth a thought, and more.
__________________________________________________________
Subject: NOT ALL REMITTANCES ARE $ (THE OTHER FACE OF THE DIASPORA)
NEWS ARTICLE FROM ABS-CBN'S RODNEY JALECO
When people talk about remittances, most Filipinos will perhaps think about the dollars their overseas brethrens send regularly. That’s an extremely restricted and limiting perspective, according to a recent paper by the Migrant Policy Institute (MPI).
“Whether we see remittances as a development panacea or as a way for states to shift responsibility for solving structural problems to migrants, economics is not the whole story,” wrote the paper’s authors – Peggy Levitt of Wellesley College and Harvard University, and Deepak Lamba-Nieves of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Center for the New Economy.
“Migrants from the developing world bring with them social remittances that shape their encounters with and integration into their host societies,” the pair pointed out.
More significantly, they stressed that migrants “also send back social remittances that promote and impede development in their countries of origin.”
This merely reinforces what many have observed as the richly multi-dimensional qualities of the modern Diaspora.
The authors lament the lack of studies on this aspect of international migration. It could hardly be a stretch to see at least some facets of the recent Philippine election linked to the historic ascension of America’s first African-American president and the message of hope and change that catapulted him to power.
Levitt herself coined the term “social remittances” in 2001 to call attention that dollars is not the only thing overseas workers and expats send home.
She focused on a village in the Dominican Republic and the Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston, MA.
She observed that there are at least four types of social remittances – norms, practices, identities and social capital.
Through over a decade of study, Levitt and later Lamba-Nieves, explained the three key concepts of social remittances – that they are circular in nature, they are inclusive and they influence development either by “scaling up to other levels of governance and scaling out to other domains of practices”.
“The ideas and experiences migrants bring with them strongly influence who and what they are exposed to and interact with in the countries where they settle. These circumstances then affect the social remittances migrants send back,” they noted.
They observed for instance, that “when Boca Canesteros (from Dominican Republic) recreated their baseball league in Boston, they not only came into contact with other immigrant and native-born players and fans, they also had to learn to negotiate the municipal park system and to secure permits for hosting fundraising events.”
In turn, the Boston-based Boca Canesteros’ influence in the Dominican Republic was manifested in the way they suddenly demanded that “builders and caterers there sign contracts and stick to deadlines the same way saw food and beverage suppliers are held accountable in the United States.”
With about 10 percent of the Philippine population living and working overseas – about four million of them in the US – it seems evident policy and decision-makers should explore the possibly pervasive effects of social remittances on the 90 percent who’ve stayed behind.
Modern amenities (cellphones, Facebook, Skype, etc.) tend to accelerate the pace of social remittances.
Taking into account a United Nations study that showed dollar remittances are primarily used to pay for basic needs (food, clothes, electricity, etc.), education and health – understanding social remittances could have commercial implications as well.
There are, of course, positive and negative outcomes from social remittances, the study (aptly titled “It’s Not Just About the Economy, Stupid”) pointed out.
That could come in the form of greater emphasis on health and fitness (such as the influence exerted by the Boca Canesteros).
It could also, as political scientist Luis Jimenez discovered in Mexico, “challenge people’s ideas about democracy and the rule of law.”
“Every time a street light went out or the garbage wasn’t collected, Gilberto visited City Hall,” the authors recounted because in the US “that what governments are supposed to do and that citizens should make sure that happens.”
They also observed how professionals and entrepreneurs from Pakistan and India “not only send back new technology and skills but ideas about conducting business. Working in the United States has emboldened some to take chance, think outside the box, and challenge a superior rather than deferring to him”.
Levitt and Lamba-Nieves point out, however, that social remittances help perpetuate the “culture of migration”. Moving, they say, becomes almost inevitable “because people are no longer satisfied by the economic and social opportunities their homelands offer.” Over decades of practice, it can be relegated to a “rite of passage” especially for the youth.
“Social remittances are an understudied, important piece of the migration-development nexus,” the authors wrote, “Their impact on immigrant incorporation and sending-community dynamics is not well understood…They are a potential resource and a potential constraint.”
Social remittances, we found, can be a fascinating subject – not only to better see how and why life back home is changing the way they do from the practices and ideas overseas Filipinos take back home, but also how their adopted countries are changing because of what Filipinos bring on the table.
__________________________________________________________
Subject: NOT ALL REMITTANCES ARE $ (THE OTHER FACE OF THE DIASPORA)
NEWS ARTICLE FROM ABS-CBN'S RODNEY JALECO
When people talk about remittances, most Filipinos will perhaps think about the dollars their overseas brethrens send regularly. That’s an extremely restricted and limiting perspective, according to a recent paper by the Migrant Policy Institute (MPI).
