Mama Mary in God`s plan for the salvation of
Transcription
Mama Mary in God`s plan for the salvation of
Greenleaf FOR THE BUSY SOUL www.greenbeltchapel.org The Official Publication of Sto. Niño de Paz Community Ordinary/Marian Issue 2010 Mama Mary in God’s plan for the salvation of man As Catholics, we know that we do not worship or adore Mama Mary. We honor, respect and love her just as we do our biological mothers. And rightfully, we also thank her for her role as Co-Mediatrix in the salvation plan. The Scriptures tell us that Mary is truly the Mother of God: “Theotokos”. (Mt. 1:18-24) “. . . she was found with child through the Holy Spirit”; (20) “. . . for it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” (21) “She will bear a Son and you are to name him Jesus.” (22) “. . . the virgin shall be with child and bear a son and they shall call him Emmanuel.” (Gal 4:4-5) “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son born of a woman, born under the law, so that we might receive adoption.” It was the holy will of the Father that his Son be sent into the world for redemption. (Jn 3:16), “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” It was likewise the will of the Father that a woman be intimately involved in His plans. Holy Rosary Month of October Observe the devotion by praying the holy rosary as part of your daily prayers. Attend the Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on October 7. “May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for all humanity, so that hate and death never have the last word!” –Pope John Paul II (30 September 2001) The Perpetual Virginity of Mama Mary At the Lateran Council 649 AD, this was proclaimed: three-fold nature. She conceived without seed, without injury brought Him forth and preserved after His birth inviolate. It was foretold (Ez 44:2) “...This gate is to remain closed... since the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it, it shall remain closed.” In the New Testament, the word “brother” is used 160 times. Jesus himself said, “For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mt 12:50, Mk 3:35, Lk 8:21). In the Greek language, the word brother or sister may be used for near relations like cousins, not necessarily blood brothers and sisters. “First born” does not necessarily mean other children follow but refers generally about inheritance laws. Immaculate Conception From the first moment of her existence by a special privilege and grace of God, she was preserved from any and all stains of sin. “Chaire kecharitomene, ho kurios meta sou” meaning “Rejoice favoured one, the Lord is with you...” In the Greek language, this is in the present perfect participle of the verb “to grace”, a profound meaning ascribed to Mary that has been completed in the past, that continues to the present and shall continue to last in the future. This is Bible based as Lk 1:37, “and with God, nothing is impossible”. The Assumption into heaven Mary the Immaculate, Perpetual Virgin, Mother of God, after her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven. She ultimately shared in the suffering and triumphs of the Cross over the serpent. (Gen 3:15) “I will put enmity between you and the woman”. Mary could not suffer the effects of sin as St. Paul says (Rom 6:23), “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. In the book, Mary Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, Advocate by Mark Miravalle, a reknown Mariologist and professor of Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), wrote, “Every revealed truth about Mary Mother of Jesus bears profound meaning for the salvific journey of the Pilgrim Church.” Pope John Paul II himself said, “The Mother of Redeemer has precise place in the plan of salvation.” (Condensed from the talk given by Bro. Chito A. Zabarte, Jr. to the Emmanuel Brethren in May, 2010) Ina: Our Lady of Peñafrancia Greenbelt Chapel was blessed with the visit of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from August 30 to September 3. The Chapel community and servants joined devotees in welcoming INA, as Bicolanos passionately call her, which takes on a pilgrim journey of faith to different vicariate parishes as part of the celebration of 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Triduum prayers were said before each Mass on August 31 to September 2. (Continued on page 8) EDITORIAL E Mary, my mother too us. God so much loved us that He not only gave us his only Son but also gave us a Mother in Mary. Can anyone be more endearing to us than someone who looks after us as her children? She is to us very much like our own mothers, who love us and care for us. As in the wedding at Cana, she prompted Jesus about the concern on the need for more wine. She feels our concerns and she is always there to intercede for us in our needs. As her child, there were many times in my life that I ran to her and asked for favors, which she placed at the foot of her Son, and were granted to me. And I know a lot of people like me who have experienced the same benevolence and charity of our Mother. According to an article entitled “Mary, Mother of the Church” written by Rev. Matthew R. Mauriello, “She is the mother of Jesus, Who is the head of the Mystical body. We, the members of His Body, look to the Blessed Virgin Mary who cares for the pilgrim church with a mother’s love and follows its progress homeward to the eternal splendor of heaven.” I remember listening to one of the homilies of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin where he related an anecdote on the role of the Blessed Mother in our redemption. The story goes, one day in heaven Jesus was surprised to see that a lot of people have entered heaven despite the closed door. He called Mama Mary and asked why this is so. His mother said that these many people were knocking on the door and pleading to be allowed to get in. And so out of Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary on September 8. Fr. Jun Sescon pity she lowered her mantle over the kisses the hand of the Blessed Virgin Mary after celebrating Mass on the window so the people could get in. Jesus feast of her nativity at Greenbelt Chapel. Triduum Masses were held from out of love for His mother just shook his September 5-7 while an additional evening Mass was held on her feast day. head. (Photo by Net Oriondo) Mama Mary’s role in the salvation of man is so significant. I pray that through Christians and a lot more. This only shows how she is very much a part of our lives as her, My Mother, I shall be led to live a life of holiness. As the lyrics of a song goes, Catholics. But with all these numerous titles, her title “Mariang ina ko ako ri’y anak mo, kay Kristong of being a Mother has endeared her most to kuya ko akayin mo ako.” (MAVP) very time the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned we come to think of the many titles attributed to her. And this is so because she means a lot to us. She is our Morning Star, Mediatrix of All Grace, Protectress of Families, Comforter of the Afflicted, Advocate of the Oppressed, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Help of Love-A-Parish Program Greenbelt Chapel is a spiritual home where charity abounds and generosity extends beyond its confines. Through its LoveA-Parish Program (LAPP), the Chapel provides financial support to 413 poor parishes all over the country and other charitable institutions serving the poor like the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, the Poor Clares and Caritas Manila. 2010 January February March April Php 691,375.00 816,285.55 727,623.20 668,807.75 May June July 662,675.20 572,576.75 660,823.80 Join the Information Group, which is in-charge of Greenleaf, website and other communication works for the Greenbelt Chapel community, and share your God-given talents in journalistic and creative writing, graphic or web design and photography. Send your curriculum vitae and sample works to Dimsy V. Lucas, Information Group coordinator, at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at http://www.greenbeltchapel.org 2 Sto. Niño de Paz Community - Greenbelt Chapel Vision To be a home of spiritual communion and celebration with God, self, family and the society. Mission To evangelize the people of Makati and other communities and their families through meaningful and sustained celebration of the Sacraments, preaching and proclamation of the Word, committed and creative ministries, solid formation of the Catholic faith, prayer and healing experiences, and the pursuit of social justice and outreach services. Schedule of Services Eucharistic Celebration Monday to Friday 7:15 AM 12:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:00 PM Saturday 12:15 PM (Filipino) 4:30 PM 6:00 PM (Sunday Anticipated Mass) Sunday 7:15 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12noon 3:00 PM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday Sunday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Holy Hour every first Friday of the month after the 7:00 PM Mass Healing Session every first Sunday of the