“Whether we see remittances as a development panacea or as a way for states to shift responsibility for solving structural problems to migrants, economics is not the whole story,” wrote the paper’s authors – Peggy Levitt of Wellesley College and Harvard University, and Deepak Lamba-Nieves of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Center for the New Economy.
“Migrants from the developing world bring with them social remittances that shape their encounters with and integration into their host societies,” the pair pointed out.
More significantly, they stressed that migrants “also send back social remittances that promote and impede development in their countries of origin.”
This merely reinforces what many have observed as the richly multi-dimensional qualities of the modern Diaspora.
The authors lament the lack of studies on this aspect of international migration. It could hardly be a stretch to see at least some facets of the recent Philippine election linked to the historic ascension of America’s first African-American president and the message of hope and change that catapulted him to power.
Levitt herself coined the term “social remittances” in 2001 to call attention that dollars is not the only thing overseas workers and expats send home.
She focused on a village in the Dominican Republic and the Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston, MA.
She observed that there are at least four types of social remittances – norms, practices, identities and social capital.
Through over a decade of study, Levitt and later Lamba-Nieves, explained the three key concepts of social remittances – that they are circular in nature, they are inclusive and they influence development either by “scaling up to other levels of governance and scaling out to other domains of practices”.
“The ideas and experiences migrants bring with them strongly influence who and what they are exposed to and interact with in the countries where they settle. These circumstances then affect the social remittances migrants send back,” they noted.
They observed for instance, that “when Boca Canesteros (from Dominican Republic) recreated their baseball league in Boston, they not only came into contact with other immigrant and native-born players and fans, they also had to learn to negotiate the municipal park system and to secure permits for hosting fundraising events.”
In turn, the Boston-based Boca Canesteros’ influence in the Dominican Republic was manifested in the way they suddenly demanded that “builders and caterers there sign contracts and stick to deadlines the same way saw food and beverage suppliers are held accountable in the United States.”
With about 10 percent of the Philippine population living and working overseas – about four million of them in the US – it seems evident policy and decision-makers should explore the possibly pervasive effects of social remittances on the 90 percent who’ve stayed behind.
Modern amenities (cellphones, Facebook, Skype, etc.) tend to accelerate the pace of social remittances.
Taking into account a United Nations study that showed dollar remittances are primarily used to pay for basic needs (food, clothes, electricity, etc.), education and health – understanding social remittances could have commercial implications as well.
There are, of course, positive and negative outcomes from social remittances, the study (aptly titled “It’s Not Just About the Economy, Stupid”) pointed out.
That could come in the form of greater emphasis on health and fitness (such as the influence exerted by the Boca Canesteros).
It could also, as political scientist Luis Jimenez discovered in Mexico, “challenge people’s ideas about democracy and the rule of law.”
“Every time a street light went out or the garbage wasn’t collected, Gilberto visited City Hall,” the authors recounted because in the US “that what governments are supposed to do and that citizens should make sure that happens.”
They also observed how professionals and entrepreneurs from Pakistan and India “not only send back new technology and skills but ideas about conducting business. Working in the United States has emboldened some to take chance, think outside the box, and challenge a superior rather than deferring to him”.
Levitt and Lamba-Nieves point out, however, that social remittances help perpetuate the “culture of migration”. Moving, they say, becomes almost inevitable “because people are no longer satisfied by the economic and social opportunities their homelands offer.” Over decades of practice, it can be relegated to a “rite of passage” especially for the youth.
“Social remittances are an understudied, important piece of the migration-development nexus,” the authors wrote, “Their impact on immigrant incorporation and sending-community dynamics is not well understood…They are a potential resource and a potential constraint.”
Social remittances, we found, can be a fascinating subject – not only to better see how and why life back home is changing the way they do from the practices and ideas overseas Filipinos take back home, but also how their adopted countries are changing because of what Filipinos bring on the table.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Interviewed
About two years ago, I got interviewed. I found it relevant to reread my responses to the questions. These give me a headstart in rediscovering my priesthood as the Year for Priests is about to end.
How did it feel entering your occupation?
Fulfilled. But it is not an occupation. I would rather refer to it as a vocation. In an occupation, the fulfillment would be professional gains, personal growth, monetary rewards. In a vocation, it is the inner peace of pursuing what one discerns as one’s unique calling in life. When I returned to the seminary to pursue priesthood, after two years off, I felt most fulfilled.
What still inspires you to stick with your occupation? Why?
I made a commitment, and for me, that is what keeps me in the vocation. There are of course tangible rewards, the support of family, friends, people I serve, but I hope that although these may all dwindle, the commitment I made to be faithful to the priesthood will keep me going. This is because priesthood is a calling and a gift, and also a personal response. I am not worthy to be a priest, but that God chose me to become one, is motive enough for me to be gratefully faithful.