month after the 12:00 noon Mass Counseling By appoinment Greenleaf Editor in Chief Edwin P. Galvez Issue Editor Marie Angelyn V. Padilla Creatives Richard C. Eusebio, Dimsy V. Lucas Carmela Marie Y. Victorio Writers Malu G. Antes, Mary Rose Q. Blancaflor, Puri B. Espeleta, Paul G. Fuentes, Chona P. Salvaña Photographers Paul G. Fuentes, Net L. Oriondo Information Group-Education Ministry Members Charity T. Box, Ric M. Castillo, Jr., Mitch P. Cura, Jenny M. Flores, Vissia P. Hernandez, Dalia B. Martinez, Emily R. Mones, Regnard Kreisler C. Raquedan, Cecille V. Sta. Ana, Chato T. Zabarte Assistant Coordinators Edwin P. Galvez, Mary Rose Q. Blancaflor Coordinator Dimsy V. Lucas Marie Angelyn V. Padilla Education Ministry Head Rev. Fr. Jun C. Sescon Chaplain Atty. Nordy P. Diploma Administrator Sto. Niño de Paz Community-Greenbelt Chapel Greenbelt Park, Ayala Center, 1228 Makati City, Philippines Telephone numbers: (632) 729-8173 / (632) 729-8174 Email: [email protected] Website: www.greenbeltchapel.org EDITORIAL CHAPLAIN’S CORNER 3 Mary’s Recipe for a Miracle On our Marian issue of the Greenleaf, we fix our gaze again on the Blessed Mother. She is what the late Pope Paul VI calls, “the dawn of salvation.” Her presence ushered in the break of day, the coming of Jesus, the Sun of Justice and the light of the world. Her mission prepared the world for the coming of the Redeemer. Her life is inseparable from the life of the Messiah. Hence, her life is inseparable from our salvation. In Mary’s heart, a wonderful encounter took place. A miracle happened. A blessing was realized. And this occurred because in the heart of Mary, the grace of God and the faith of humanity met. Yes, for a miracle to happen, the grace of God and faith of a person must intersect. In Mary’s heart, God’s grace dwelt. No wonder, the angel greeted her “Hail, full of grace!” She was filled with God’s initiative. She is loved by God. Archbishop Fulton Sheen calls Mary, “the world’s first love”. The love of God is simply grace. We have not done anything yet, we are already loved by God. Jesus died for us on the cross when we were still sinners, enemies of God. Mary was filled with God’s unmerited love. But let us not wary, our hearts too are filled with God’s unconditional love. God also wants his grace to dwell in us, in spite of our unworthiness. We too are loved like Mary. Mary’s response to God’s love is faith. Her constant prayer was “Let it be done to me according to your word.” No wonder, her son’s favorite prayer was “Thy will be done.” Like mother, like son. They were full of faith. Their hearts have a very large room for God. They have humble obedience—the perfect description for faith. They knew that God should be in control of their lives. They withstood difficulties and temptations till the end. They were not just full of faith. They were faithful. Thus, in Mary’s heart, grace and faith met… and what an encounter! A miracle is born! A blessing is revealed! We all want miracles. We all long to discover God’s choicest blessings for us. We all yearn to experience the peace and fulfillment that only God can give. How can we receive it? How can we behold it? How can it take place in our lives? – When grace and faith meet in our hearts! There is no doubt about grace. God’s love is sure. God’s grace will always be there. God is love. But the greater question is, “Is our faith Rev. Fr. Jun C. Sescon Send your feedback and comments to Fr. Jun at [email protected] real?” “Is our faith ready to welcome grace?” “Can we be faithful, too?” Miracles? Blessings? Graces? Yes, they are real. They are about to happen. They are in fact on the way… they are just waiting to meet our faith! Mama Mary, intercede for us… teach us how to be full of faith and faithful… Amen. Fr. Prex celebrates silver jubilee as priest Profused with gratitude and happiness, former Greenbelt chaplain Fr. Pericles “Prex” Fajardo celebrated his 25th sacerdotal anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass attended by the Greenbelt Chapel community on April 27. Most Rev Joe Advincula, bishop of San Carlos City, was the main celebrant during the Mass that was concelebrated with chaplain Fr. Jun Sescon, Fr. Jim Ferry and Chapel regular Mass presiders and confessors. In his message, Fr. Prex expressed his gratitude to the Chapel administration, staff, servants, fellow priests and the community for five wonderful and fruitful years of his priesthood in the Chapel. A short program and dinner followed after the Mass. Before his Greenbelt chaplaincy, Fr. Prex was Parochial Vicar of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Roxas City and San Miguel ProCathedral in San Miguel, Manila, priest-incharge of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Mission Station in Brgy. Prosperidad, San Carlos City and parish priest of Jesus the Divine Healer in Tahanan Village, Parañaque City, Our Lady of Fatima in Mandaluyong City and the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Makati City. His best legacy as chaplain was introducing continuous confession daily and 7pm Mass on weekdays and 7:15am Mass on Sundays. He is currently the spiritual director and professor of St. John Mary Vianney, College Seminary and Chaplain of Our Lady of Peace Mission School, both in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. (CPS) Fr. Prex (left) concelebrates the thanksgiving Mass at the Chapel on his 25th sacerdotal anniversary with (from left) Fr. Jim Ferry, main celebrant Bishop Joe Advincula and chaplain Fr. Jun Sescon. We remember our priests with gratitude and thanksgiving… Happy Birthday! Happy Sacerdotal Anniversary! Fr. Paul Yohakim, Aug. 17 Fr. Jo Yu, Aug. 24 Fr. Roy Belen, Aug. 28 Fr. Matthew Fernandez, Sept. 16 Fr. Genie Diwa, Sept. 19 Fr. Efren de Guzman, SVD, Sept. 27 Fr. Juanito Arroco, Oct. 11 Fr. Hans Magdurulang, Oct. 15 Fr. Prex Fajardo, Oct. 26 Fr. Mon Merino, Oct. 31 Our chaplain, Fr. Jun Sescon, on Sept. 19 Fr. Jason Laguerta, Sept. 8 Fr. Genie Diwa, Sept. 17 Fr. Dave Concepcion, Sept. 19 Fr Jerome Secillano, Sept. 28 Fr. Rico Hilario, Sept. 21 Fr. Andy de Guzman, Sept. 21 Fr. Joseph Sow Hong, Sept. 24 Fr. Hans Magdurulang, Oct. 11 Fr. Mon Merino, Oct. 29 Fr. Prex expresses his gratitude to the Chapel community for celebrating his silver jubilee as a priest; with fellow priests and servants who feted him to a fellowship dinner and program; with assistant chapel administrator Atty. Chito del Rosario and servants. (Photos by Net Oriondo and Edwin Galvez) S teep in thanksgiving and praise for the Lord’s blessings to its faithful community in the heart of the country’s foremost business district, the Sto. Niño De Paz Community-Greenbelt Chapel commemorated its 27th anniversary on July 21, 2010, highlighted by a concelebrated Mass led by Most Rev. Angel N. Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro with Fr. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr., chaplain, and guest priests. In his homily, Archbishop Lagdameo expressed his gratitude to the community for the financial support that six parishes under his diocese regularly receive through its Love-A-Parish Program. He narrated that this act of generosity helps them spread the Good News in far-flung areas in their region. The bishops who celebrated the Triduum Masses from July 18 to 20 likewise expressed their heartfelt thanks for the blessings derived from the Chapel’s program. Most Rev. Patricio A. Buzon, SDB, D.D., of Kabankalan, Most Rev. Rodolfo F. Beltran, D.D., of the Apostolic Vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe and Most Rev. Julius S. Tonel, D.D., of Ipil shared how the program has also made an impact in their respective localities. Their stories reflect this year’s anniversary theme, “Grateful, Faithful and Fruitful in Christ”. This year’s celebration, capped by a thanksgiving dinner with musical presentations and exhibit, was organized by the Liturgical Music Group (LMG) under the Worship Ministry. (PBE) Greenbelt Chapel’s 27th an “Grateful, 1 2 7 8 Develop into good soil As there are four kinds of soil, according to the parable of Jesus, there are also four kinds of the receiver of the Word of God. Total dedication to the Word of God is important for us to develop as good soil. The Apostles were not good soil at first but they later became good soil. Every day, we are challenged to believe in the Word of God. God uses imperfect people in order that His plans may come about. The role of fear and rejection as the Apostles experienced are necessary to bring glory back to God. — From the homily of Most Rev. Angel N. Lagdameo, D.D. 12 13 Let Jesus visit your heart (Sharing the story of Abraham who accepted three guests in his tent and that of Mary and Martha who accommodated the visit of Jesus in their house) We too should receive Jesus in our heart with Joy. This visitation is through the Eucharist, where Jesus is our guest and at the same time we are also guests of Jesus when we receive Him during the Mass. As Jesus comes into our heart, the best way to welcome Him is by listening, and to hear Jesus we have