How do you earn a living?
Priests do not actually earn a living. Life finds them.* The Archdiocese (the Local Church) supports me, providing lodging and food, and daily upkeep, as well as a modest but fair enough allowance for personal needs and social obligations.
(*On hindsight, I could have spiritualized the question. As an insight from experience though, I am deeply convinced that priesthood makes one amazingly grace-filled life. "Whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it." - Mt 16:25)
As a priest? What do you usually give importance to? Why?
It has to be service – to the Church and her mission especially to the most in need – those we refer to as the least, the lost and the last – the marginalized in various aspects.
Are there any risks in being a priest? How?
There are definitely many risks entailed in being a priest.
First of all, a priest is called to a life of solitude – to be able to live alone in total dedication to the Gospel, without a wife for a lifetime partner. The priest’s lifetime partner is the Church. Among others, there is then the risk of an uncertain future. Anxious questions also come to my mind – who will take care of me when I grow old? With whom will I share my twilight years? What if I get sick and invalid? What if I am no longer able to serve? What will happen in the future?
And of course, real and immediate are the risks of the mission. As priests, we are called to be prophets – to announce what is true, good and just and of course denounce and go against what is false, evil and unjust. And often our lives are put at the forefront of the struggle for a God-centered, just and humane social order. Often, the structures of sin resist confrontation, and the perpetrators of such would not hesitate to counter-attack.
The first risk is however part of the personal choice, made in faith. And the second, part of the mission we embraced, kept aflame with love.
How did it feel entering your occupation?
Fulfilled. But it is not an occupation. I would rather refer to it as a vocation. In an occupation, the fulfillment would be professional gains, personal growth, monetary rewards. In a vocation, it is the inner peace of pursuing what one discerns as one’s unique calling in life. When I returned to the seminary to pursue priesthood, after two years off, I felt most fulfilled.
What still inspires you to stick with your occupation? Why?
I made a commitment, and for me, that is what keeps me in the vocation. There are of course tangible rewards, the support of family, friends, people I serve, but I hope that although these may all dwindle, the commitment I made to be faithful to the priesthood will keep me going. This is because priesthood is a calling and a gift, and also a personal response. I am not worthy to be a priest, but that God chose me to become one, is motive enough for me to be gratefully faithful.
How do you earn a living?
Priests do not actually earn a living. Life finds them.* The Archdiocese (the Local Church) supports me, providing lodging and food, and daily upkeep, as well as a modest but fair enough allowance for personal needs and social obligations.
(*On hindsight, I could have spiritualized the question. As an insight from experience though, I am deeply convinced that priesthood makes one amazingly grace-filled life. "Whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it." - Mt 16:25)
As a priest? What do you usually give importance to? Why?
It has to be service – to the Church and her mission especially to the most in need – those we refer to as the least, the lost and the last – the marginalized in various aspects.
Are there any risks in being a priest? How?
There are definitely many risks entailed in being a priest.
First of all, a priest is called to a life of solitude – to be able to live alone in total dedication to the Gospel, without a wife for a lifetime partner. The priest’s lifetime partner is the Church. Among others, there is then the risk of an uncertain future. Anxious questions also come to my mind – who will take care of me when I grow old? With whom will I share my twilight years? What if I get sick and invalid? What if I am no longer able to serve? What will happen in the future?
And of course, real and immediate are the risks of the mission. As priests, we are called to be prophets – to announce what is true, good and just and of course denounce and go against what is false, evil and unjust. And often our lives are put at the forefront of the struggle for a God-centered, just and humane social order. Often, the structures of sin resist confrontation, and the perpetrators of such would not hesitate to counter-attack.
The first risk is however part of the personal choice, made in faith. And the second, part of the mission we embraced, kept aflame with love.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Huge falling blessings
I walk a block to the train station for my daily school commute. Yesterday, I decided to take a walk along this same route and around the street as a break from hours of studying. It was cold, and more than 28 inches of snow from the two storms were still all over, although thankfully, a lot of road clearing has been done. As I was passing through a side walk by a brick building, snow bank at the street side, I was noticing some blocks of ice that fell from the roof of the three-storied edifice. I was thinking, “This one is the size of a conventional CPU. If it falls on a person passing, it could be disastrous. But I had to pass through here if I would avoid the street and the fast cars. Lord, please do not let any of these fall on anybody.” I pushed aside pieces of ice that blocked the path, and walked through. A couple of meters past the building, I heard something fall and crack. I turned back, and saw just-fallen blocks of ice, two are of the same size that I passed by. It was just a matter of seconds. They could have fallen while I was passing through. I could have been hit by any of those. But it did not happen. Coincidence? Luck? Blessing. Deliverance. God.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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