to take time to listen. We should not be like Martha who was so busy to give time for her very important guest, Jesus. Religion is about our relationship with God. We come to Mass because we need Christ, and as we attend Mass we should have the attitude of Mary who was always ready to listen to Jesus. The Chapel is one way of Jesus to visit us. He visits us in the center of our busy life. —From the homily of Most Rev. Patricio A. Buzon, SDB, D.D. 17 24 18 25 Union with Christ Greenbelt Chapel’s help is an act of witnessing. Union with Christ is also a union with those He gives himself to. —From the homily of Most Rev. Rodolfo F. Beltran, D.D. Gifts “Faithful, Grateful and Fruitful in Christ” means living out the reality of the Trinity. Jesus is the personification of the faithfulness of God. Faith is a gift whose origin is God who is faithful. The fidelity of Jesus brought victory that gained our salvation. The 27 years of the Chapel is a sign of the fidelity of Jesus. —From the homily of Most Rev. Julius S. Tonel, D.D. (MRQB) 27 sacred, momentous and amusing scenes 1 Members of various choirs under the Li servants’ fellowship dinner-concert; 5 Education Ministry head Angie Padilla; 6 Worsh their Pledge of Commitment to serve the Lord through the community; 9 -10 Allied Ban Lagdameo with Chapel administrator Atty. Nordy Diploma, Bishop Patricio Buzon (altar, who will be ordained to the priesthood on October 11, 2010; 16 Members of Info Gro 21a-c Guest priests attend the dinner hosted by the Chapel; 22-23 Chapel servants wit and fellow priests; 26 Chapel staff and servants; 27a cantors Tom & Flor del Mar and Fuentes and Net L. Oriondo; garden photos by Richard Sydeco. CHAPEL NEWS 5 nniversary celebration Faithful and Fruitful in Christ” 3 5 4 6 10 11 9 15 16 14 1 1 1 23 21-a 22 19 20 27-a 21-b 21-c 26 27-b-h iturgical Music Group (LMG); 2 Members of Greeters and Collectors Group (G&C) ; 3 Members of Intercessory Prayer Group (IPG); 4 Richard Eusebio of Information Group (Info) perform during hip Ministry head Winnie Angeles; 7 Members of Altar Servers Group (ASG) with chaplain Fr. Jun Sescon and Pastoral Council secretary Bryan Camado (extreme left); 8 Active servants renew nk Chorale and Alay Himig Chorale perform during the servants’ fellowship dinner-concert with LMG coordinator Eric Ganaden conducting; 11 Servants share a light moment; 12-14 Arch. Angel , right), Msgr. Clem Ignacio (altar, left), Fr. Jun Sescon and priests who concelebrated with him the Anniversary Mass; 15 Msgr. Clem Ignacio and Rev. Jublas Nolasco, a former lector of the Chapel oup; 17 Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa; 18 Guest priests prepare for the Communion; 19 Chapel administrator Atty. Nordy Diploma delivers his message; 20 Arch. Angel Lagdameo; th Fr. Jun Sescon and Arch. Angel Lagdameo; 24 Atty. & Mrs. Nordy Diploma offer gifts during the Anniversary Mass; 25 Chaplain Fr. Jun Sescon expresses his gratitude to the community, servants prayer of the faithful readers; 27b-h Nelda Bustamante, Cecile Sistelo, Adie Caday, Alice Martinez, Charisse Opulencia, Ramil Angeles and Chato Zabarte. Photos by Richard C. Eusebio, Paul G. REFLECTIONS the confessional of Greenbelt Chapel, which adopted Padre Pio as its secondary patron saint. Through my readings, I learned that Padre Pio was named Francesco in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He was born to peasant farmers Grazio and Giuseppa Forgione in a small Italian village of Pietrelcina. From a devout child drawn to the 6 to God, knowing the right word of counsel or encouragement they needed. Padre Pio’s inspiration has encouraged me to ask for his intercession, trust God more and make confession a habit. I have chosen him as my special protector and guardian because through his example I am Padre Pio, my comfort and my refuge I became a member of the Christian Life Program of Singles for Christ at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mandaluyong City over a decade ago. For three years, I attended its nightly meetings even if it meant rushing from my work in Makati. But as traffic grew heavier and became tiring on my part, I decided to stop attending. Eventually, I also missed hearing Mass there—missing as well the solemn atmosphere of the church. But not until I found another sacred place that became my haven to commune with God, priesthood, he became a Capuchin novice and was ordained priest in 1910. Eight years later, he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. Pope John Paul II proclaimed him Saint on June 16, 2002. Some devotees consider him patron saint of healing while others, of confession and intercession. I learned that he had the gift of reading the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession, which he heard for ten to 12 hours a day. Paying homage to him, the Chapel serves the faithful with the sacrament of reconciliation 12 hours on weekdays and 13 hours on Sundays starting at 7:00 a.m. It is said that Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer What makes us Catholics? The Catholic Church was founded in the line of apostleship directly from Jesus. And like any institution, the Church has its marks called the “Four Marks of the Church”. These originated from one of our creeds. Simply, a creed means “a statement of faith”, and here are just three of its four types: THE APOSTLE’S CREED handed down to us by the apostles. This is the shortest and the one we recite during the Mass. THE NICENE CREED or appropriately called the Nicene-Constantinople Creed came to us in its final form from the great Council of Constantinople in 381. Some churches recite this during High Mass celebrations. THE ATHANASIAN CREED that dates back from the late fourth century and is attributed to St. Athanasius (296-373), the great defender of Catholic Truth. Those who held to the Arian heresy, which ravaged the Church at that time, denied the divinity of Christ. As a result, Athanasius composed this creed, which includes lengthy explanations of the Trinity and the Hypostatic Union (the Human and Divine natures of Christ forming one Person). There are still some creeds, but I took the privilege of selecting the ones closest to the Apostle’s Creed. Thus these four marks were drawn from the Nicene Creed. In it, we profess, “We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.” These are inseparable and intrinsically linked to each other. Based on the writings of some priest-writers and defenders of our faith around the globe, the Church is: One. This mark emphasizes the oneness of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Regarding the doctrine of the Trinity, please refer to your basic catechism.) This oneness is also visible in the church. As Catholics, we are united in our Creed and our other teachings, the celebration of the sacraments and the hierarchical structure based on the apostolic succession preserved and handed on through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. For example, whether one attends Mass in Rome, Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City, the US or elsewhere, the Mass is the same — same readings, structure, prayers and the like except for the use of language — celebrated by the faithful who share the same Catholic beliefs and offered by a priest who is united to his bishop who is united to the Holy Father, the Pope, the successor of St. Peter. In our oneness, we find diversity: The faithful bear witness to the many different vocations, always reminded of the Parable of the Prodigal Son: that each time I fall, I can find refuge in this Chapel where God is waiting for me. His image is purposely situated at the door of the confessional so that in his eternal presence he can oversee us, his devotees, and through confession, we are again reconciled with God. Working in the corporate world and serving in the Chapel are not easy tasks for me. My work surrounds me with material things, while my service calls me for simplicity, which is somehow troubling as a Christian. As I seek comfort at the Chapel, Padre Pio’s image reminds me to end the day with confession and return to God. His sacred place in the Chapel gives me comfort and peace of mind. (MGA) ministries and many different gifts, but who work together to continue the mission of our Lord. The various cultures and traditions enrich our Church in their expressions of one faith. In all, charity must permeate the Church for it is through charity that members are bound together and work together in harmonious unity. As St. Paul says, “Unity in diversity.” Holy. Our Lord Himself is the source of all holiness: “The one Christ is mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in His body which is the Church” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #14). Christ sanctifies the Church and in turn through Him and with Him, the Church is His agent of sanctification. Through the ministry of the Church and the power of the Holy Spirit, our Lord pours forth abundant graces, especially CHAPEL NEWS “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” Year 5 2010 Lenten Pilgrimage Prayerful journey, Quiet devotion Giving blood, serving God, helping others The Bible has it, “give and receive”. Giving leads to receiving, and in the process of giving, a room is being emptied and prepared for receiving blessings in return. Some people give out of their abundance while some give out of their own needs. The first is maybe out of charity while the latter is out of sacrifice, much like the widow’s mite. And God Who sees and knows everything is never to be outdone in generosity, in giving back blessings in abundance to the givers. Blood-letting shares the same principle. First, it is good for one’s health as giving blood helps generate new red blood cells and reduce the risk of a heart attack. Donors can also become immediate recipients of blood should they need it in the future while they get free check-up for blood pressure, cholesterol, temperature, pulse and iron level. Now on its fifth year, Greenbelt Chapel and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) sponsored the annual “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” blood-letting project on February 21 with PNRC’s Dr. Marjorie dela Cruz and volunteer-servants led by Bro. Deo de Asis, coordinator of the Altar Servers Group (ASG). They collected some 132 bloods bags from generous donors that day. The difficulty of getting blood donation motivated Marjee Gusayko. “It is troublesome for those who cannot afford to buy blood so I decided to donate. Besides helping other people, blood-letting proves I am in the pink of health.” For first-time donor Karen Torres, giving blood is like sharing a part of her life. “I am glad I have done something good for others.” On her third time as a donor, servant Imee Tejano considers blood-letting as another way to serve God. “This replaces the material wealth that I could have shared but falls short of.” (PGF) through the sacraments. Therefore, through its teaching, prayer and worship and good works, the Church is a visible sign of holiness. Each member of the Church shares to this holiness. Through baptism, we have been freed from original sin, filled with sanctifying grace, plunged into the mystery of our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection and incorporated into the Church, “the holy people of God.” By God’s grace, we strive for holiness. The Second Vatican Council exhorted, “Every Catholic must therefore aim at Christian perfection and each according to his station play his part, that the Church, which bears in her own body the humility and dying of Jesus, may daily be more purified and renewed against the day when Christ will present her to Himself in all her glory without spot or wrinkle” (Decree on Ecumenism, #4). 7 The churches of Cavite are imbued with history and traditions yet they are simple, quiet and unassuming, reflecting the cultural and religious values of the faithful. Some 200 pilgrims took a prayerful “spiritual journey” to seven of these churches on March 6, 2010 for the sixth annual Lenten Pilgrimage of the Chapel with the theme “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests”. Pilgrims with pilgrimage chaplain Fr. Jason Laguerta and Formation Group “The recollection in facilitators Judit Mangahis, Nizza Abello, Angie Padilla, Edwin Galvez, Mavic Horlador, Des Aguado and Robert Barbosa. motion”, as pilgrimage chaplain Fr. Jason H. Laguerta, vocations director of the Archdiocese of Manila and San Carlos Seminary called it, brought the faithful to the parishes of Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Imus Cathedral), St. Michael the Archangel (Bacoor) St. Mary Magdalene (Kawit), San Roque (Cavite City), Most Holy Rosary (Rosario), Holy Cross (Tanza) and Parroquia De San Francisco De Asis (Gen. Trias). “This sacred journey,” Fr. Jason said, “is a journey to our self...to deepen our spirituality. As the saying goes, the farthest journey that a human being can make is a journey to oneself. This pilgrimage will eventually lead us to the biggest discovery of all: the discovery of the Lord who walks with us along the way like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.” (EPG) Catholic. St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 100) used this word, which means “universal”, to describe the Church (Letter to the Smyrnaens). The Church is indeed Catholic in that Christ is universally present in the Church and that He has commissioned the Church to evangelize the world — “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). Moreover, the Church here on earth — what we call the Church militant — is united to the Church triumphant in Heaven. Apostolic. Christ founded the Church and entrusted His authority to His apostles, the first bishops. He entrusted a special authority to St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, to act as His vicar here on earth. This authority has been handed down through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in what we call apostolic succession from bishop to bishop, and then by extension to priests and deacons. No bishop, priest, or deacon in our Church is selfordained or self-proclaimed; rather, he is called by the Church and ordained into the apostolic ministry given by our Lord to His Church to be exercised in union with the Pope. The Church is also apostolic in that the deposit of faith found in both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition was preserved, taught and handed on by the apostles. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, the Magisterium (the teaching authority entrusted to the apostles and their successors) has the duty to preserve, teach, defend and hand on the deposit of faith. Moreover, the Holy Spirit protects the Church from error in its teaching authority. While over the course of time, the Magisterium has had to address current issues, such as nuclear war, euthanasia, in vitro fertilization, the same truth principles exercised under the guidance of the Holy Spirit prevail. “These four marks of the Church — one, holy, catholic, and apostolic — are fully realized in the Catholic Church. While other Christian Churches accept and profess the Creed and possess elements of truth and sanctification, only the Roman Catholic Church reflects the fullness of these marks. The Second Vatican Council taught, “This Church [which Christ founded], constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #8), and “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help towards salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained” (Decree on Ecumenism, #3). Our duty then is to make these four marks visible in our daily lives. (PGF) (References: Fr. William Saunders - www. catholiceducation.org, Kenneth D. Whitehead - www. ewtn.com, www.starofthesea-catholicchurch.com) CHAPEL NEWS (Continued from page 1) Ina: Our Lady of Peñafrancia The Peñafrancia Tercentenary Celebration theme, “Balaog Inako, Balaog Itao” (A Gift Received, A Gift to Share) is articulated by Msgr. Gilbert Garcera, Bishop of Daet, Camarines Norte: “This distinctively Bikolano gift from God which is our devotion to INA, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, must be passed on to the next generation, trusting that the gift received will stay and will be shared to all.” In line with the celebration, the Peñafrancia Tricentennial, Inc. launched “3 Million Rosaries for INA,” which seeks to gather and distribute three million pieces of rosaries to children and young adults who are Catechism students in the remotest areas throughout the country. Thus, a donate-a-rosary drop box was placed beside the image of INA at the Chapel. A small box was also provided for devotees to drop their petition letters. After the 12:15pm Mass on September 3, mantles of Our Lady were distributed to lay ministers who laid them on the head of parishioners for healing. At 3:00 p.m., with a shower of rose petals by the community and singing of Marian songs, INA set off from Greenbelt Chapel to other venues for devotees who “gratefully accept and devoutly share” INA. (Contributed by Alice O. Martinez) 8 Floral offering and Marian concert at May Flower Festival Chapel servants and members of the community offered flowers to the Blessed Mother in all Saturdays of May celebrating May Flower Festival. Various choirs from the Liturgical Music Group (LMG) rendered songs honoring t h e Blessed Mother during the “Harana Kay Maria” concert held on May 29, the highlight of the festival. (Photos by Paul G. Fuentes) Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Fr. Jun Sescon incenses the image of the Blessed Mother during the Mass on the feast of her assumption on August 15. Novena Masses were also held in her honor from August 6-14. Memorial of Mary, Lady of Lourdes Fr. Jun Sescon blesses the community after the Mass celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. Masses on that day were offered for the healing of the sick as the memorial coincided with the World Day of the Sick. The Emmanuel Catholic Charismatic Community (ECCC) led a healing session after the 7pm Mass. (Photos by Net Oriondo)